Will HELFRICH
PORTLAND,OR
Summary
Compassionate and dynamic Senior Social Worker with the Veterans Health Administration, specializing in trauma processing therapies such as Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), and integrating complementary modalities including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and mindfulness-based interventions. Experienced in guiding veterans through complex trauma recovery by co-creating individualized, values-driven treatment plans. Recognized for building strong therapeutic alliances, utilizing holistic practices, and contributing as a supportive, collaborative member of interdisciplinary teams to enhance access to comprehensive, client-centered mental health care.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Senior Social Worker: BHIP
Veterans Health Administration VHA
Monterey, CA
01.2023 - Current
- Serve as a member of the Behavioral Health Interdisciplinary Program (BHIP), providing coordinated care for veterans engaged in mental health treatment.
- Develop and facilitate the Mindfulness-Based Self-Compassion (MBSC) group.
- Participate in multidisciplinary team meetings to collaboratively evaluate complex cases.
- Coordinate care with interdisciplinary teams and community partners to ensure continuity of services.
- Build strong client rapport through active listening and supportive communication.
- Create individualized treatment plans based on comprehensive needs assessments and psychosocial evaluations.
- Maintain full compliance with HIPAA regulations to protect the confidentiality of client records.
Social Worker: BHIP
Veterans Health Administration
Vancouver, WA
01.2021 - 01.2023
- Delivered Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) for individuals with combat, military sexual, or childhood trauma.
- Facilitated therapy sessions for veterans referred by mental health providers for nonmilitary trauma.
- Utilized mindfulness techniques to equip veterans with tools for PTSD symptom management.
- Co-led Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) for moral injury in collaboration with a mental health chaplain.
- Collaborated within the Behavioral Health Interdisciplinary Program (BHIP) to develop effective treatment strategies.
- Conducted comprehensive biopsychosocial assessments for all patients to inform treatment plans.
- Revised treatment plans in consultation with clinical psychiatrist based on patient progress.
- Demonstrated leadership through process improvements and training initiatives within the healthcare team.
Social Worker: SATP
Veterans Health Administration
Portland , OR
10.2017 - 01.2021
- Worked as part of Substance Abuse Treatment Program (SATP) to provide therapeutic support to patients dealing with substance abuse, addiction and mental health issues.
- Co-facilitated PTSD symptom management class with PCT clinician.
- Facilitated Seeking Safety to address co-occurring PTSD and substance use disorder.
- Led three group sessions each week with diverse populations including Dual Diagnosis and veterans over the age of 65.
- Gave presentations to interdisciplinary team members, including clinical documentation and therapeutic observations.
- Performed psychosocial assessments and evaluations of current needs.
- Collaborated closely with treatment team to appropriately coordinate client care services.
- Served as client advocate and promoted ideas that aligned with client best interest.
- Demonstrated sensitivity and competence in treating patients from diverse backgrounds.
- Adhered to HIPAA confidentiality requirements by safeguarding files.
- Responded to crisis situations when severe mental health and behavioral issues arose.
- Referred veterans to residential treatment programs when clients necessitated higher level of care.
- Assisted veterans in getting transportation to treatment facilities outside Portland Metro area, including coordinating with VA Beneficiary Travel office if veteran qualified for travel reimbursement.
General Manager
The Fresh Pot
Portland , Oregon
11.2010 - 09.2017
- Managed staff of 20 across three locations.
- Developed employee handbook, detailed job descriptions and workflow plans to formalize operational systems and procedures.
- Received and reviewed candidate resumes, interviewed applicants and conducted new hire orientations.
Social Work Intern
VETERANS HEALTH ADMINISTRATION
Portland , OR
10.2016 - 06.2017
- Provided individual and group therapy under direction of experienced staff.
- Conducted client interviews to gather information and update case records.
- Attended meetings, training, conferences and seminars to advance professional knowledge.
- Completed admission packets and developed treatment plans to facilitate intake pre-screening process under direction of Social Worker.
Education
Master of Social Work -
Portland State University
Portland, OR06.2017
Bachelor of Arts - English
Lewis And Clark College
Portland, OR05.2002
Skills
- Cognitive processing therapy
- Acceptance and commitment therapy
- Mindfulness-based self-compassion
- Prolonged exposure therapy
- ACT for moral injury
- Mindfulness-based relapse prevention
- Suicide risk assessment
- Behavioral therapy
- Trauma-informed care
- Cognitive behavioral therapy
- Psycho-social assessment
- Treatment planning
- Individual therapy
- Crisis intervention
- Dual diagnosis
Certification
- Licensed Clinical Social Worker Oregon L10202
- Acceptance And Commitment Therapy for Depression - 2024
- Prolonged Exposure for Primary Care - 2024
- Cognitive Processing Therapy - 2020
- Motivational Interviewing - 2019
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Senior Social Worker: BHIP
Veterans Health Administration VHA
01.2023 - Current
Social Worker: BHIP
Veterans Health Administration
01.2021 - 01.2023
Social Worker: SATP
Veterans Health Administration
10.2017 - 01.2021
Social Work Intern
VETERANS HEALTH ADMINISTRATION
10.2016 - 06.2017
General Manager
The Fresh Pot
11.2010 - 09.2017
Master of Social Work -
Portland State University
Bachelor of Arts - English
Lewis And Clark College
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