Timeline
Work History
Overview
Education
Skills
Work Preference
Generic

Sarah Kimes

Pre-Licensed Counselor
Portland,OR

Timeline

Counselor

The Pursuit of Wellness
12.2024 - Current

Counseling Intern

Northstar Psychiatry
05.2024 - Current

Clinical Facilitator

Allies in Change
06.2023 - Current

Master of Arts - Professional Mental Health Counseling

Lewis & Clark College of Education And Counseling
09.2022 - Current

QMHA-R Residential counselor II

Cascadia Health
11.2021 - 06.2023

Mental Health Awareness Training Coordinator

NAMI Clackamas
12.2020 - 11.2021

Bachelor of Science - Psychology

Oregon State University
01.2020 - 06.2022

Associate of Science - Human Services And Family Science

Clackamas Community College
01.2018 - 12.2019

Crisis Peer Wellness II, THW, QMHA-R

Cascadia Behavioral Healthcare
05.2014 - 12.2020

Volunteer Connections Facilitator

NAMI
06.2010 - 02.2015

Work History

Counselor

The Pursuit of Wellness
12.2024 - Current
  • Assisted clients in setting realistic goals, developing action plans, and monitoring progress towards achievement.
  • Maintained accurate documentation of client interactions, assessments, and progress notes for effective case management.
  • Educated clients on available community resources, fostering a sense of empowerment and selfsufficiency.
  • Improved client satisfaction through consistent communication, empathy, and understanding of their unique challenges.
  • Utilized motivational interviewing techniques to encourage positive change in clients'' lives.
  • Used cognitive behavior therapy to assist clients in recognizing and redirecting poor habits.
  • Conducted thorough assessments to identify client needs and appropriate intervention strategies.
  • Developed individualized counseling plans for clients to incorporate short-term and long-term goals.
  • Implemented evidence-based therapeutic interventions to promote positive behavior change.
  • Established trusting therapeutic alliances with clients through empathetic listening, validation, and unconditional positive regard.
  • Provided crisis intervention services to individuals experiencing acute distress or dangerous situations.
  • Improved client coping mechanisms with introduction of evidence-based practices.
  • Enhanced therapeutic alliance through empathetic listening and validation of client experiences.

Counseling Intern

Northstar Psychiatry
Portland, Oregon
05.2024 - Current
  • Provided clinical counseling to clients with an emphasis on C-PTSD, PTSD, suicidally, relationship struggles, systemic injustice and oppression, domestic violence survivors, members of the LGBTQIA+ community, and BIPOC identifying persons
  • Modalities utilized: Person-centered, Narrative, Somatic, Systems theory and IFS and Emotion focused therapy (EFT) with occasional use of behavioral therapeutic interventions as needed
  • Maintained high level of patient confidentiality to comply with all federal and company regulations.
  • Preformed in-depth biopsychosocial assessments for all new clients
  • Preformed CSSRS assessments for suicidal clients weekly
  • Diagnose clients via use of the DSM 5-TR screening criteria
  • Treatment planning with monthly treatment plan update/reviews
  • Conducted client consultations and collaborated with other agency professionals to discuss courses of treatment.
  • Maintained up-to-date clinical documentation via electronic recordkeeping systems within 24 hours of sessions.
  • Developed strong rapport with diverse clientele by demonstrating empathy, Trauma-informed care, active listening, and cultural sensitivity during therapy sessions.
  • Supported clients in crisis situations with immediate intervention strategies, reducing risk of harm and promoting safety.
  • Increased accessibility to counseling services by implementing virtual counseling option, overcoming geographical and physical barriers.
  • Implemented case management services for clients requiring additional resources or referrals outside of the counseling center setting.
  • Adapted therapeutic techniques to meet diverse cultural and personal backgrounds of clients, promoting inclusivity and understanding.
  • Fostered resilience within clients by integrating strengths-based approaches into therapeutic interventions.

Clinical Facilitator

Allies in Change
, Portland, OR
06.2023 - Current
  • Facilitation of four abuse intervention process and psycho-education groups per week.
  • Working with domestic violence perpetrators, victims, and community members to improve care for all clients and decrease domestic violence.
  • Preform detailed biopsychosocial assessments weekly, create initial treatment plans, and preform risk assessments.
  • Collaborate with community partners, families, and referral sources.
  • Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
  • Completed secure and timely documentation on all client interactions and communications within 24 hours of service.
  • Mentored and offered guidance to new masters level counseling student trainee's who co-facilitate abuse intervention groups.
  • Act as member of the senior agency clinical staff to review and implement new policies for best-practice and trauma-informed care.
  • Developed rapport with diverse clientele from different age groups, cultural backgrounds, or socioeconomic statuses.
  • Evaluated client progress regularly, adjusting treatment approaches as needed based on individual responses to group work.
  • Tracked client attendance rates at group sessions to identify any patterns or barriers impacting engagement.
  • Managed challenging behaviors effectively within the therapy setting using de-escalation techniques.
  • Contributed to a positive therapeutic environment by maintaining strict confidentiality and observing professional boundaries.
  • Participated in case review meetings with colleagues, sharing insights and receiving feedback on complex cases for better outcomes.
  • Encouraged peer support among clients by fostering an inclusive and non-judgmental atmosphere in group settings.
  • Identified behaviors that necessitated intervention and obtained assistance from qualified personnel to complete intervention.

