TERRI A. HUNTER
Summary
Accomplished and licensed professional counselor in New Jersey, Colorado, South Carolina, and Pennsylvania, with extensive experience in developing, implementing, and coordinating mental health and substance abuse services. Expertise includes psychiatric, suicide, and depression assessments, along with comprehensive care across inpatient, outpatient, and residential settings, including effective discharge planning. Proven ability to build partnerships and nurture trusted relationships with governmental and non-governmental organizations to create growth opportunities and enhance care delivery. Skilled in employing person-centered approaches and evidence-based techniques to support clients in overcoming psychological challenges while developing individualized treatment plans that prioritize mental well-being.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
4
4
License Professional Counselor
Work History
Psychotherapist
CHE Behavioral Health Services
10.2025 - Current
- Conduct psychosocial assessments, mental health screenings, and ongoing evaluations for residents.
- Provide individual psychotherapy to residents experiencing depression, anxiety, grief, trauma, adjustment disorders, cognitive decline, and behavioral disturbances.
- Develop, implement, and update individualized treatment plans in accordance with clinical findings, care goals, and regulatory standards.
- Deliver crisis intervention and de-escalation support for residents experiencing acute emotional distress or behavioral concerns.
- Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams including physicians, nursing staff, social services, rehabilitation therapists, and administration.
- Provide family education and support, including guidance on coping with aging, illness progression, dementia, and end-of-life issues.
- Monitor residents for changes in mental status, mood, cognition, and behavior, and communicate concerns promptly to the care team.
- Maintain timely, accurate clinical documentation in compliance with facility policies, HIPAA, and state/federal regulations.
- Participate in care plan meetings, utilization reviews, and treatment team conferences.
- Support residents through life transitions, including admission adjustment, loss of independence, and end-of-life care.
- Ensure services align with Medicare/Medicaid requirements, facility standards, and ethical guidelines.
Behavioral Health Clinician
Horizon BCBSNJ
06.2025 - Current
- Conduct clinical reviews for behavioral health and substance use disorder services, including inpatient, partial hospitalization, intensive outpatient, and outpatient levels of care.
- Apply medical necessity criteria (e.g., ASAM, LOCUS, DSM-5) to authorize, extend, or deny services in accordance with policy and regulatory standards.
- Perform telephonic and electronic clinical reviews with providers to gather clinical information and assess level-of-care appropriateness.
- Provide after-hours behavioral health coverage, including crisis triage, authorization decisions, and member safety assessments as needed.
- Collaborate with care managers, medical directors, and provider networks to support timely, appropriate treatment planning.
- Identify risk factors, including suicidality, self-harm, substance misuse, and acute psychiatric decompensation, and initiate appropriate interventions or escalations.
- Facilitate care coordination and discharge planning to promote continuity of care and reduce readmissions.
- Ensure compliance with state and federal regulations, accreditation standards, and Horizon BCBS policies.
- Maintain accurate, timely clinical documentation within utilization management systems and electronic platforms.
- Communicate authorization decisions clearly and professionally to providers and internal stakeholders.
Psychotherapist
Grow Therapy – Private Practice
03.2023 - Current
- Provide telehealth therapy to adolescents and adults between the ages of 14 – 65 who are struggling with anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, and substance use disorder.
- Diagnose and develop appropriate treatment plans for clients utilizing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Psychoeducation, and Interpersonal Therapy.
- Complete required clinical notes for billing purposes in the online EHR system (Advanced MD)
- Provide appropriate clinical and medical referrals for the client’s continuation of care.
Psychotherapist
Lifestance Health – NJ Behavioral Healthcare
03.2023 - 11.2025
- Provide telehealth therapy to adolescents and adults between the ages of 14 – 65 who are struggling with anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, and substance use disorder.
- Diagnose and develop appropriate treatment plans for clients utilizing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Psychoeducation, and Interpersonal Therapy.
- Complete required clinical notes for billing purposes in the online EHR system (Advanced MD)
- Provide appropriate clinical and medical referrals for the client’s continuation of care.
- Collaborated with healthcare professionals to coordinate holistic care for clients.
- Implemented program improvements based on client feedback and therapeutic outcomes analysis.
