Sonia Saini, MS, MPH
Summary
Skilled Crisis Clinician with specialization in managing mental health crises and emergency situations. Maintained a patient-focused approach while providing support to individuals experiencing acute psychological distress. Strengths include strong communication skills, crisis intervention techniques, and the ability to make critical decisions under pressure. Notable impact made through successful reduction of risk levels during crisis episodes by implementing appropriate therapeutic interventions. Equipped to manage different types of emergency situations, build alliances and screen for specific services. Excellent multitasking, organizational and conflict resolution skills. Energetic and motivated to assist anyone in crisis. Proficient crisis counselor with several years of experience, certification and several hours of related training. Supports people dealing with either suicidal or homicidal thoughts. An organized and motivated individual, eager to utilize time management and organizational skills across diverse settings. Seeking clinical director opportunities to enhance abilities while contributing to company growth.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
Work History
Behavior Specialist Consultant Associate
Child Guidance Resource Centers
Havertown, Pa
06.2024 - Current
- Developed and implemented behavior intervention plans for clients with challenging behaviors.
- Facilitated group therapy sessions to teach appropriate social skills.
- Observed client interactions and provided feedback on their progress.
- Assisted families in understanding and managing their child's behavior difficulties.
- Collaborated with teachers, school counselors, physicians, and other professionals to ensure effective treatment plans.
- Designed behavior modification programs to help individuals learn positive coping strategies.
- Created individualized goals and objectives based on each client's needs.
- Trained parents in techniques for reinforcing desired behaviors at home.
- Utilized evidence-based practices such as Applied Behavior Analysis.
- Counseled clients on how to make healthy choices that will improve their quality of life.
- Guided clients in developing skills or strategies for dealing with problems.
- Assisted individuals with stress management, self-esteem and issues associated with emotional and mental health.
- Prepared and maintained required treatment records and reports.
- Acted as client advocate, coordinating required services and resolving emergency problems in crises.
- Collected information about clients through interviews, observation or tests.
- Gathered and researched information about community mental health needs or resources used in conjunction with therapy.
- Built and maintained relationships with peers and upper management to drive team success.
Lead Crisis Co-Response Clinician
Elwyn, Inc.
Media, PA
10.2023 - Current
- Maintained accurate client records and documentation according to agency policy and procedures.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary team members to coordinate care for clients.
- Assisted in developing and implementing policies and procedures related to clinical operations.
- Conducted home visits, when necessary, to assess the living conditions of clients.
- Provided psycho-educational support to families by educating them about their loved one's diagnosis and treatment plan.
- Educated community members about mental health issues through outreach programs at schools and local organizations.
- Advised individuals regarding medication compliance, lifestyle changes, and stress reduction techniques.
- Performed risk assessment evaluations for suicidal or homicidal ideation among clients.
- Engaged in ethical decision-making processes when determining the best course of action for clients.
- Actively participated in supervision sessions with the Program Director or Clinical Supervisor regularly.
- Offered guidance and support to staff members during their clinical training experience.
- Determined the most appropriate treatment plan and implemented a course of action.
- Used individualized instruction techniques to educate students on patient observation, assessment, decision-making, and health teaching.
- Coordinated referrals with external providers when needed for additional services.
Lead Mobile Crisis Specialist
Elwyn, Inc.
Media, PA
02.2014 - Current
- Managed and resolved incidents according to service agreements.
- Coordinated and managed various programs or projects to achieve established objectives.
- Displayed strong telephone etiquette, effectively handling difficult calls.
- Provided crisis intervention services to individuals experiencing emotional distress.
- Assessed and evaluated client needs and developed individualized treatment plans.
- Conducted in-person assessments of clients' psychological functioning.
- Collaborated with other mental health professionals to develop effective strategies for addressing crises.
- Advised families on how to best support their loved ones during times of crisis.
- Maintained accurate records of all counseling sessions and progress notes.
- Provided referrals, resources, and follow-up care as needed for clients in need of additional services.
- Demonstrated an understanding of cultural diversity when dealing with clients from different backgrounds.
- Remained available 24 and 7 for urgent calls from clients in need of immediate assistance.
- Educated clients about the importance of maintaining healthy coping skills during times of stress.
- Responded to crises when severe mental health and behavioral issues arose.
- Handled crises with exceptional tact, enacting the best possible interventions for service and support.
- Collected and documented information from clients about concerns and available contextual details.
- Audited clinical documents to verify compliant policies and procedures.
Primary Therapist
Keystone Center
Chester, PA
05.2023 - 12.2024
- Conducted individual therapy sessions with clients to identify and address issues related to mental health, substance abuse, and other areas of concern.
- Facilitated group therapy sessions for clients to provide support and education about addiction recovery, relapse prevention, and life skills development.
- Provided comprehensive assessments of clients' needs and developed treatment plans in collaboration with multidisciplinary teams.
- Monitored client progress through regular assessment of symptoms using evidence-based interventions, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy or dialectical behavior therapy.
- Consulted with psychiatrists regarding medication management for clients.
- Attended weekly case conferences to discuss client progress and collaborate on strategies for improvement.
- Provided educational presentations within the community on topics related to addiction recovery and mental health awareness.
