Skilled Substance Use Disorder Counselor with strong recovery background helping clients overcome personal challenges and cope with triggering situations. Focused on facilitating exploration of issues, developing individualized plans and developing important skills. Licensed by Washington Department of Health
Overview
29
29
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Counselor 3
Kelso Treatment Solutions/Acadia Health Care
03.2021 - 04.2025
Used cognitive behavior therapy to assist clients in recognizing and redirecting poor habits.
Worked closely with the PA-C to get clients appropriate dosing of methadone or suboxone.
Guided clients in developing skills and strategies for dealing with problems.
Conducted assessments to determine progress and performance and report findings to relevant authorities.
Implemented evidence-based therapeutic interventions to promote positive behavior change.
Developed individualized counseling plans for clients to incorporate short-term and long-term goals.
Assessed patient behavior, moods, and other responses to determine correct diagnosis and devise treatment plans.
Supported individuals dealing with mental health and emotional issues.
Assessed clients' needs to provide appropriate therapeutic interventions.
Facilitated group counseling sessions to support and encourage client growth.
Organized clinical interventions and treatment plans for patients suffering from chronic pain disorders.
Educated clients on dangers of substance abuse and prevention techniques.
Provided education on mental health topics and resources to clients.
Guided clients in effective therapeutic exercises integrated from Cognitive Behavior Therapy and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT).
Assisted clients in exploring feelings and understanding behaviors.
Collaborated with other professionals to coordinate comprehensive care for clients.
Provided emergency response in crisis situations to diffuse tensions and prevent violence.
Counselor - IOP and OP
Columbia Wellness-Kelso Clinics
05.2017 - 04.2020
SUDP IOP and OP groups both educational and process.
Evaluations, Intakes and assessments as well as solid individual counseling, both live and through Zoom during covid.
I also participated in the team that planned and opened Wellness in Recovery Detox/crisis unit in Longview WA.
I also assisted in training Interns/Trainees
Counselor IOP and OP
Department of Corrections
09.2011 - 04.2017
As a Chemical Dependency Professional, I provide counseling services to offenders in the assigned treatment program.
The provision of counseling services includes facilitation of treatment groups, individual counseling, case management services, and clinical documentation responsibilities.
This position also works closely with Washington Department of Corrections (WA DOC) staff to coordinate all program services and provide information for case management/records management as needed.
Long Term Lead
Drug Abuse Prevention Center
09.2011 - 12.2016
Providing Level III.5 care to adults in the state of Washington.
Client Case Management encompasses both educational and process-oriented groups, intensive individual counseling, and comprehensive treatment planning, as well as the formulation of ongoing care plans and referrals to ancillary services as necessary.
Supervising two interns and imparting necessary education.
Conducting thorough reviews of charts, treatment plans, and related documentation.
Developing a comprehensive client handbook, refining schedules for group sessions, and enhancing documentation to optimize the paperwork process, in addition to engaging in team-building activities with fellow staff members.
Short Term Lead
Drug Abuse Prevention Center
08.2009 - 05.2010
Providing Level III.5 care to adults in the state of Washington involves comprehensive case management, which encompasses both educational and process-oriented groups, intensive individual counseling, and meticulous treatment planning, along with the formulation of ongoing care plans and referrals to additional services as necessary.
In this capacity, I supervise two to three interns, imparting knowledge and guidance as required.
My responsibilities also include reviewing client charts, treatment plans, and other essential documentation.
Furthermore, I am tasked with the creation of a client handbook, the updating of schedules for group sessions, and the refinement of documents to enhance the efficiency of the paperwork process.
Additionally, I actively participate in team-building initiatives with fellow staff members.
Residential Counselor
Drug Abuse Prevention Center
04.2009 - 08.2009
Providing level lll.3 care to adults mostly referred by the SADAT program.
Doing both educational and process groups, intensive individual counseling and treatment planning, continuing care plans and referral to other services as needed.
Women's Residential Program Manager
Drug Abuse Prevention Center
08.2005 - 04.2009
PPW Program Development.
Collaborating with a dedicated team, we established a comprehensive program for Pregnant and Parenting Mothers.
This initiative successfully navigated the rigorous audits conducted by both the DASA and the Department of Health.
We offer care at both levels III.3 and III.5.
Additionally, we provided therapeutic day care and parenting classes, facilitating the reintegration of children with their mothers once the latter were adequately prepared to assume parental responsibilities.
As Program Manager, I orchestrated the team in delivering exemplary treatment to women for nearly four years while upholding a steadfast standard of integrity within the community.
I recognize the paramount significance of a cohesive team, as this synergy cultivates a positive environment for our clients.
Out Patient Counselor
Drug Abuse Prevention Center
07.2003 - 07.2005
Outpatient Counselor / Delivering fundamental outpatient treatment services for both men and women, conducting comprehensive assessments, diagnosing conditions, and facilitating appropriate placements within various levels of care.
Developing a gender-specific program tailored for women.