- Maintained accurate documentation of client progress and treatment interventions in compliance with regulations.
- Established a safe and supportive environment for clients, fostering open communication and trust during therapy sessions.
- Evaluated client progress regularly, adjusting treatment plans as necessary based on changing needs or circumstances.
- Worked with clinical psychiatrist and primary care physician to review patient progress and update treatment plans.
- Maintained and updated patient records, changes in service plans and treatment reports.
- Provided crisis support and emergency care for patients.
Psychotherapist
Brightside Health
08.2023 - 10.2025
- Provide telehealth therapy to adults between the ages of 18 – 65 who are struggling with anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, and substance use disorder through their employee assistance program.
- Diagnose and develop appropriate treatment plans for clients utilizing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Psychoeducation, Interpersonal Therapy, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy.
- Complete required clinical notes for billing purposes in the online EHR system (Advanced MD)
- Provide appropriate clinical and medical referrals for the client’s continuation of care.
- Developed personalized treatment plans based on comprehensive assessments and ongoing evaluations.
- Conducted individual and group therapy sessions to support client mental health needs.
- Utilized evidence-based therapeutic techniques to enhance client coping strategies and resilience.
- Mentored junior staff in therapeutic practices and ethical considerations in psychotherapy.
- Led workshops on mental health awareness and coping skills for community outreach initiatives.
Senior E.D. Psychiatric Screener
Trinitas Regional Medical Center – Robert Wood Johnson
12.2020 - 06.2024
- Respond to 50+ mobile outreach calls, providing assessments & interventions to people experiencing a mental health crisis.
- Conduct psychiatric, suicide & violence risk assessments, identifying treatable & modifiable risks & informing treatment.
- Oversee patient access to high-quality care by issuing appropriate interventions & referrals for inpatient & outpatient treatment.
- Minimize caregiver distress and the overall impact on their health by supporting families of admitted patients.
- Developed a reputation for professional and empathetic interaction with patients, resulting in 99% patient satisfaction rates.
- Work collaboratively with psychiatrists, nurses, DCPP, and New Jersey police departments for incoming patients experiencing a mental health crisis.
- Work collaboratively with insurance companies to provide clinical reports to obtain authorizations for inpatient admissions.
Behavioral Health Specialist
Three Wire System/ MyVet Advisor - Contract
02.2023 - 08.2023
- Conduct telehealth mental health assessments for military service members in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Colorado for pre- and post-deployment assessments in a remote call center.
- Respond to 30+ calls from military service members providing assessments & interventions to military service members experiencing a mental health crisis.
- Oversee patient access to high-quality care by issuing appropriate interventions & referrals for inpatient & outpatient treatment.
Mental Health Program Director/Clinician
StrongMinds Inc.
06.2022 - 03.2023
- Planned, organized, and implemented depression treatment programs for clients between the ages of 16 and 30, improving mental health in BIPOC communities.
- Leverage the IPT-G model to address participant interpersonal relationships while facilitating daily depression support groups.
- Generate content for education and counseling programs to ensure high-quality service delivery & achieve instructional outcomes.
- Gained 3+ new community partnerships to expand program outreach and growth, generating additional revenue & clients.
- Managed two staff members to drive the success of the mental health program & ensure excellent working experience.
- Pioneered a mental health program in Newark, providing mental health awareness to youth and adults in the community.
- Implementing depression treatment programs in New Jersey colleges & universities and public schools
- Hire and supervise licensed mental health professionals to facilitate IPT-depression groups in Newark schools and in the community.
Assistant Program Director
Comprehensive Behavioral Healthcare, KARE Program
09.2021 - 06.2022
- Assisted in the daily operations of a co-ed adolescent PCH mental health facility for nine youths.
- Developed comprehensive treatment plans for youth with various diagnoses ranging from depression to bipolar disorder experiencing self-harm behaviors.
- Provided person-centered individual and group therapy using CBT, DBT, and strength-based interventions for youth ages 12 – 17 years old.
- Provided family counseling to the youth and their families to assist in reunifying youth with their parent/guardian.
- Coordinated and obtain referrals from the Children’s System of Care (CSOC) for adolescents appropriate for PCH level of care.
