Verónica Ann Castañeda
Altadena,CA
Summary
Insightful, Introspective, multicultural/multifaceted Psychotherapist with 13+ years of experience in clinical settings and prior history with urban families outreach programs in various advocacy outreach and multi-faith based contexts. Proficient applying cognitive behavioral therapy to promote client growth and change. Adept facilitating individual and couples therapy with focus on meeting client goals. Hardworking. Psychotherapist with progressive experience across various mental health settings. Background working in in-patient environments. Knowledgeable in providing supervision to interns and volunteers. Empathetic Psychotherapist with 13+year history working within mental health field (all ages, marital dyads, etc., including birth to five, except geriatrics). Proven to build client rapport and facilitate growth. Experienced facilitating individual and family therapy. Personable and proactive Mental Health Counselor focused on building positive rapport with diverse range of clients. Critical thinker thrives under pressure. Specialist in working with clients struggling with addiction and depression. Empathetic Mental Health Counselor proficient in applying CBT and Family Systems skills to facilitate client mental health. Bilingual in English and Spanish with expertise in applying CBT and Restoration Therapy therapeutic approaches to promote patient health and growth. Offering 12 years' experience in the community mental health field. Organized and motivated employee eager to apply time management and organizational skills in various environments. Seeking entry-level opportunities to expand skills while facilitating company growth. Mental Health therapist with demonstrated command of Family Systems and CBT. Multicultural multifaceted expert with developed aptitude for translating contexts of languages and cultures. Multilingual and fluent in English and Spanish, offering solid comprehension of cultural diversity. Authorized to work in the US for any employer
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Mental Health Therapist
Miracles Counseling Center, Inc.
11.2023 - Current
- Established strong rapport with clients by demonstrating empathy, active listening skills, and cultural sensitivity.
- Advocated for clients'' needs within the broader healthcare system when necessary to ensure access to appropriate resources or accommodations during the treatment process.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to provide holistic care for clients, addressing physical, emotional, and social needs.
- Tailored TRC therapeutic approaches to meet the unique needs of diverse client populations, including individuals with substance use disorders and trauma histories.
Primary Therapist
Oasis Detox, Inc.
08.2023 - 11.2023
- Facilitated group therapy sessions for diverse populations promoting interpersonal growth and increased self-awareness among participants.
- Developed strong therapeutic alliances with clients, fostering trust and open communication to facilitate effective treatment.
- Collaborated effectively with insurance providers ensuring proper authorization and coverage for clients'' therapeutic services.
- Maintained strict adherence to ethical guidelines set forth by relevant licensing boards promoting integrity within the profession.
- Reduced relapse rates for substance abuse clients by providing comprehensive aftercare planning and support resources.
Primary Therapist
Monte Nido & Affiliates
11.2022 - 05.2023
- Monte Nido Vista is a multi-disciplinary residential treatment program exclusively for adult females seeking treatment for Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa, Binge Eating Disorder, or Exercise Addiction
- Clementine Malibu Lake, similar to our other Clementine programs, provides the highest level of medical and psychiatric care outside of a hospital within the comfort of a home
- My clinical duties are as follows: provide individual, group, and family therapy
- Serve as liaison with families and outpatient providers, interact with insurance companies for pre-certification and utilization management, participate in discharge and aftercare planning, provide therapeutic meal support, while modeling a healthy relationship with food and provides safe, empathetic, and affirming care for each client and their unique circumstance based on the clients' intersecting identities and complex trauma needs.
Mental Health Therapist
Pacific Clinics, Inc.