Conceptualized and spearheaded the STARS program, serving as the lead counselor, orchestrated group scheduling, crafted detailed treatment plan outlines, and fostered collaborative relationships with Child Protective Services and other social service agencies.
Admissions Coordinator/Utilization Reviewer
St. John Medical Center
06.2000 - 07.2003
I oversaw all admissions and discharges at Recovery Northwest, a facility operating at the lll.7 level of care, which specialized in the treatment of co-occurring disorders.
I diligently monitored the utilization of beds under ADATSA, TANF, and SSI programs.
Additionally, I coordinated Medicare services and benefits, along with private insurance authorizations.
I maintained a robust understanding of my counseling skills and conducted daily crisis interventions, both via telephone and in person.
Furthermore, I served as a valuable resource referral source for the broader community while continuing to perform intakes, placements, and triage.
Adolescent and Family Counselor
St. John Medical Center/Recovery Northwest
06.1999 - 06.2000
I conducted assessments, placements, and both group and individual counseling, as well as educational initiatives for adolescents within levels 0.5 to 11.1 of care.
I offered supportive education and family counseling to parents, grandparents, and siblings of my patients, both in separate sessions and collectively.
Additionally, I supervised an intern for 10 of the 12 months during my tenure in this position.
Swing Shift Counselor
Drug Abuse Prevention Center
07.1998 - 06.2000
Provided level lll.3 residential care for a mixed gender group of between 12 and 20.
Did group process, education, case noting, appointment management, some curriculum planning and individual counseling as well as helping coordinate benefits through DSHS.
I co-facilitated a rigid Outpatient relapse prevention group.
After the move to TRC and the subsequent opening of the Level lll.3 services I also supervised an intern on the Short-term unit while performing my duties on the Long-term unit.
Counselor Relief and Support Staff
Drug Abuse Prevention Center
03.1998 - 07.1998
I provided coverage for counselors during their sick leave and vacation periods, while also serving as a regular relief staff member, offering both scheduled and on-call services.
Additionally, I engaged in a diverse array of office support tasks, organizational initiatives, menu planning, as well as file management and disposal activities.
Chemical Dependency Counselor Intern
Drug Abuse Prevention Center
01.1998 - 04.1998
I had the privilege of training under Michael Bauer, CCDC III.
In this capacity, I served as a residential counselor, operating under careful supervision.
Chemical Dependency Counselor Intern
Drug Abuse Prevention Center
09.1996 - 04.1998
While completing my degree, I had the privilege of training under Denny Dimmitt, CCDC III, where I served as an Outpatient Counselor.
Education
Associates in Applied Science -
Lower Columbia College
06.1997
Skills
Assessment and Diagnosis
Motivational Interviewing
DSM V
ASAM Criteria
Group Therapy
Individual Counseling
Program Building and Management
Team Building
Staff Education
Supervision
Counseling Requirements
Documentation
Program Content
Legal and Ethical Considerations
Word
Excel
One Note
Outlook
Publisher
Database Experience
Target System
Omni
Avatar
SMART
Credible EMR
Solution-focused counseling
Biopsychosocial assessments
Suicide risk assessments
Care planning
Building rapport
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) expert
Case management and documentation
Peer counseling
Treatment Planning
Substance abuse counseling
HIPAA
Adept at treatment and discharge planning
Clinical experience
Intake assessments
Recovery support services
Clinical documentation mastery
Certification
CPR and First Aid, 1996-2020
Personal Information
Work Permit: Authorized to work in the US for any employer
License
Licensed by Washington Department of Health, CP00000631
Timeline
Counselor 3
Kelso Treatment Solutions/Acadia Health Care
03.2021 - 04.2025
Counselor - IOP and OP
Columbia Wellness-Kelso Clinics
05.2017 - 04.2020
Counselor IOP and OP
Department of Corrections
09.2011 - 04.2017
Long Term Lead
Drug Abuse Prevention Center
09.2011 - 12.2016
Short Term Lead
Drug Abuse Prevention Center
08.2009 - 05.2010
Residential Counselor
Drug Abuse Prevention Center
04.2009 - 08.2009
Women's Residential Program Manager
Drug Abuse Prevention Center
08.2005 - 04.2009
Out Patient Counselor
Drug Abuse Prevention Center
07.2003 - 07.2005
Admissions Coordinator/Utilization Reviewer
St. John Medical Center
06.2000 - 07.2003
Adolescent and Family Counselor
St. John Medical Center/Recovery Northwest
06.1999 - 06.2000
Swing Shift Counselor
Drug Abuse Prevention Center
07.1998 - 06.2000
Counselor Relief and Support Staff
Drug Abuse Prevention Center
03.1998 - 07.1998
Chemical Dependency Counselor Intern
Drug Abuse Prevention Center
01.1998 - 04.1998
Chemical Dependency Counselor Intern
Drug Abuse Prevention Center
09.1996 - 04.1998
Associates in Applied Science -
Lower Columbia College
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