Lara Bradford
Bel Air
Summary
Clinical research specialist and licensed mental health therapist working at the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), a division of the NIH, for the past 10 years. Expertise in screening, evaluation, and assessment, crisis management, and patient recruitment. Robust knowledge of data analysis, strong analytical skills, and the ability to manage multiple projects concurrently to improve our clinical program.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
Work History
Clinical Research Specialist
National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA/NIH)
Baltimore
07.2023 - Current
- Conduct mental health evaluations using various tools (SCID, MINI, IQ testing, etc.). and alcohol and substance use disorder assessments and provide referrals for various levels of treatment.
- Assess for suicidal ideation, and complete patient safety documents as required per protocol.
- Explore and implement new recruitment strategies that align with our investigators' sought-after participant populations.
- Oversee the development of recruitment materials, and work with study teams, our health communications strategist, public communication teams, and the IRB to ensure materials are engaging, diverse, and promote non-stigmatizing language.
- Manage all online advertising accounts on numerous platforms (Facebook, Instagram, Reddit, Craigslist, X/Twitter, etc.). And engage with the online community to demystify clinical research.
- Track all advertising expenditures by protocol and PI, and share monthly financial reports with all invested stakeholders.
- Present metrics and stats during program-wide monthly meetings.
- Manage a government purchase card to facilitate purchasing and tracking our team’s budget.
- Lead a team that developed and maintains a public-facing recruitment website
Clinical Protocol Coordinator
National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA/NIH)
Baltimore
10.2021 - 07.2023
- Assist in coordinating and conducting the screening process of candidates for the NIDA IRP’s clinical research studies.
- Determine whether participants meet qualifications for various clinical trials based on the study protocol's inclusion & exclusion criteria.
- Lead a biweekly, multi-disciplinary clinical rounds meeting for principal investigators, clinical directors, and clinic-wide attendance.
- Vice Chair of the Clinical SOP Committee to create and maintain a safe, ethical, and consistent standard of practices for our clinical program.
- Schedule regular meetings with investigators and research teams to discuss participant eligibility.
- Provide clinical license supervision, and crisis management to staff.
- Administer mental health and substance use evaluations to determine the presence and severity of DSM-5 psychiatric disorders.
- Assess participants for suicidality and safety and provide referrals for inpatient and outpatient mental health treatment
- Facilitate the participant remuneration process.
Clinical Reviewer
National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA/NIH)
Baltimore
10.2020 - 09.2021
- Determine whether participants meet qualifications for various clinical trials based on study protocol inclusion/exclusion criteria
- Facilitate communication between screening team and Principal and Associate Investigators to ensure continuity of information and a streamlined process for participants
- Administer mental health and substance use disorder evaluations and assessments to review for protocol eligibility and refer to treatment as indicated
- Assess for suicidality and provide referrals for inpatient and outpatient mental health treatment
- Attend various weekly study team meetings to discuss pending participants and review candidates for potential medical clearance
- Provide crisis management and staff consultation to other counselors and screening staff
- Review phone screens from screening team as needed and coordinate with MAIs to determine participant’s potential eligibility
- Facilitate participant remuneration process
Clinical Research Counselor/Manager
National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA/NIH)
Baltimore
10.2015 - 09.2020
- Conduct mental health evaluations and assessments during screenings to identify concerns.
- Identified need for inpatient or outpatient care based on suicidality assessment.
- Administer Substance Use Disorder evaluations to determine the presence of and/or severity of substance use disorders, and make referrals for treatment.
- Evaluated eligibility of participants for multiple clinical trials based on protocol criteria.
- Manage participant complaints, and offer staff consultations in crisis situations.
