Ruben Dario Soto
Westhampton,MA
Summary
Dedicated Mental Health Counselor offering 34-year background in providing individual and group counseling to adults and adolescents with chronic and severe mental illness. Polished in administering thorough psychological assessments and designing and implementing effective treatment plans. Experienced in successfully managing a caseload of 60 individual clients while leading 1 or 2 weekly support groups. Well-versed in assisting with substance use and anger management situations. Committed to helping facilitate positive changes in the lives of others.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Mental Health Counselor
Living Water Counseling Center
Holyoke, MA
12.2013 - Current
- Used advanced counseling skills and evidence-based practices to establish goals and treatment plans with patients.
- Documented psychiatric services and responses to treatment in patient case files.
- Trained in substance abuse, co-occurring disorders and effects of employment and housing issues on mental health.
- Led counseling group to discuss topics such as anger management, substance use, relapse prevention disorders and relationship issues.
- Employed methodologies such as cognitive behavioral therapy to assist patients.
- Displayed sensitivity to cultural and linguistic needs of clients and families served.
- Developed goal-oriented psychoeducational and activity therapy groups to improve clients' level of functioning.
- Delivered client assessments for those struggling with addiction or relationship issues and implemented strategies based on client needs.
- Managed caseload of 60 patients with substance dependence and co-occurring Axis I and Axis II disorders.
Mental Health Counselor
BHN
Holyoke, MA
06.2008 - 12.2013
- Used advanced counseling skills and evidence-based practices to establish goals and treatment plans with patients.
- Trained in substance abuse, co-occurring disorders and effects of employment and housing issues on mental health.
- Maintained caseload of more than 70 children in public schools and group home placements.
- Provided comprehensive case management services, created treatment plans and connected clients and families to appropriate resources.
- Displayed sensitivity to cultural and linguistic needs of clients and families served.
- Delivered client assessments for those struggling with addiction or relationship issues and implemented strategies based on client needs.
Residential Program Director
La Tierra Prometida, Inc.
Aguadilla, Puerto Rico
06.2004 - 06.2008
- Coordinated services and therapy for residents and managed attendance for scheduled appointments.
- Communicated regularly with guardians of residents, answering questions and addressing concerns.
- Responded to injuries, accidents, and allegations of abuse and misconduct by following company policies.
- Referred clients to appropriate team members, community agencies and organizations to meet treatment needs.
- Developed and created programs and monitored effectiveness against individual participant needs.
- Oversaw staff development through in-depth trainings, workshops, seminars and other learning opportunities.
- Worked with senior case managers to coordinate team development activities and trainings.
Professor of Psychology
Metropolitan University Of PR, Aguadilla Campus
Aguadilla, Puerto Rico
06.2002 - 06.2004
- Prepared and delivered lectures to undergraduate students on topics such as psychopathology, and basic counseling techniques.
- Enhanced classroom learning by facilitating small group projects and discussions centering around core concepts of psychology.
- Implemented diverse instructional techniques and integrated technology to enhance student learning.
Education
Master in Mental Health Counseling - Mental Health Counseling
Cambridge College
Springfield, MA12.2022
Master of Science - Clinical Psychology
Southern Graduate School of Puerto Rico
Ponce, Puerto Rico05.1989
Skills
- Anger Management
- EMR Software
- Individual and Group Counseling
- Clinical Documentation
- Cultural Sensitivity
- Remote Office Availability
- Psychotropic Medication Knowledge
- Skilled in Intake Interviewing
- Addiction Treatment
- Compassionate Care
Languages
English
Spanish
Timeline
Senior Mental Health Counselor
Living Water Counseling Center
12.2013 - Current
Mental Health Counselor
BHN
06.2008 - 12.2013
Residential Program Director
La Tierra Prometida, Inc.
06.2004 - 06.2008
Professor of Psychology
Metropolitan University Of PR, Aguadilla Campus
06.2002 - 06.2004
Master in Mental Health Counseling - Mental Health Counseling
Cambridge College
Master of Science - Clinical Psychology
Southern Graduate School of Puerto Rico
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