Sarah Zell
LISW-CP
Columbia,SC
Summary
Clinically driven LISW-CP with advanced competency in diagnostic assessment, treatment planning, and therapeutic intervention for geriatric populations. Experienced in conducting comprehensive biopsychosocial and cognitive evaluations, formulating DSM-5 diagnoses, and implementing evidence-based modalities to address mood disorders, anxiety, dementia-related behaviors, adjustment reactions and grief. Skilled in behavioral health management, crisis intervention and development of client-centered behavioral care plans that integrate medical, psychiatric and environmental factors. Collaborates closely with interdisciplinary teams including nursing, primary care, psychiatry and rehabilitation to optimize clinical outcomes and ensure regulatory compliance. Dedicated to promoting psychological stability, enhancing functional capacity and supporting ethically grounded, person-centered care for medically complex older adults.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
LISW-CP
LifeStance Health–Columbia, SC
06.2024 - Current
- Provided independent clinical assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of mental health disorders using evidence-based therapeutic modalities (CBT, DBT, trauma-informed therapy, SFBT, Interpersonal therapy etc.)
- Conducted comprehensive biopsychosocial evaluations and developed individualized treatment plans aligned with client needs, strengths, and goals.
- Delivered ongoing individual therapy while maintaining high professional and ethical standards.
- Managed crisis intervention, suicide risk assessments, safety planning and coordinated emergency services, when needed.
- Maintained accurate, timely and compliant clinical documentation in accordance with state licensing standards, insurance requirements and organizational policies.
- Completed internal agency referrals for psychiatric medication management, family therapy and/or psychological testing, as needed.
- Completed external referrals for in-patient substance abuse, nutritional counseling to assist in managing eating disorders, community resources to provide assistance with financial instability, domestic violence and other issues, as needed.
- Utilized clinical judgement to independently determine treatment approaches, adjust therapeutic strategies and monitor client progress.
- Ensure adherence to NASW Code of Ethics, HIPAA and all regulatory compliance requirements.
LISW-CP
Better Help–Online
05.2023 - 06.2024
- Provided independent clinical assessments and treatment of mental health disorders using evidence based therapeutic modalities.
- Delivered ongoing individual and family and couples therapy while maintaining high professional and ethical standards.
- Utilized clinical judgement to independently determine treatment approaches, adjust therapeutic strategies and monitor client progress.
- Ensured adherence to NASW Code of Ethics, HIPAA and all regulatory compliance requirements.
Case Management Provider
SC Healthy Choices–Columbia, SC
06.2004 - Current
- Conducted comprehensive assessments of seniors' physical, emotional, psychosocial and environmental needs to develop individualized care plans to support aging-in-place.
- Coordinated home-based services including personal care, housekeeping, meal delivery and environment safety modifications.
- Monitored client safety, functional status and service effectiveness through regular home visits, phone check-ins and ongoing reassessment.
- Collaborated with families, caregivers, providers of services and community agencies to ensure continuity of care and address emerging needs.
- Advocated for clients rights, autonomy and preferences while ensuring access to appropriate resources and benefits.
- Maintained detailed and compliant documentation and service authorizations, in accordance with Community Long Term Care Program and South Carolina Healthy Choices.
- Educated clients and caregivers on supports and community resources to maintain independence at home.
- Tracked service utilization, coordinated provider schedules and ensured timely delivery of authorized in-home services.
- Identified gaps in care and proactively adjusted service plans to improve quality of life, reduce hospitalizations, and support client well-being and safety.
Education
MSW -
University of South Carolina
08.2008
Child Development
Auburn University
08.2000
Skills
- Strong organizational and self-management abilities due to 20 years experience working remotely
- Experience with virtual counseling and telehealth service delivery High proficiency with EHRs and telehealth platforms
- Ability to work autonomously with minimal supervision, due to 20 years working as 1099 contractor
- Compassionate communication and rapport-building with older adults, due to 22 years of experience in geriatric social work
- Adaptability, reliability and long-term experience maintaining client continuity
Certification
- LISW-CP: State of SC–License SW 15959 CP
- LMSW: State of SC–License SW9551 LMSW
Timeline
LISW-CP
LifeStance Health–Columbia, SC
06.2024 - Current
LISW-CP
Better Help–Online
05.2023 - 06.2024
Case Management Provider
SC Healthy Choices–Columbia, SC
06.2004 - Current
Child Development
Auburn University
MSW -
University of South Carolina