QMHA-R Residential counselor II

Cascadia Health
Wilsonville, Oregon
11.2021 - 06.2023
  • Provided individualized interventions and support to 28 clients within a long-term residential mental health facility.
  • Lead support groups utilizing art and creative writing to improve clients self awareness and emotion regulation.
  • Preformed CSSRS risk assessment as needed, often on a weekly basis, and provided proper interventions based upon client's level of crisis.
  • Reduced risk levels by employing de-escalation techniques and maintaining a calm environment.
  • Maintained safe and supportive residential environments for at-risk individuals, contributing to their overall wellbeing.
  • Monitored and documented client progress toward meeting goals and objectives.
  • Provided support within the medication room to ensure clients obtained their medications and their medical concerns were addressed in a timely manner to ensure overall client wellbeing.
  • Conducted regular check-ins with residents to monitor progress, address concerns, and provide ongoing support.
  • Assisted residents in adhering to treatment plans by setting up medical appointments, arranging transportation, coordinating services, and providing emotional support.
  • Provided guidance to new Residential Counselors during their onboarding process, supporting successful integration into the team environment.
  • Documented resident interactions thoroughly, maintaining accurate records for case management purposes.
  • Educated clients on managing mental health disorders and identifying signs and symptoms of relapse.
  • Advocated for residents' rights and needs during interdisciplinary team meetings and external agency collaborations.

Mental Health Awareness Training Coordinator

NAMI Clackamas
Portland, Oregon
12.2020 - 11.2021
  • Trained 30 volunteers in suicide prevention training curriculum per program criteria per national standards established by NAMI
  • Provided trainings to community members across the country for suicide prevention and intervention utilizing Question, Persuade, Refer Gatekeeper training material.
  • Lead community engagement trainings at elementary, middle, high school, and college campus's to provide mental health awareness and suicide prevention resources to children, teens, young adults, and parents.
  • Developed, implemented, and adjusted suicide prevention training material and curriculum for LGBTQQIA+ communities to address lack of awareness for Queer and Trans youth suicide.
  • Maintained accurate records of volunteer participation in training events.
  • Contributed to the development of new program initiatives aimed at addressing specific community mental health concerns.
  • Contributed to improvement of mental health awareness by organizing workshops and seminars for local community.
  • Coordinated logistics for training events, including scheduling facilities, securing necessary equipment, and managing participant registration.
  • Provided ongoing coaching and mentoring support for employees seeking professional growth and development.
  • Facilitated communication between trainers and participants before and after sessions to ensure clear expectations and follow-up support were provided as needed.
  • Cultivated strong relationships with stakeholders at all levels of the organization, fostering trust and collaboration in support of shared objectives.
  • Participated in local and national advocacy work for mental health awareness and suicide prevention.
  • Provided coaching and mentoring to employees.

Crisis Peer Wellness II, THW, QMHA-R

Cascadia Behavioral Healthcare
Portland, Oregon
05.2014 - 12.2020
  • Provided crisis intervention to high acuity clients experiencing mental health crisis including, but not limited to: Psychosis, suicidally, self-harm, homelessness, domestic violence, sex trafficking victims, PTSD, systemic oppression and racism, substance use disorders, SPMI's, and other presenting concerns which would result in crisis.
  • Developed strong rapport with clients, establishing trust and fostering open communication channels.
  • Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to ensure comprehensive support for clients during crisis situations.
  • Utilize experience in mental health care system to empower clients to seek support and reclaim/develop sense of personal agency.
  • Preform CSSRS and MOTS assessments daily during each client interaction.
  • Complete all documentation utilizing EHR software within 24 hours of service.
  • Prevented potential crises by proactively identifying triggers and risk factors in clients' lives.
  • Mentored new team members on best practices within the field of crisis intervention, enhancing their skills and knowledge base.
  • Established partnerships with local organizations that resulted in increased referral networks for clients requiring additional support services.
  • Built safety plans to lower risk of suicidal action.
  • Continuously updated personal knowledge of industry trends and best practices by attending professional development events, conferences, and workshops.
  • Used skills such as active listening and collaborative problem-solving daily to connect with patients and address concerns.
  • Evaluated risk to client or others by gathering information and conducting assessments.
  • Offered supportive counseling and crisis intervention to individuals in crisis.
  • Collaborated with mental health professionals to coordinate comprehensive care for clients.
  • Worked with family members to develop support networks and multifaceted coping techniques focused on client needs.
  • Provided case management and resource navigation across the states of Oregon and Washington.

Volunteer Connections Facilitator

NAMI
Portland, Oregon
06.2010 - 02.2015
  • Support group facilitation 3x per week
  • Volunteer for suicide prevention and mental health awareness
  • Event support and organization
  • Advocacy work for suicide prevention and social change
  • NAMI On-campus president

Overview

15
15
years of professional experience
7
7
years of post-secondary education

Education

Master of Arts - Professional Mental Health Counseling

Lewis & Clark College of Education And Counseling
Portland, OR
09.2022 - Current

Bachelor of Science - Psychology

Oregon State University
Corvallis, OR
01.2020 - 06.2022

Associate of Science - Human Services And Family Science

Clackamas Community College
Oregon City, OR
01.2018 - 12.2019

Skills

Clinical counseling (individuals, groups)

Multicultural competence

Highly experienced in Complex Trauma work, Suicidally Queer/LGBTQQIA issues, and Mood disorders

Clinical documentation utilizing EMR / EHR programs

Intake assessments and treatment planning

Person-centered, Systems, Narrative, Somatic, and EFT

Expertise in crisis intervention techniques

Grief counseling

Suicide Prevention and risk assessments

Trauma counseling

Case management and documentation

Group counseling

Strong public speaker

Case management proficiency

Adept at treatment and discharge planning

Motivational Interviewing

Trauma-informed care

Community Outreach and engagement

Reliable, efficient, excelenet organizational skills

Work Preference

Work Type

Full TimePart TimeContract Work

Work Location

RemoteOn-SiteHybrid

Important To Me

Work-life balanceCompany CultureFlexible work hoursPaid time off4-day work week
Sarah KimesPre-Licensed Counselor