Sarah Saragoca
Yonkers
Summary
Licensed Mental Health Therapist with 10+ years of diverse clinical experiences and well-versed at assisting individuals in a variety of clinical settings. Proficient in interdisciplinary collaboration, leading and supervising clinical teams, and skilled in building positive team dynamics. Demonstrates strong analytical, communication, and teamwork skills, with proven ability to quickly adapt to new environments. Brings positive attitude and commitment to continuous learning and growth.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
Work History
Mental Health Clinician
Lifestance
06.2024 - Current
- Conducted thorough assessments to diagnose mental health disorders and develop appropriate treatment plans.
- Developed tailored treatment plans by utilizing various therapeutic modalities such as CBT, DBT, and solution-focused therapy.
- Evaluated treatment outcomes using standardized assessment tools and adjusting therapeutic interventions accordingly for optimal results.
- Strengthened client coping skills by providing psychoeducation on stress management techniques and self-care strategies.
Wellness Group Facilitator
Choice Of New Rochelle
06.2024 - Current
- Developed open rapport with clinical staff both managers and care coordinators.
- Create and implement wellness groups that emphasize self care and create a supportive environment for staff fostering trust, empathy, and mutual respect among participants.
- Prepare flyer, handouts, and present powerpoint presentations. That focus on empowering participants to take ownership of their wellness.
Team Leader/ Supervisor
St. Vincent's Hospital
03.2017 - Current
- Responsible for supervising a team of four case managers and one peer specialist. Provide individual and team clinical supervision on a weekly basis. Monitored clients' progress and tracked client services to provide crisis interventions.
- Coordinated services with other agencies, community-based organizations, and healthcare professionals to provide useful benefits to clients.
- Utilized trauma-informed approach to promote healing and empowerment for clients; Managed a diverse population including high risk complex cases such as AOT, HH+, and ESP.
- Oversaw accurate documentation of client progress notes, maintaining compliance with legal requirements as well as organizational policies and procedures.
- Developed and implemented safety plans for clients at risk of harm to provide protection within in the community.
- Developed and implemented comprehensive case management plans to address client needs and goals.
- Served as an advocate for clients'' rights, working diligently to ensure their voices were heard and respected throughout the case management process.
- Provided ongoing support to case managers in crisis situations, guiding them through problem-solving strategies and promoting best practice approaches; Utilize MI, strengths based approaches, and person centered support.
Mental Health Therapist
Cerebral
11.2022 - 02.2024
- Improved patient outcomes by implementing evidence-based therapeutic techniques and interventions; CBT, DBT, MI approaches.
- Maintained detailed case notes and documentation, ensuring effective tracking of progress and continuity of care across providers.
- Built strong rapport with clients, fostering trust and open communication for effective therapy sessions. Tracked progress according to goals for interventions.
- Coached clients on effective coping strategies, empowering them to manage symptoms independently outside of therapy sessions.
Health Home Care Coordinator
St. Vincent's Hospital
10.2016 - 02.2017
- Responsible for providing a variety of direct and indirect social services to clients to facilitate their integration into the community. Manage a caseload of 50 clients.
- Assist individuals with mental health and chronic physical conditions, substance abuse issues and/or other disabilities.
- Responsibilities include; documentation of client interactions (face-to-face, telephone, email, etc.) appointments, and initial comprehensive assessments.
- Support clients adjusting to challenges in their lives including homelessness, unemployment, violence, abuse, recovery, and other family relational issues.
Client Care Coordinator
Choice of New Rochelle
09.2013 - 09.2016
- Assisted individuals with mental health and chronic physical conditions, substance abuse issues and/or disabilities
- Managed a caseload of 50 clients
- Outreached to clients in the community
- Responsibilities included for documentation of client interactions (face-to-face, telephone, email, etc.) appointments and intakes
- Develop mutually-agreed upon care plans to improve their well-being
- Assisted clients with adjusting to the change and challenges in their lives including homelessness, unemployment, abuse, recovery, and family issues
- Collected and entered data and notes accurately, thoroughly, and timely, documenting activities, and outcomes into case management systems (Penelope and InsightPlus)
Socialization Group Lead Facilitator
Choice of New Rochelle
09.2013 - 09.2016
- Facilitated and planned weekly Art, Creative Writing, and Music activities for group members
- Engage group members to build socialization skills, develop healthier behaviors, manage their mental health symptoms, and express themselves in a nurturing environment
- Coordinated trips, special events for clients and staff, and exhibitions such as CHOICE Annual Art show Fundraiser (2013) and (2014) hosted by Charles Fazzino
- Created a team to have Group artwork to be displayed at Visions: Inspirations, Reflections and Hope, an exhibition hosted by Arts Westchester and organized by Rockland Psychiatric Center
Education
MA Mental Health Counseling -
Iona College
New Rochelle, New York05.2018
B.S Psychology -
College of Mount Saint Vincent
Riverdale, New York05.2014
Skills
- Complex Problem-Solving
- Teamwork and Collaboration
- Time Management
- Organization
- Excellent Communication
References
Available upon request
Accomplishments
- Certification for workplace DBT program offered by WJCS, PESI
- Radio Host on "Modern Heroes: Re-thinking Mental Illness" on WVOX 1040 AM Radio 2016-2017
- Certification for Motivational Interviewing, Trauma Informed Care
- Hearing Voices Network- Facilitator also trained in Taboo and Violent Voices
- Certification for Chronic Disease Self-Management Program Peer Leader
- Certified in DBT.
- Award of Excellence for Efforts with Choice Art Show Fundraiser
- Independent Study on Art "Used as Socialization" with Art Professor Enrico Giordano
Timeline
Mental Health Clinician
Lifestance
06.2024 - Current
Wellness Group Facilitator
Choice Of New Rochelle
06.2024 - Current
Mental Health Therapist
Cerebral
11.2022 - 02.2024
Team Leader/ Supervisor
St. Vincent's Hospital
03.2017 - Current
Health Home Care Coordinator
St. Vincent's Hospital
10.2016 - 02.2017
Client Care Coordinator
Choice of New Rochelle
09.2013 - 09.2016
Socialization Group Lead Facilitator
Choice of New Rochelle
09.2013 - 09.2016
MA Mental Health Counseling -
Iona College
B.S Psychology -
College of Mount Saint Vincent
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