Tara Larkin
Lehigh Acres
Summary
Compassionate and dedicated Addiction Counselor with extensive experience in both substance abuse treatment and general counseling. Skilled in providing individual and group therapy, developing personalized treatment plans, and supporting clients through recovery and personal growth. Proven ability to help individuals and families identify goals, overcome challenges, and build healthier, more stable lives through evidence-based counseling practices.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Addiction Counselor
Operation PAR
Port Charlotte, FL
11.2024 - Current
- Facilitated individual and group counseling sessions to support recovery from addiction.
- Assisted clients in identifying triggers and developing personalized coping mechanisms, reducing the risk of relapse.
- Provided comprehensive case management services, created treatment plans, and connected clients and families to appropriate resources.
- Developed individual treatment goals based on history and diagnosis.
- Conducted assessments to evaluate client substance use history and mental health status.
- Provided crisis intervention strategies to clients experiencing acute distress.
- Educated clients on coping strategies, relapse prevention, and healthy lifestyle choices.
- Maintained accurate documentation of client progress and treatment outcomes in compliance with regulations.
Behavioral Health Technician
WhiteSands Treatment Center
Fort Myers, FL
01.2019 - 10.2023
- Monitored patient behavior and documented progress to ensure continuity of care.
- Facilitated group therapy sessions, promoting engagement and peer support among clients.
- Conducted client rounds to check on residents.
- Provided crisis intervention services, successfully de-escalating situations and ensuring patient safety.
- Searched resident belongings prior to and during stays.
- Performed client intake procedures according to internal standards for new admissions.
- Took and monitored vital signs, administered medications, and managed patient behavior.
- Delivered compassionate patient care, focusing on safety, comfort and emotional support.
Addiction Counselor
Lighthouse Addiction Services
Fort Myers, FL
08.2018 - 01.2019
- Managed a caseload of 40–50 clients, providing ongoing support, monitoring progress, and coordinating individualized care plans.
- Facilitated 4–6 psychoeducational group sessions weekly, delivering structured curriculum on recovery, life skills, and behavioral health topics.
- Led weekly anger management group sessions, promoting emotional regulation, accountability, and healthy coping strategies.
- Maintained consistent communication with external referral sources, primarily the Department of Corrections, ensuring compliance and continuity of care.
- Conducted and documented urinalysis drug screenings, maintaining accurate records and adherence to program protocols.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Applied Psychology
Hodges University
Fort Myers12-2012
Skills
- Self-awareness
- Relapse prevention
- Dual diagnosis treatment
- Client advocacy
- Assessment skills
- Motivational interviewing
- Substance abuse counseling
- Crisis intervention
- Individual counseling
- Behavior modification
- Empathy development
- Group facilitation
- Treatment Planning
- Documentation proficiency
- Referral coordination
- Substance abuse education
- Client assessment
- Aftercare follow up
- Trauma-informed care
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Problem-solving
- Time management
- Multitasking
- Reliability
- Organizational skills
- Team collaboration
- Effective communication
- Active listening
- Certified in CPR/AED
- Clinical documentation
- Client goal setting
- Patient advocacy
Certification
Substance Abuse Counseling Certification CPR Certification First Aid Certification
Timeline
Addiction Counselor
Operation PAR
11.2024 - Current
Behavioral Health Technician
WhiteSands Treatment Center
01.2019 - 10.2023
Addiction Counselor
Lighthouse Addiction Services
08.2018 - 01.2019
Bachelor of Science - Applied Psychology
Hodges University