11.2013 - 04.2022
- Conducted therapeutic individual and family therapy sessions
- Adhered to HIPAA confidentiality requirements by safeguarding files
- Created client treatment plans based on assessments and goals
- Educated patients, families and caregivers on diagnosis, treatment and disease management, equipping them with tools to achieve and maintain optimal psychiatric and mental health
- Referred clients to external resources for additional support
- Worked closely with parents and teachers to implement consistent behavior therapy techniques at home and school
- Met with 10-15 clients weekly
- Demonstrated sensitivity and competence in treating patients from diverse backgrounds
- Assisted clients with identifying feelings and behaviors by asking open-ended questions
- Collaborated closely with treatment team to appropriately coordinate client care services
- Conferred with clients to discuss treatment options and therapy goals
- Documented service plans, treatment reports and progress notes
- Gauged and documented effectiveness of interventions and treatments
- Diagnosed and formulated treatment goals for patients utilizing current DSM
- Selected and compiled relevant information and resources for clients to support individuals in overcoming mental and emotional problems
- Facilitated weekly group sessions focused on various issues to help groups and individuals
- Checked facility for open windows, locked doors and malfunctioning smoke detectors to maintain client safety
- Documented psychiatric services and responses to treatment in patient case files
- Interacted with families and therapists to inform each party of client's progress within treatment program
- Assisted clients in overcoming dependencies, adjusting to change and removing bad habits
- Counseled patients individually and in group sessions
- Conducted intake interviews, case recording and test interpretation to assist in obtaining treatment for clients
- Developed educational and therapeutic groups to foster participants' independence and social skills
- Utilized crisis intervention, behavior modification and mindfulness techniques to decrease client mental health symptoms
- Collected client information through interviews, observations and tests
- Encouraged and reassured clients throughout transitions to facilitate smooth discharge
- Developed treatment plans based on client mental and physical conditions
- Developed positive working relationships with community resource representatives to improve client service
- Provided individual and group mental health counseling in alignment with evidence-based practice and clinical models
- Performed research tasks to increase knowledge of human behavior and performance
- Observed and reported changes in client appearance, behavior or aptitude to work toward treatment plan goals
- Implemented positive behavior supports for individuals to maximize current living situation
- Presented case history material to review and discuss with other staff members
- Provided counseling for relapse prevention, social issues and mental health problems
- Organized treatment projects that focused on problem-solving skills and creative thinking
- Referred clients to other programs and community agencies to enhance treatment processes
- Interviewed clients to gather data of social and psychiatric relevance
- Worked with parents and teachers to implement consistent behavior therapy techniques at home and school
- Developed and optimized treatment plans to help clients continue to progress
- Performed duties following safety requirements and emergency protocols
- Recorded comprehensive patient histories and coordinated treatment plans with multi-disciplinary team members
- Educated family members and helped each support clients by improving coping techniques
- Implemented CBT treatments for patients
- Assessed mental and physical conditions of clients by consulting with professionals, conducting interviews, and completing assessments
- Improved patient care by communicating with patients' physicians
- Led patients in individual, family, group, and marital therapy sessions
- Gained complete knowledge of relevant statutes, case laws, ethical codes, and regulations to adhere to best practice standards for professional practice
- Executed appropriate risk-assessment and mitigation strategies
- Conducted outreach, advocacy, and rehabilitative services for regular cases and crisis intervention
- Applied advanced counseling techniques to define patient and family issues
- Enhanced counseling services with a multifaceted approach incorporating multiple disciplines
- Prepared evaluation reports based on DSM-IV, DSM-V, and ICD-10 diagnostic tools.
Education
Master of Science in Marriage And Family Therapy -
Fuller Theological Seminary Fuller Theological Seminary
Pasadena, CA12.2013
Master of Arts in Theology -
Vanguard University of Southern California
Costa Mesa, CA12.2010
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology -
Vanguard University of Southern California
Costa Mesa, CA07.2006
College Degree in Ministerial Studies -
Latin American Bible Institute
La Puente, CA06.2002
High school diploma in Ministerial Studies -
Calexico High School
Calexico, CA07.1997
Skills
- Safety and Risk Assessments
- Therapeutic Expertise
- Developing Relationships
- Clinical Documentation
- Tracking Client Progress
- Family Therapy Background
- Family Therapy Aptitude
- Client Goal Planning
- Problem Resolution
- Relationship Building
- Community Resources Specialist
- Active Listening
- Dissociative Disorders Competency
- Conflict Resolution
- Clinical Documentation Mastery
- Planning & Organizing
- Mood Disorders Specialist
- Friendly, Positive Attitude
- English: Spanish: Native/ Bilingual Native/ Bilingual
Certification
- AMFT, 07/01/22, 07/01/23, AMFT #: 120197
- Second subsequent number
Timeline
Mental Health Therapist
Miracles Counseling Center, Inc.
11.2023 - Current
Primary Therapist
Oasis Detox, Inc.
08.2023 - 11.2023
Primary Therapist
Monte Nido & Affiliates
11.2022 - 05.2023
Mental Health Therapist
Pacific Clinics, Inc.
11.2013 - 04.2022
Master of Science in Marriage And Family Therapy -
Fuller Theological Seminary Fuller Theological Seminary
Master of Arts in Theology -
Vanguard University of Southern California
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology -
Vanguard University of Southern California
College Degree in Ministerial Studies -
Latin American Bible Institute
High school diploma in Ministerial Studies -
Calexico High School
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