Trista Charnas
Summary
Mental Health Professional experienced in psychotherapy, case management, and community-based care with a focus on workplace mental health consulting. Delivered evidence-based, trauma-informed support through cognitive-behavioral, play therapy, art therapy, and family systems modalities, including Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy for treatment-resistant conditions. Managed complex caseloads and coordinated multidisciplinary care to enhance access to services and improve client outcomes.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
Work History
Behavioral Health Counselor
Klarisana
Aurora
12.2021 - Current
- Provided Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) sessions for clients with treatment-resistant depression, PTSD, anxiety, and related mood disorders.
- Delivered trauma-informed psychotherapy through ketamine-assisted states to facilitate cognitive restructuring, emotional regulation, and achieve therapeutic breakthroughs.
- Facilitated pre-session preparation, in-session therapeutic support during KAP dosing sessions, and post-session integration therapy to support emotional processing and insight integration.
- Conducted clinical assessments, intake evaluations, and ongoing therapeutic monitoring to assess client suitability and track treatment progress throughout KAP process.
- Collaborated with medical providers and interdisciplinary clinical teams to ensure safe, ethical, and coordinated care during all phases of KAP treatment.
- Educated clients on KAP process, safety considerations, and integration strategies to enhance therapeutic outcomes.
- Documented client responses, clinical observations, and treatment progress in compliance with HIPAA and organizational standards.
Therapist
Creative Counseling Center
05.2019 - 06.2021
- Incorporated art therapy and other expressive modalities to help clients communicate emotions, develop coping skills, and process difficult experiences in developmentally appropriate ways.
- Facilitated family therapy sessions to enhance communication, strengthen relationships, and resolve conflicts within family systems.
- Developed and implemented individualized treatment plans tailored to clinical assessments, developmental needs, and family goals.
- Applied trauma-informed and strengths-based interventions to promote emotional regulation, resilience, and healthy attachment.
- Utilized play therapy techniques to support emotional expression, attachment development, and trauma processing in young children.
- Coordinated care with Victims Compensation programs and community referral agencies to enhance client access to services and ensure continuity of treatment.
- Worked closely with schools, case managers, probation officers (if applicable), and external providers to support comprehensive, wraparound care.
- Provided psychoeducation to parents and caregivers regarding child development, behavior management strategies, and therapeutic interventions.
- Maintained accurate clinical documentation, treatment plans, and progress notes in compliance with ethical, legal, and organizational standards.
Contract Therapist
Griffith Center for Children Chin’s Up
08.2018 - 05.2019
- Conducted biopsychosocial assessments, ongoing clinical evaluations, and individualized treatment planning based on client and family needs.
- Provided intensive in-home and community-based mental health therapy to children, adolescents, and families enrolled in Medicaid services.
- Delivered clinical interventions in natural environments (home, school, and community settings) to address behavioral, emotional, and family system challenges.
- Supported clients experiencing trauma, anxiety, depression, attachment disruptions, and behavioral dysregulation using trauma-informed, strengths-based approaches.
- Utilized evidence-based interventions and family systems work to enhance communication and stability, fostering improved family functioning.
- Collaborated with caregivers to develop effective behavior management strategies, parenting skills, and supportive routines for home environments.
- Coordinated care with schools, case managers, and probation officers to ensure comprehensive wraparound services and continuity of care.
Ongoing Case Manager
Colorado Access
06.2008 - 12.2018
- Managed a high-volume caseload of approximately 140 clients, ensuring timely follow-up, service coordination, and compliance with individualized care plans.
- Conducted in-home intake and ongoing assessments for individuals and families enrolled in Medicaid waiver services to determine eligibility, needs, and appropriate level of care.
- Coordinated client access to community resources and support services, enhancing service delivery through collaboration with behavioral health providers, housing supports, medical services, and social service agencies.
- Maintained proactive communication with community partners and agencies to facilitate service delivery and ensure continuity of care.
- Documented all case activity, assessments, service plans, and client interactions in detailed case files in compliance with Medicaid regulations and agency standards.
- Met all state-mandated timelines for assessments, reassessments, service authorizations, and required documentation.
- Provided onboarding support and informal training to new case management staff, including guidance on documentation, workflow processes, and compliance requirements.
- Collaborated in weekly interdisciplinary team meetings to review cases, troubleshoot barriers, and develop coordinated service strategies.
- Advocated for client needs, ensuring compliance with Medicaid waiver guidelines while promoting access to essential services.
Education
Master of Science - Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Regis University
Denver, CO05-2019
Master of Arts - Youth, Adult and Family Services
Purdue University
West Lafayette, IN12-2008
Skills
- Psychotherapeutic techniques
- Clinical evaluation
- Treatment strategies
- Crisis intervention
- Evidence-based methods
- Compliance documentation
- Resource linkage
- Mental health support
- Family systems
- Behavior change
- Team collaboration
- Interdisciplinary teamwork
- Leadership skills
- Emotional regulation
- Conflict resolution
Timeline
Behavioral Health Counselor
Klarisana
12.2021 - Current
Therapist
Creative Counseling Center
05.2019 - 06.2021
Contract Therapist
Griffith Center for Children Chin’s Up
08.2018 - 05.2019
Ongoing Case Manager
Colorado Access
06.2008 - 12.2018
Master of Science - Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Regis University
Master of Arts - Youth, Adult and Family Services
Purdue University