- Create schedules, manage timesheets, & complete evaluations for phone screening staff
IOP Therapist (PRN- ~10 hours weekly)
Ashley Addiction Treatment
Bel Air
09.2017 - 09.2018
- Facilitated 3-hour IOP groups based on current evidence-based research with up to 20 patients per session
- Documented mental status and post-acute withdrawal symptoms during each group
- Completed progress notes, tracked attendance, and submitted billing on the day of service
- Handled crisis situations and conducted safety assessments in coordination with attending physician
Inpatient Psychiatric Referral Specialist
University of Maryland Medical Center
Baltimore
10.2013 - 10.2015
- Reviewed referrals from emergency rooms and medical floors across the DMV for patients in need of psychiatric inpatient placements
- Coordinated with social workers, therapists, nurses, and physicians to gather all necessary information regarding a patient’s psychiatric history to determine appropriateness of admissions/transfers
- Met with the Medical Director and/or attending physicians in real time to review all incoming cases and notify hospitals of final decision
- Maintained up to date census for hospital legality for adult, child, and geriatric psychiatric floors
- Updated court docket and acted as a hospital presenter in weekly involuntary hearings and appeals on the psychiatric units
- Acted as the hospital presenter in weekly medical panels to determine the course of action for patients refusing psychiatric and somatic medications
Mental Health Therapist (Intern then part time staff)
Urban Behavioral Associates
Baltimore
02.2014 - 05.2015
- Maintained caseload of around 25 individuals on a weekly or biweekly basis
- Utilized CBT techniques in an individual setting with individualized treatment plans
- Completed ITPs and progress notes in accordance with COMAR regulations
- Completed intake assessments and diagnosing, under the supervision of clinic director
- Co-facilitated weekly group therapy sessions
- Coordinated with psychiatrists, psychiatric rehab programs, vocational services, DSS caseworkers, pharmacies, substance abuse clinics, and families to ensure continuity of care
Psychiatric Rehabilitation Therapist
Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center
Baltimore
09.2011 - 10.2013
- Worked one on one with individuals with severe and chronic mental illness to facilitate progress in a wellness and recovery-based program
- Coordinated treatment with mental health provides, primary care, families, community services, vocational specialists, residential programs, and other invested supports
- Developed Individualized Rehabilitation Plans (IRP) at a minimum of every 6 months
- Maintained caseload of up to 45 clients
- Communicated with various mental health clinicians from inpatient facilities and intensive outpatient programs to assist in discharge planning/step down services
- Engaged in a 'Crisis Response Team' to assist clients with developing and implementing effective interventions during periods of crisis
- Conducted weekly intakes and maintained charts in compliance with COMAR regulations
Education
M.S. - Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Johns Hopkins University
05-2015
B.S - Psychology
Towson University
05-2011
Skills
- Clinical trial coordination
- Patient recruitment
- Evaluating Inclusion/Exclusion criteria
- Mental health assessments
- Crisis Management
- Substance Use Disorder Evaluations
- Presentation skills
- Diagnostic interviews
- IQ testing
- Financial Operations
- Data management and entry
- LCPC Supervision/Mentoring
- Standard Operating Procedures
- Online social media advertising
- Government purchase cardholder
- Good clinical practice
- Informed consent process
- Protocol development
- IRB submissions
Professional Affiliations Associations
American Counseling Association
Current License And Certifications
- Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC), Maryland, LC8134
- LCPC Approved Supervisor (Clinical supervision for trainees), 08/2022 - Present
- American Heart Association Basic Life Support (CPR and AED Program)
Timeline
Clinical Research Specialist
National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA/NIH)
07.2023 - Current
Clinical Protocol Coordinator
National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA/NIH)
10.2021 - 07.2023
Clinical Reviewer
National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA/NIH)
10.2020 - 09.2021
IOP Therapist (PRN- ~10 hours weekly)
Ashley Addiction Treatment
09.2017 - 09.2018
Clinical Research Counselor/Manager
National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA/NIH)
10.2015 - 09.2020
Mental Health Therapist (Intern then part time staff)
Urban Behavioral Associates
02.2014 - 05.2015
Inpatient Psychiatric Referral Specialist
University of Maryland Medical Center
10.2013 - 10.2015
Psychiatric Rehabilitation Therapist
Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center
09.2011 - 10.2013
M.S. - Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Johns Hopkins University
B.S - Psychology
Towson University