Tameka L. Sutton
Charlotte,NC
Summary
Experienced Suicide Prevention Case Manager with a strong background in managing clinically complex individuals and delivering comprehensive crisis and safety support to diverse client populations. Proficient in conducting thorough safety assessments and collaborating with clients to develop personalized safety plans aligned with their goals. Recognized for exceptional communication and crisis intervention skills, effectively navigating high-pressure environments to ensure client well-being. Committed to fostering a supportive atmosphere that empowers individuals to achieve stability and resilience.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
3
3
Certification
Work History
Clinical Case Manager
Atrium Health Main
Charlotte, NC
05.2025 - Current
- Interviewed patients, veterans, and families by conducting thorough psychosocial assessments to include social determinants of health, suicide risk assessments, and review of past and current diagnoses to assist with the involvement of identifying known warning signs, psychosocial stressors, and protective factors.
- Facilitated community outreach and engagement for our homeless neighbors to ensure that their healthcare, environmental and social needs were met effectively and compassionately.
- Facilitated identification of learning barriers and improved care delivery. Reported abnormal findings to the care team, resulting in the development and the continuity of a comprehensive care plan.
- Coordinated care for patients with complex medical, substance use, psychological and social needs with clinical and therapeutic intervention by proactive communication and collaboration with diverse healthcare and community teams.
- Conducted therapeutic discussions with caregivers and family members, focusing on effective coping mechanisms for managing psychosocial stress linked to health-related issues to introduce safety measures.
- Achieved timely resolution of care delivery barriers through effective communication with patient/family and multidisciplinary teams.
- Maximized clinical and financial outcomes by strategically interpreting contracts and obligations with the patient, family, care management, and community care teams.
- Collaborated with the patient/family and inter-professional team, including the primary care team, hospital care team, post acute care managers, and other care partners to provide a model of care that ensured the delivery of quality, efficient, and cost-effective healthcare services.
- Enhanced patient and family involvement in care through effective application of evidence-based practices.
- Drove collaboration with patients and families to formulate SMART (specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, time-bound) goals.
- Championed the creation and adoption of educational and community resources to empower patient and family self-management.
- Partnered with identified high- risk for readmission patients throughout the inpatient treatment in order to deliver continuity of care.
- Anticipated the needs of the patient, recognized and responded to changes in the patient's status and determined priorities of patient care based on their essential safety needs.
- Assessed and addressed urgent situations through crisis intervention services, prioritizing patient safety and overall wellbeing.
- Guided patients and families in navigating housing, financial services and public governmental benefits to gain access to valuable community resources.
Therapist II (Outpatient)
Novant Health
Charlotte, NC
05.2024 - 05.2025
- Executed comprehensive diagnostic assessments and crisis interventions, addressing emotional and behavioral challenges for client and families through specialized evidence-based psychotherapy.
- Conducted comprehensive assessments to include Columbia- Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS) and the Brief Suicide Safety Assessment (BSSA) implementing targeted therapeutic interventions to effectively treat mental and behavioral symptoms throughout crisis phases.
- Utilized behavioral interventions specialized around substance use as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing (MT), Contingency Management (CM) with brief structured intervention to include the Johnson Model.
- Implemented evidence-based modalities, including CBT, DBT, motivational and humanistic intervention with play therapy, in individual, group, and family therapy to support clients facing anxiety, depression, and trauma.
- Assisted clients with the utilization of SMART (specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, time-bound) goals for safety.
- Developed and implemented intensive individualized treatment plans addressing client and family relationship problems, destructive patterns of behavior and other psychosocial issues.
- Built strong rapport with clients, fostering trust and open communication for effective therapy sessions intrusting safety.
- Monitored clients' progress and tracked client services to provide crisis interventions with the use of the Stanley Brown Safety Plan.
- Systematically documented client interactions and treatment outcomes, adhering to established regulatory standards.
- Addressed mental and behavioral health concerns, substance abuse, family conflict, and social and economic-related problems with the utilization of evidence-based practices and specialized intervention.
- Engaged with treatment team, family, and clients to maintain and refine treatment plan through regular updates instilling safety.
- Facilitated communication between clients and multidisciplinary teams to ensure cohesive care delivery ensuring safety.
- Participated in professional development workshops to stay current with best practices in therapy.
- Established clear boundaries with clients, maintaining ethical practice standards while preserving the therapeutic relationship.
- Provided conflict resolution support to clients and families facing challenging situations assisting with identifying safety measures.
- Enhanced communication between clients and providers through consistent follow-ups and progress updates.
- Coordinated services with community-based agencies, and healthcare professionals to provide useful benefits to clients and families to remain safe.
TCL Clinical Care Manager I (Housing)
Alliance Health
Charlotte, NC
10.2023 - 06.2024
- Conducted thorough assessments of members' whole-person functioning, identifying areas for targeted medical/behavioral, socio-economic, traumatic, therapeutic and safety needs.
- Provided ongoing clinical case management through quality documentation of member communication and care to attain and continue safety.
