Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Timeline
Generic

RACHEL CASTRO

Brooklyn,NY

Summary

To obtain a position as an offsite practicum instructor. With over 20 years of progressive experience in mental health services, program leadership, clinical supervision, and higher education field instruction, I am confident that I can provide students with a rich, supportive, and educational practicum experience that integrates clinical theory with ethical, trauma-informed practice.

Overview

23
23
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Psychotherapist

Private Practice
11.2022 - Current
  • Provides individual psychotherapy in a private practice setting.
  • Specialize in culturally responsive, trauma-informed care for adults navigating anxiety, depression, grief, and life transitions.
  • Conducts diagnostic assessments, develops treatment plans, and coordinates care with external providers as needed.
  • Maintains HIPAA-compliant clinical documentation and practice operations.

Clinic Director

Community Counseling & Mediation
Brooklyn, NY
06.2018 - 09.2023
  • Directed administrative and clinical operations for a busy Article 31 outpatient mental health clinic.
  • Supervised a multidisciplinary team of up to 30 therapists, interns, and nurse practitioners.
  • Increased client attendance and clinic productivity by 30%.
  • Seamlessly transitioned clinic operations to telehealth during the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • Provided culturally responsive psychotherapy for clients of all ages.

Field Supervisor, School Mental Health Consultant Program

NYC Dept. of Health & Mental Hygiene
04.2016 - 06.2018
  • Supervised School Mental Health Consultants serving over 200 public schools.
  • Conducted staff supervision, school-based observations, and case consultations.
  • Provided ongoing professional development and program updates.
  • Represented the program at public forums and community events.

Therapist

Community Counseling & Mediation
Brooklyn, NY
09.2013 - 06.2018
  • Delivered psychotherapy, CBT, and play therapy for adults, adolescents, and children.
  • Facilitated therapeutic groups addressing substance use and anger management.
  • Created individualized treatment plans and maintained OMH-compliant clinical documentation.

Dean of Programs & Residential Life

Boys Hope Girls Hope
Brooklyn, NY
09.2010 - 08.2013
  • Developed and managed after-school and college readiness programming for 40 scholars.
  • Supervised residential staff and AmeriCorps volunteers; managed program operations.
  • Increased enrollment from 27 to 40 scholars.
  • Oversaw academic support services, dormitory safety, and student-family communications.

Program Director

MercyFirst
Brooklyn, NY
05.2002 - 09.2010
  • Promoted from caseworker to program director overseeing foster care services for youth ages 0-21.
  • Supervised multidisciplinary teams, managed crisis interventions, and coordinated treatment plans.
  • Conducted family conferences, case reviews, and staff performance evaluations.
  • Facilitated adolescent support groups and quarterly parenting workshops.
  • Maintained program compliance, quality assurance, and outcome tracking systems.

Education

Master of Social Work - MSW

New York University
01.2014

Master of Arts - Applied Psychology

Teachers College, Columbia University
01.2004

Bachelor of Arts - Psychology

Arizona State University
01.2002

Skills

  • Clinical Supervision & Consultation
  • Program Development & Management
  • Trauma-Informed, Culturally Responsive Care
  • Telehealth Operations Management
  • Care Coordination & Interagency Collaboration
  • Staff Training & Leadership Development
  • Public Speaking & Community Engagement
  • Behavioral Health Program Compliance

Certification

  • Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), NYS Department of Education, 11/01/17
  • Seminar in Field Instruction (SIFI), New York University, 04/01/20

Timeline

Psychotherapist

Private Practice
11.2022 - Current

Clinic Director

Community Counseling & Mediation
06.2018 - 09.2023

Field Supervisor, School Mental Health Consultant Program

NYC Dept. of Health & Mental Hygiene
04.2016 - 06.2018

Therapist

Community Counseling & Mediation
09.2013 - 06.2018

Dean of Programs & Residential Life

Boys Hope Girls Hope
09.2010 - 08.2013

Program Director

MercyFirst
05.2002 - 09.2010

Master of Social Work - MSW

New York University

Master of Arts - Applied Psychology

Teachers College, Columbia University

Bachelor of Arts - Psychology

Arizona State University