- Coordinated referrals to outside services, when appropriate.
- Assisted in coordinating discharge planning for successful completion of program goals before returning home from residential facility stays.
- Created psychoeducational materials used by clinicians during group therapy sessions, or provided directly to clients upon discharge from treatment programs.
- Served as an advocate for clients' rights while providing a safe therapeutic environment where they could openly express themselves without fear of judgment or criticism.
- Attended training and courses to maintain updated knowledge of industry research and developments.
- Evaluated substance use disorders and related mental health issues.
- Facilitated and obtained appropriate authorizations for care.
Mental Health Care Coordinator
University of Pennsylvania Hospital
Philadelphia, PA
02.2022 - 08.2022
- Conducted initial assessments, evaluations, and reassessments of clients' mental health status.
- Managed caseloads of up to 25 clients with varying levels of complexity.
- Coordinated care among multiple providers and community resources.
- Maintained accurate documentation of all clinical activities in accordance with state regulations and agency policy.
- Assisted clients with navigating various social service systems such as housing, food assistance, employment services.
- Developed crisis management plans for high risk clients and provided crisis intervention when necessary.
- Facilitated psycho-educational groups on topics such as anger management, stress reduction, life skills development.
- Made referrals to appropriate community agencies for additional support services when needed.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary team members including psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, nurses., to ensure comprehensive care for each client served.
- Cultivated relationships with local organizations that provide resources for individuals dealing with mental health issues.
- Advised clients on self-care strategies that can help improve their overall wellbeing.
- Engaged in outreach efforts by attending community events or providing presentations at schools or organizations.
- Utilized evidence-based practices such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy or Dialectical Behavior Therapy.
- Maintained confidentiality of records relating to clients' treatment.
- Acted as client advocate, coordinating required services and resolving emergency problems in crisis situations.
- Modified treatment activities or approaches as needed to comply with changes in clients' status.
- Collected information about clients through interviews, observation or tests.
Crisis Intervention Specialist
Lenape Valley Foundations
Bristol, PA
05.2021 - 01.2022
- Provided crisis intervention services to individuals in need of emotional support and guidance.
- Evaluated client needs and provided appropriate referrals to community agencies or mental health professionals.
- Facilitated group sessions to assist clients in developing coping mechanisms for dealing with crisis situations.
- Conducted assessments of clients' mental health status, personal history, family dynamics, and living environment.
- Maintained accurate records of all case notes, progress reports, and other documentation related to client care.
- Monitored clients' progress throughout their course of treatment; adjusted interventions as needed based on changes in condition or circumstances.
- Collaborated with other healthcare providers such as psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, and primary care physicians to ensure comprehensive care for clients.
- Provided education about different types of mental illnesses and treatments options available.
- Acted as a liaison between the client's family members and medical team during times of need.
- Responded quickly and effectively when emergency situations arose; managed high stress environments with professionalism.
- Developed safety plans to minimize crisis risk and intervene with specific procedures.
- Collected and documented information from clients about concerns and available contextual details.
- Provided leadership and coordination of various programs using techniques in behavior management and prevention strategies.
- Developed and optimized treatment plans to help clients continue to progress.
- Helped clients deal with substance abuse, mental illness and other concerns by delivering personalized counseling support.
- Devised community-based programs focused on combating specific problems.
Education
Master of Science - Public Health
Touro University
Los Alamos, CA10-2019
Master of Science - Clinical Psychology
Rowan University
Glassboro, NJ06-2018
MS Postgraduate Certificate - Applied Behavior Analysis -Currently Pursuing
Purdue University
West Lafayette, INSkills
- Microsoft Proficiency
- Cultural, Diversity, & Inclusion Training
- Multi Languages (Spanish, Hindi, Punjabi, Urdu)
- Psychological First Aid
- First Aid & CPR
- Suicide Prevention /ASSIST Cert
- Emergency Preparedness (DCORT)
- Good Clinical Practices Training
- Data Collection and Analysis
- Health Promotion & Research expertise
- Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI)
- Therapeutic Interventions (CBT & DBT)
- Case Documentation and Case Audit Review
- Psychological Assessment
- Unit Management and Leadership
- Clinical Leadership Skills
- Clinical Quality Improvement
- Clinical Documentation
- Training & Development
- Organizational Skills
- Motivational Interviewing
- Task Prioritization
- Effective Communication
- Teamwork and Collaboration
- Problem-Solving
- Advocacy and Counseling
Timeline
Behavior Specialist Consultant Associate
Child Guidance Resource Centers
06.2024 - Current
Lead Crisis Co-Response Clinician
Elwyn, Inc.
10.2023 - Current
Primary Therapist
Keystone Center
05.2023 - 12.2024
Mental Health Care Coordinator
University of Pennsylvania Hospital
02.2022 - 08.2022
Crisis Intervention Specialist
Lenape Valley Foundations
05.2021 - 01.2022
Lead Mobile Crisis Specialist
Elwyn, Inc.
02.2014 - Current
Master of Science - Public Health
Touro University
Master of Science - Clinical Psychology
Rowan University
MS Postgraduate Certificate - Applied Behavior Analysis -Currently Pursuing
Purdue University
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