- Evaluated, addressed and provided high-risk members' diagnosed with Severe Persistent Mental Illness (SPMI) through the evidence-based practices of the Columbia-Suicide Severity-Risk Rating Scale (C-SSRS), Brief Suicide Safety Risk Assessment (BSSA) with specialized crisis intervention.
- Assisted member's with the creation of their crisis safety plan specifically using the Stanley- Brown Safety Model, a collaborative plan to restrict access to lethal means, identify warning signs, and listing coping strategies.
- Completed 60 to 90 day member comprehensive re-evaluation to ensure maximum utilization of community services to continue safety.
- Facilitated member therapeutic sessions with the use of Cognitive- Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and Motivational Therapy (MT) to assist with identifying resiliency and strength to facilitate safety within their environment.
- Developed individualized care plans to enhance patient safety outcomes and ensure compliance with health regulations.
- Coordinated interdisciplinary team meetings to streamline communication and improve clinical case management processes.
- Assisted with the reduction of hospital readmissions by streamlining care coordination processes with the ongoing education of reviewing member safety plans and crisis interventional tools.
- Maintained strict adherence to professional ethics and confidentiality guidelines, safeguarding sensitive information promoting trust and safety.
- Triaged crisis situations and enacted appropriate interventions for treatment of mental/behavioral/substance use until end of event for safety.
- Monitored members' progress and adjusted care strategies for safety based on clinical assessments and feedback.
- Coordinated referrals to specialists, hospitalizations, ER visits, ancillary testing, and other enabling services for members.
- Interpreted regulations to identify safe member care requirement criteria to be monitored and establish systems to achieve compliance.
- Served as a resource for colleagues and community agencies by sharing expertise on complex cases.
- Established and maintained relationships with members, families and community partners to coordinate services to meet psychosocial and trauma needs for safety.
Community Clinical Crisis Clinician
CriSyS- Sante Group/ Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department
Charlotte, NC
11.2022 - 12.2023
- Conducted thorough crisis and conflict assessments to determine immediate safety needs and appropriate interventions.
- Utilized the Columbia- Suicide Severity Rating Scale ) C-SSRS), and Brief Suicide Safety Assessment (BSSA) to gain crisis information on ideation and intent, plan and means, current and historical risk and protective factors.
- Developed individualized treatment and safety plans based on client evaluations and risk factors with the use of the Stanley- Brown Safety Plan and the Safety Planning Intervention (SPI) models.
- Facilitated de-escalation techniques to manage high-stress situations for safely.
- Provided real-time community support and resources to clients navigating mental/behavioral and substance use challenges.
- Communicated with Adult (APS) and Children (CPS) Protective Services, Department of Social Services (DSS), Mecklenburg County Magistrate, Mecklenburg County Shelters, and Veteran's Affairs crisis, and healthcare team members to plan, implement and enhance treatment strategies to regain safety with suicide prevention measures.
- Developed rapport with diverse client populations by demonstrating empathy, active listening, and cultural sensitivity during crisis consultations.
- Quickly responded to crisis situations impacting safety, actualizing crisis prevention interventions to control and de-escalate with the brief lethal means and crisis response planning models.
- Facilitated therapeutic communication, conflict resolution, and crisis intervention by redirecting negative behaviors and helping consumers regain or improve coping abilities for safety.
- Conveyed community care options, diagnosis information, and home care techniques to consumers and caregivers to gain and continue safety measures.
- Facilitated key usage of behavioral interventions of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing (MT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Contingency Management (CM) to guide the client in recognizing protective and safe components within their environment.
- Maintained accurate documentation for quality assurance and adherence to legal requirements, protecting both clients'' rights and agency''s reputation.
- Used skills such as active listening and collaborative problem-solving daily to connect with clients and address concerns to prevent suicide and maintain safety.
- Adhered to ethical and legal standards for confidentiality, protecting clients' privacy and safety.
- Consulted with clinical colleagues regarding crisis and safety plans to help reduce access to lethal means.
- Analyzed recent studies in mental health and trauma to effectively guide clients in exploring preventive strategies against suicide.
- Reviewed and documented outcomes of 30-day follow-ups to ensure effectiveness of brief interventions in maintaining safety.
- Connected clients to community-based resources to improve clients' level of functioning for safety.
Human Services Clinician ( Facility-Based Crisis)
Daymark Recovery Services
Monroe, NC; Richmond, NC; Asheville, NC
06.2021 - 12.2023
- Conducted comprehensive assessments to identify mental/behavioral and substance use challenges and establish appropriate interventions to maintain safety.
- Utilized diagnostic tools to assist with diagnosis of clients suffering with chronic conditions such as, suicidal behaviors to assist with specific crisis prevention and safety interventional strategies.
- Facilitated individualized treatment plans to address mental/behavioral and substance use of client needs to assist with recovery, safety and crisis prevention.
- Documented developments and regressions in clients' ability to meet therapeutic goals.
- Created and implemented treatment plans intended to address new development and regressions with the use of SMART goals to continue or regain safety.
- Utilized safety planning interventions of lethal means counseling, along with creation of the individualized safety plan constructed by the Stanley-Brown Safety plan.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to ensure holistic care for clients across community, healthcare and housing settings.