- Discharge planning for youth near the completion of treatment by coordinating meetings with external community agencies, including hospitals, School districts, DCP&P detention centers, and CMOs as needed for continuation of care.
- Aid in staff development by conducting individual and group supervision to bachelor and master’s level counselors.
- Completed monthly staff evaluations for staff development and according to KARE program policy
- Conducted and participated in monthly clinical treatment team meetings with DCF – Bergen Paramus Campus, CMO, DCP&P, and parent/guardian to discuss the youth’s progress in treatment.
- Provided clinical on-call coverage for staff during crises.
- Screened and assessed youths who are displaying homicidal and suicidal ideations and locate mobile crises as needed.
- Developed appropriate safety plans for youths who are at risk for elopement, self-harm behaviors, etc.
Co-occurring & Outpatient Clinician
Centerpath Wellness
02.2018 - 07.2020
- Provided individual therapy to adults 18 and older in the intensive outpatient co-occurring program to decrease substance use, depressive symptoms, anxiety, and trauma.
- Facilitated ongoing, daily, co-occurring groups utilizing psychoeducation, coping mechanisms, and medication education.
- Conducted intake assessments to develop appropriate treatment plans and rehabilitative and targeted case management for clients.
- Supervised partial care and intern-level clinicians seeking licensure.
- Completed all required documentation for billing purposes.
- Provided individual therapy in the outpatient program to clients with severe mental illnesses struggling with daily life stressors and increased psychiatric symptoms.
- Collaborated with APNs and psychiatrists to address medication issues with clients.
- Addressed crises utilizing suicide assessments, collaborating with psychiatric screeners and family members regarding client care, and arranging hospitalizations in the office.
- Developed and maintained relationships with psychiatric hospitalizations, DCP&P, and NJ Courts, including Probation/Parole offices for discharge planning for prospective clients.
- Developed and maintained individual treatment plans according to Medicaid regulations utilizing the Care Logic electronic system.
- Participated in treatment team meetings and supervision to discuss prospective client’s appropriation for MICA, Partial Care or Outpatient treatment, current client issues & treatment trends.
- Connected clients to appropriate resources for housing, health insurance, inpatient mental health and substance abuse facilities, domestic violence groups, and anger management.
Mental Health Associate
Newark Beth Israel Medical Center
03.2018 - 12.2019
- Delivered hands-on care to an average of 10 to 20 inpatients on the voluntary and involuntary psychiatric units.
- Collaborated with nurses to develop individual treatment plans.
- Maintained detailed records of patient’s behavior and health status daily to report to treatment teams.
- Conducted daily psycho-educational groups and peer lead groups to increase group attendance.
- Maintained safety and security of the unit by recording 15-minute observations of patients’ behaviors and moods on the unit in the ECR.
Wellness Clinician
Bridgeway Rehabilitation Services
05.2016 - 11.2017
- Provided mental health education, community living skills, and counseling in the client’s home to person-served and significant others, including family and friends in Middlesex & Monmouth County
- Utilized cognitive-behavioral interventions to decrease anxiety, depression, and stress and addressed nutrition, diet, and social skills.
- Participated in 24-hour on-call coverage for crises.
Social Service Counselor
Comprehensive Behavioral Healthcare
03.2015 - 10.2016
- Provided on-site supervision to 5 - 8 consumers transitioning from Greystone Psychiatric Hospital
- Monitored medication administration and provided psychoeducation on client diagnoses.
- Transported clients to AA/NA meetings and medical appointments.
- Provided supportive counseling & crisis intervention as needed.
- Assisted clients in daily living skills (i.e., cooking, cleaning laundry and residence)
- Rotated on-call supervision biweekly.
- Developed individualized treatment plans in collaboration with multidisciplinary teams.
- Provided counseling support to clients, addressing emotional and behavioral challenges.
Child & Family Mental Health Counselor
Best in Care Solutions Inc.
03.2015 - 06.2016
- Assisted parents in improving daily living skills that provided a stable, safe, and nurturing environment.
