SKYLER HUGHES
Chapel Hill,United States
Summary
Mental Health Counselor with a strong track record of delivering compassionate, client-centered care. Skilled in developing and implementing individualized treatment plans that improve client well-being and quality of life. Demonstrates expertise in communication, crisis intervention, and therapeutic relationship-building, consistently driving positive outcomes in high-pressure environments through innovative treatment approaches and dedicated client advocacy.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Outpatient Therapist
Reflections Counseling of North Carolina
Wake Forest, NC
04.2026 - Current
- Conduct individual therapy sessions addressing the unique needs of diverse client populations to foster mental health improvement.
- Utilize evidence-based practices to address mental health challenges.
- Develop treatment plans and goals in collaboration with clients and other providers.
- Conduct psychosocial assessments to identify the needs and strengths of clients.
- Monitor client progress throughout treatment using standardized assessment tools to ensure alignment with therapeutic goals.
- Educate clients and families on effective coping strategies and available resources to enhance support systems.
- Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams for comprehensive client care.
- Provide clients with referrals to community resources for additional support.
- Maintain accurate client records according to agency policies and procedures.
LifeSet Specialist
Youth Villages
Durham, United States
10.2024 - 12.2025
- Delivered case management and individualized counseling to young adults pursuing independence, employing active listening and trust-building to identify barriers and enhance engagement.
- Implemented evidence-based cognitive-behavioral interventions to support emotional regulation and problem-solving, reinforcing coping skills and progress toward client-defined goals.
- Advocated for clients in educational, legal, and community settings by effectively communicating needs, addressing access barriers, and ensuring follow-through on services.
- Developed and updated client-centered transition plans focused on stable housing, education, and employment, coordinating referrals and community resources to support continuity of care.
- Ensured timely case documentation and compliance with program reporting requirements, facilitating ongoing progress monitoring and evaluation.
Practicum Student
Youth Villages
Remote
05.2024 - 12.2025
- Facilitated 20+ clinical assessments per week and documented interventions and client progress toward goals to support ongoing evaluation and timely care adjustments.
- Conducted trauma-informed biopsychosocial and behavioral health assessments, using active listening to identify psychosocial stressors, supports, coping skills, and barriers to functioning; translated findings into individualized treatment planning.
- Coordinated collaboration with therapists, psychiatrists, and probation officers to ensure consistent service delivery and timely referrals for psychiatric evaluation and medication management.
- Monitored client goals and responses to interventions, enhancing treatment adherence through consistent follow-up and client-centered problem solving.
- Implemented NASW ethical standards, confidentiality practices, and culturally responsive approaches to reduce barriers to access and strengthen trust with clients and families.
Wraparound Youth Support Partner
Youth Villages
Boone, United States
03.2023 - 10.2024
- Co-developed individualized, patient-centered care plans with Child and Family Teams, translating goals into actionable steps and coordinating follow-up to support continuity of care.
- Facilitated access to community and behavioral health resources by educating families on available services, supporting referrals, and coaching self-advocacy, resulting in increased family engagement.
- Provided one-on-one, strengths-based support to youth with emotional and behavioral challenges and their families, using active listening and trust-building to identify needs, barriers, coping strategies, and natural supports.
- Conducted ongoing behavioral assessments and gathered biopsychosocial context from youth, caregivers, and collateral contacts to inform service planning and targeted interventions.
- Identified and de-escalated emerging crises through in-the-moment support and safety-focused planning, enhancing team communication and response effectiveness.
- Monitored progress toward care plan goals and documented updates for team review, adjusting interventions to optimize engagement and outcomes.
Career Advisor
Big Sandy Area Community Action
Pikeville, United States
10.2021 - 03.2023
- Provided one-on-one career counseling to community members in Eastern Kentucky, using active listening to identify barriers to employment and support systems, then co-created step-by-step goals and follow-up actions to promote progress.
- Conducted participant intakes and ongoing check-ins to assess needs and track goal progress, adjusting service plans in response to changing circumstances and program updates.
- Connected participants and families to community resources and partner agencies for education, training, and employment supports; served as a point of contact to coordinate next steps and reduce gaps in services.
- Presented on career pathways and available resources at high schools and job events, tailoring content to audience needs and fostering engagement with local support services.
- Clarified guidance with stakeholders and escalated issues during policy shifts to ensure clear communication and support.
Youth Support Specialist
Kentucky River Community Care
Pikeville, United States
01.2019 - 10.2021
- Conducted behavioral assessments and developed individualized, patient-centered behavioral plans for high-needs youth, adjusting interventions based on progress and response to enhance effectiveness.
- Delivered crisis intervention and de-escalation support during emerging behavioral health crises, then implemented follow-up plans to reduce repeat incidents and stabilize home and community functioning.
- Provided individual coaching and counseling support to adolescents in recovery, using active listening and rapport-building to strengthen coping routines and improve day-to-day functioning.
- Trained and coached families on communication and behavior-support strategies to strengthen care plan adherence and reinforce skills between sessions.
- Maintained accurate documentation of interventions and care-plan updates to facilitate case reviews, ensure continuity of care, and enhance coordination with the broader care team.
Education
Master of Social Work - Social Work
University of Pikeville
Pikeville, KYBachelor of Applied Science - Human Services
University of the Cumberlands
Williamsburg, KYSkills
- Crisis intervention
- Cognitive behavioral therapy
- Team collaboration
- Individual counseling
- Anxiety management
- Psychiatric evaluation
- Clinical documentation
- Goal setting
- Client advocacy
- Resource coordination
- Multidisciplinary collaboration
- Cultural competence
Certification
- Licensed Clinical Social Worker Associate
Timeline
Outpatient Therapist
Reflections Counseling of North Carolina
04.2026 - Current
LifeSet Specialist
Youth Villages
10.2024 - 12.2025
Practicum Student
Youth Villages
05.2024 - 12.2025
Wraparound Youth Support Partner
Youth Villages
03.2023 - 10.2024
Career Advisor
Big Sandy Area Community Action
10.2021 - 03.2023
Youth Support Specialist
Kentucky River Community Care
01.2019 - 10.2021
Master of Social Work - Social Work
University of Pikeville
Bachelor of Applied Science - Human Services
University of the Cumberlands