- Led psychoeducational workshops to enhance client coping skills and promote community integration.
- Implemented evidence-based practices to improve service delivery efficiency and client outcomes pertaining to crisis and safety planning.
- Advocated for clients to ensure access to appropriate community based and governmental resources to assist with crisis prevention services.
- Conducted individual and group therapy sessions to facilitate skill development, coping strategies, and emotional processing through specialized modalities of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Motivational Therapy (MT), Contingency Management (CM) and Solution Focused - brief Therapy (SFBT).
- Enhanced interdisciplinary collaboration for better client care through effective communication and a continuum of community-based teamwork.
Discharge Facilitator ( Case Management)
Presbyterian Novant Health
Charlotte, NC
07.2015 - 12.2020
- Engaged with Department of Health and Human Services to acquire housing resources ID number (RSVP) necessary for Medicaid patients' relocation to assisted living facilities.
- Collaborated with Veterans Administration Department to develop care plans aimed at maintaining safety through home health services and medical equipment.
- Conducted needs assessments for culturally diverse patients, ensuring effective provision of in-home and community-based facility care services.
- Coordinated patient discharges for 30 to 40+ individuals, emphasizing safety and collaboration with community support systems.
- Managed insurance authorization processes for NaviHealth, collaborating with United Healthcare, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and Humana Medicare to support patient placement in skilled nursing facilities.
- Developed and maintained robust relationships with patients, caregivers, and agency liaisons, resulting in improved referral stability through superior service continuing safety.
- Facilitated effective patient prioritization and expedited insurance authorization to improve referral queue performance.
- Conducted thorough assessments to identify and connect patients with appropriate resources for short-term rehabilitation and long-term nursing care in skilled nursing facilities.
- Coordinated with North Carolina state evaluators to obtain PASRR Level II clearance, supporting the seamless transition of specialized behavioral and mentally conditioned patients to skilled nursing facilities.
- Coordinated care initiatives for patients and veterans, focusing on quality and efficiency in service provision.
Education
Doctorate of Social Work - Social Work
Walden University
Minneapolis, MN09-2027
Master of Social Work - Social Work
Walden University
Minneapolis, MN02-2021
Associate of Applied Science - Applied Social Science
Colorado Technical University (Global Campus)
Colorado Springs, CO07-2017
Skills
Critical Thinking
Psychosocial Assessment
Suicide Risk Assessment
Safety Planning Interventions
Crisis Intervention and Management
Crisis Response Planning
De-escalation Techniques
Grief Counseling
Empathy and Compassion Display
Certification
- LCSW - Licensed Clinical Social Worker
- LCASA- Licensed Counselor Addictions Specialist, Associate
- CCTP - Certified Clinical Trauma Professional
Timeline
Clinical Case Manager
Atrium Health Main
05.2025 - Current
Therapist II (Outpatient)
Novant Health
05.2024 - 05.2025
TCL Clinical Care Manager I (Housing)
Alliance Health
10.2023 - 06.2024
Community Clinical Crisis Clinician
CriSyS- Sante Group/ Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department
11.2022 - 12.2023
Human Services Clinician ( Facility-Based Crisis)
Daymark Recovery Services
06.2021 - 12.2023
Discharge Facilitator ( Case Management)
Presbyterian Novant Health
07.2015 - 12.2020
Doctorate of Social Work - Social Work
Walden University
Master of Social Work - Social Work
Walden University
Associate of Applied Science - Applied Social Science
Colorado Technical University (Global Campus)
Cover Letter
- February 16, 2026
- Subject: Application for Veterans Administration Social Worker ( Suicide Prevention Case Manager)
- Dear Hiring Manager
- I am writing to express my interest in the Social Worker MSW position with Atrium Health Mercy's Complex Case Management team. As a motivated and dedicated Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Certified Clinical Trauma Practitioner, and Licensed Clinical Addictions Specialist-Associate, I bring extensive experience in the mental and behavioral health field. My background includes initiating crisis community support for individuals in critical situations, which I believe will be valuable to your department.
- Throughout my career, I have developed strong skills in crisis intervention and critical thinking while working with diverse populations. I excel in managing crises and have consistently contributed to effective communication, collaboration, and client support within my team. I am attentive, compassionate, and proactive, staying informed about the latest developments in my field. My strong critical thinking abilities, combined with my enjoyment of collaborative brainstorming sessions, make me a dependable team member.
- In my previous role as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker Associate, I gained in-depth knowledge in clinical crisis and risk assessment, case management, and critical care for individuals with Serious Persistent Mental Illness (SPMI) and Serious Mental Illness (SMI). My work has involved psychosocial interventions and the diagnostic assessment of social, mental, and behavioral health conditions. My commitment to client advocacy and crisis intervention underscores my organizational purpose. Additionally, my academic achievements with the Phi Alpha Honor Society highlight my empathetic approach to assisting individuals with severe mental health issues, making me an excellent fit for your team.
- I have attached my resume and credentials for your review. I would appreciate the opportunity to discuss my candidacy further.
- Thank you for considering my application.
- Sincerely
- Tameka L. Sutton, LCSW, LCASr, CCTP