Tara Anavitate
Chicopee,MA
Summary
Compassionate mental health professional skilled in child and adolescent counseling and substance abuse support. Experienced in developing treatment plans and employing de-escalation techniques to ensure patient safety and promote healthy development.
Dedicated mental health counselor with expertise in crisis intervention, patient advocacy, and treatment planning. Proven ability to provide emotional support and facilitate therapeutic group activities in dynamic environments.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Mental Health Counselor/ Unit Secretary
Holyoke Medical Center Center For Psychiatric
01.2024 - Current
- Observed and reported changes in patient mood, behavior, and mental status
- Supported patients with daily routines, coping skills, and group activities
- Maintained a safe and structured therapeutic environment
- Assisted clinical staff with patient care and emergency situations
- Monitored patient safety and behavior in an inpatient psychiatric setting
- Provided emotional support and therapeutic communication to patients
- Assisted with crisis intervention and de-escalation techniques
- Completed accurate documentation in compliance with healthcare standards
- Managed administrative duties including scheduling, phone communication, and record-keeping
- Ensured confidentiality in accordance with HIPAA regulations
- Acted as a liaison between patients, families, and healthcare staff
Residential Counselor
Servicenet
05.2020 - Current
- Provided direct care and supervision to residents in a structured living environment
- Supported individuals with daily living skills, routines, and personal goals
- Monitored behavior and ensured safety at all times
- Used de-escalation techniques to manage behavioral or emotional crises
- Documented progress notes, incidents, and behavioral observations
- Collaborated with clinical staff to support treatment plans
Mental Health Counselor
MiraVista
02.2023 - 10.2025
- Monitored patient safety and conducted routine safety checks in an inpatient psychiatric setting
- Provided therapeutic support using active listening and communication techniques
- Assisted with crisis intervention and de-escalation of patients in distress
- Documented patient behavior, incidents, and progress in electronic records
- Facilitated or assisted with group activities and therapeutic programming
- Collaborated with nurses, psychiatrists, and multidisciplinary team members
- Maintained a safe, structured, and supportive environment
Job Coach
Valley Educational Associates
05.2017 - 10.2021
- Facilitated job placement for individuals with disabilities by assessing skills and interests.
- Provided ongoing coaching and support to clients in workplace settings, fostering confidence and engagement.
- Collaborated with local businesses to identify job openings suitable for diverse client profiles.
- Supported individuals with developmental disabilities in a community-based day program
- Assisted participants with daily living skills, independence, and social integration
- Facilitated vocational training and life-skills classes
- Transported and accompanied individuals to community activities and appointments
- Provided behavioral support and used de-escalation techniques when needed
- Monitored safety and ensured a structured, supportive environment
- Documented progress notes and participant goals in compliance with program standards
- Collaborated with team members to implement individualized service plans
Residential Direct Care for Adolescents Group Home
Center For Human Development Inc.
01.2016 - 12.2019
- Supervised and supported adolescents in a residential group home setting
- Assisted residents with daily routines, hygiene, meals, and life skills
- Provided emotional support, guidance, and mentorship to promote healthy development
- Implemented individualized care plans and behavioral interventions
- Monitored safety and responded to behavioral or emotional crises using de-escalation techniques
- Documented progress, incidents, and behavioral observations accurately
- Collaborated with clinical staff, social workers, and families to support resident growth
Certified Nursing Assistant
Maxim Healthcare
03.2015 - 02.2019
- Supervised and supported adolescents in a residential group home setting
- Assisted residents with daily routines, hygiene, meals, and life skills
- Provided emotional support, guidance, and mentorship to promote healthy development
- Implemented individualized care plans and behavioral interventions
- Monitored safety and responded to behavioral or emotional crises using de-escalation techniques
- Documented progress, incidents, and behavioral observations accurately
- Collaborated with clinical staff, social workers, and families to support resident growth
Education
High School Diploma -
West Springfield High School
West Springfield, MASkills
- Treatment Planning
- Building rapport
- Crisis intervention
- Suicide prevention
- Expertise in crisis intervention techniques
- Patient advocacy
- Substance abuse support
- Child and adolescent counseling
- Group facilitation
- Substance abuse counseling
- Flexible schedule
- Patient referrals
- Discharge planning
- Bilingual in Spanish
Certification
- Medical Assistant
- Certified Nursing Assistant
- CPI
- First Aide/CPR
Languages
Spanish
Full Professional
English
Full Professional
Timeline
Mental Health Counselor/ Unit Secretary
Holyoke Medical Center Center For Psychiatric
01.2024 - Current
Mental Health Counselor
MiraVista
02.2023 - 10.2025
Residential Counselor
Servicenet
05.2020 - Current
Job Coach
Valley Educational Associates
05.2017 - 10.2021
Residential Direct Care for Adolescents Group Home
Center For Human Development Inc.
01.2016 - 12.2019
Certified Nursing Assistant
Maxim Healthcare
03.2015 - 02.2019
High School Diploma -
West Springfield High School