- Assessed parental strengths and mental health needs and implemented strategies to increase positive parenting, household management skills, effective communication with the Department of Child Protection and Permanency
- Documented all interactions with parents and children to provide to their DCP&P case managers.
- Served as a liaison between parent and child and provided education on effective communication utilizing the family systems approach.
- Attended 3-4 weekly meetings with families to work on the treatment plan provided by their DCP&P social workers.
Clinical Mental Health Case Manager
Alternatives Inc.
05.2015 - 05.2016
- Supervised 5 group homes for 15 adults with co-occurring diagnoses.
- Supervised 8+ residential staff throughout Somerset County.
- Linked clients to supportive community resources (i.e., partial care, medical and psychiatric treatment, community social organizations
- Advocated for clients to receive adequate services.
- Provided in-home counseling using cognitive-behavioral and solution-focused interventions.
- Conducted weekly group home therapy to discuss conflict resolution, anger management, and social skills.
Education
MA - Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Caldwell University
Caldwell, New Jersey12.2016
BA - Psychology
Bloomfield College
Bloomfield, New Jersey05.2013
Skills
- Building rapport
- Motivational interviewing
- Case documentation
- Treatment Planning
- Psychosocial assessment
- Facilitating counseling sessions
- Substance abuse counseling
- Crisis intervention
- Suicide risk assessment
- Multicultural competence
- Group therapy facilitation
- Discharge planning
Affiliations
- American Counseling Association, December 2016 - Present
- National Association for Black Counselors, September 2021- Present
Certification
- Licensed Professional Counselor, 37PC00864900, New Jersey, 10/21/2024, 2022 – November 30, 2026
- Licensed Professor Counselor, PC015436, State of Pennsylvania, March 11, 2023 – February 28, 2027
- Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC.0019147, State of Colorado September 1, 2025 - August 31, 2027
- Licensed Professional Counselor, 8883, State of South Carolina June 17,2025 – August 31, 2027
- Board Certified Tele-Mental Health Professional, National Board for Certified Counselors, November 2022 – Present
- National Board of Certified Counselors, 670477, January 2023 – January 2028
- New Jersey Certified Mental Health Screener, S-5449, Rutgers University Behavioral Health Care Technical Assistance Center (UBHC-TAC), New Brunswick, New Jersey, January 2021 - Present
- National Provider Identifier, New Jersey, 1275125676
- Notary of the Public, State of New Jersey, 0050086100, July 2023 – July 2028
- American Red Cross & First Aid, October 2021 – October 2023
HONORS AND AWARDS
Chi Sigma Iota Counseling Academic & Professional Honor Society 2016, Sigma Alpha Pi, National Society of Leadership and Success 2015, Who’s Who Among Colleges and Universities Award 2013
Timeline
Psychotherapist
CHE Behavioral Health Services
10.2025 - Current
Behavioral Health Clinician
Horizon BCBSNJ
06.2025 - Current
Psychotherapist
Brightside Health
08.2023 - 10.2025
Psychotherapist
Grow Therapy – Private Practice
03.2023 - Current
Psychotherapist
Lifestance Health – NJ Behavioral Healthcare
03.2023 - 11.2025
Behavioral Health Specialist
Three Wire System/ MyVet Advisor - Contract
02.2023 - 08.2023
Mental Health Program Director/Clinician
StrongMinds Inc.
06.2022 - 03.2023
Assistant Program Director
Comprehensive Behavioral Healthcare, KARE Program
09.2021 - 06.2022
Senior E.D. Psychiatric Screener
Trinitas Regional Medical Center – Robert Wood Johnson
12.2020 - 06.2024
Mental Health Associate
Newark Beth Israel Medical Center
03.2018 - 12.2019
Co-occurring & Outpatient Clinician
Centerpath Wellness
02.2018 - 07.2020
Wellness Clinician
Bridgeway Rehabilitation Services
05.2016 - 11.2017
Clinical Mental Health Case Manager
Alternatives Inc.
05.2015 - 05.2016
Social Service Counselor
Comprehensive Behavioral Healthcare
03.2015 - 10.2016
Child & Family Mental Health Counselor
Best in Care Solutions Inc.
03.2015 - 06.2016
BA - Psychology
Bloomfield College
MA - Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Caldwell University