Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Certification
Timeline
Generic

Rachel Cunningham

Kings Park,NY

Summary

Experienced licensed clinical social work professional with diverse knowledge in healthcare,

community wellness, crisis intervention and specialized therapeutic interventions.

Overview

9
9
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Licensed Clinical Therapist

Cunningham Counseling Services
04.2021 - Current
  • Established a trusting environment that encouraged open communication between therapist and client, promoting self-awareness and growth.
  • Conducted thorough assessments to inform diagnoses and guide treatment planning for optimal results.
  • Assisted clients with gaining insights, establishing clear goals and planning strategies to reach personal targets.
  • Improved client outcomes by utilizing evidence-based therapeutic approaches tailored to individual needs.
  • Implemented creative interventions such as art therapy or role-playing exercises to engage clients in the therapeutic process effectively.
  • Coordinated referrals to appropriate community resources when needed, ensuring continuity of care for clients transitioning between services.
  • Developed and maintained strong rapport with clients through empathetic listening and effective communication skills.
  • Continually updated clinical knowledge through ongoing professional development opportunities, resulting in improved client care.

Crisis Clinician

John T Mather Hospital Emergency Room
08.2016 - 08.2021
  • Conduct emergency department psychiatric assessments/ provide diagnostic evaluation
  • Coordinate with psychiatrist and physicians to determine treatment of patient
  • Implement appropriate crisis interventions
  • Complete referrals to appropriate mandated reporting entities such as adult and child protective services
  • Operate in a calm and effective manner, staying alert for psychiatric or medical contraindications
  • Build and maintain collaborative partnerships with community providers and referrals for effective discharges
  • Maintained accurate documentation for quality assurance and adherence to legal requirements, protecting both clients'' rights and agency''s reputation.
  • Provided psychoeducation on mental health issues for families, enhancing their understanding and involvement in treatment processes.
  • Implemented targeted interventions to reduce self-harm behaviors among high-risk individuals experiencing crises.
  • Maintained current knowledge of evidence-based practices in crisis intervention, incorporating new techniques and approaches into client treatment plans.
  • Collaborated with law enforcement personnel during psychiatric emergencies to de-escalate volatile situations while ensuring the safety of all parties involved.
  • Advocated for clients'' needs within the mental health system, working collaboratively with other providers to ensure optimal care delivery.
  • Enhanced client outcomes by providing timely and appropriate crisis intervention services.
  • Conducted thorough risk assessments to ensure the safety of clients and implement necessary interventions.
  • Developed rapport with diverse client populations by demonstrating empathy, active listening, and cultural sensitivity during crisis consultations.
  • Reduced hospitalization rates through effective assessment, intervention, and referral of clients in crisis situations.
  • Documented risk to each client and context of concerns.
  • Provided referrals to connect clients with other community resources to support mental health and well-being.
  • Conducted crisis interventions to respond to clients in crisis, assess immediate needs and provide support and resources.

Licensed Clinical Therapist

Community Counseling Center
09.2016 - 04.2021
  • Facilitated group therapy sessions, fostering positive peer support and enhancing the overall therapeutic experience.
  • Partnered closely with psychiatrists to develop medication management plans for clients requiring pharmacological interventions.
  • Supervised interns in their clinical practice, providing constructive feedback for skill development and professional growth.
  • Advocated for clients within their communities by collaborating with schools, employers, and healthcare providers.
  • Completed assessments and planned customized treatments, applying wide range of resources.
  • Delivered quality, comprehensive and well-integrated clinical services in alignment with patient needs.
  • Assisted youth in improving self-esteem, communication and coping skills.
  • Planned and organized individual, family and group therapy for patients ranging in ages and issues.
  • Implemented variety of evidence-based counseling methods to achieve therapy goals.
  • Evaluated patients' goals, as well as mental and practical conditions, to develop individualized courses of treatment.

Clinical Utilization Manager

Beacon Health Options
10.2017 - 01.2019

Psychiatric Social Worker

John T Mather Partial Hospitalization
09.2015 - 02.2017
  • Provided psychoeducation to clients and their families on mental health diagnoses, treatment options, coping strategies, and self-care techniques.
  • Facilitated group therapy sessions for diverse populations addressing various mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and substance abuse.
  • Enhanced patient support networks through effective collaboration with multidisciplinary teams, including psychiatrists, psychologists, and nurses.
  • Collaborated with school personnel to ensure proper accommodations for students experiencing mental health challenges.
  • Served as a liaison between clients' families members or caretakers during periods of hospitalization or intensive outpatient programs.
  • Improved patient outcomes by developing and implementing comprehensive treatment plans tailored to individual needs.
  • Helped clients develop new coping mechanisms and techniques to drive behavior modification.
  • Formulated treatment plan strategies with multidisciplinary teams to provide comprehensive and continuous care plan.
  • Presented clinical documentation and observations to interdisciplinary team.
  • Facilitated family therapy sessions between children, caregivers, and siblings to remediate conflict and build healthy relationships.
  • Conducted comprehensive assessments of clients to develop individualized treatment plans.
  • Collaborated with mental health professionals to coordinate comprehensive care for clients.
  • Collaborated with counselors, physicians and nurses to plan or coordinate treatment, drawing on social work experience and patient needs.

Education

Master Of Social Work -

Adelphi University
Garden City, NY
06.2016

Bachelor Of Arts - Cultural Studies

SUNY Stony Brook
Stony Brook, NY
05.2008

Kings Park High School
Kings Park, NY
06.2004

Skills

  • Eating disorder treatment
  • Suicide Risk Assessment
  • Grief and Loss Counseling
  • Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Treatment
  • Dialectical Behavior Therapy
  • Crisis Intervention

Accomplishments

-Al and Zora Miller Leadership Innovation Award for development of the ‘Live Life Well’ program

Certification

-Motivational Interviewing

-Shame Informed Treatment Specialist

Timeline

Licensed Clinical Therapist

Cunningham Counseling Services
04.2021 - Current

Clinical Utilization Manager

Beacon Health Options
10.2017 - 01.2019

Licensed Clinical Therapist

Community Counseling Center
09.2016 - 04.2021

Crisis Clinician

John T Mather Hospital Emergency Room
08.2016 - 08.2021

Psychiatric Social Worker

John T Mather Partial Hospitalization
09.2015 - 02.2017

Master Of Social Work -

Adelphi University

Bachelor Of Arts - Cultural Studies

SUNY Stony Brook

Kings Park High School
Rachel Cunningham