NICOLE GARR
Frederick
Summary
Experienced clinician with 20 years of demonstrated experience working in the non-profit and healthcare industries. Passionate about helping clients with co-occurring mental health and substance use related problems. Licensed in the states of Maryland and Virginia.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
Work History
Behavioral Health Therapist IV
Behavioral Health Adult Ambulatory Services
03.2014 - Current
- Responsible for assessment, level of care determination, advocacy and referral for adults with mental health needs and/or substance use related concerns
- Makes independent diagnoses using the DSM5 and applies ASAM criteria as appropriate for formulating treatment plan recommendations
- Conducts risk assessments, implements crisis intervention strategies and facilitates inpatient admissions when clinically indicated
- Collaborate with clients, families, the criminal justice system, and other health care providers in order to develop treatment objectives that are person-centered
- Actively engages in interdisciplinary team meetings to coordinate care for clinically complex cases
- Completes utilization reviews and maintains detailed clinical and administrative documentation in accordance with the standards set forth by Inova Health System, Joint Commission and other regulatory bodies
- Develop strong therapeutic relationships, fostering trust and rapport with clients from diverse backgrounds
- Refer clients to specialists, educational outreach programs, or social service agencies for additional interventional needs
- Optimizing scheduling, minimizing cancellations or rescheduling conflicts to maximize clinician availability for clients in need
Senior Therapist (III)
Prince William County CSB
03.2013 - 03.2014
- Responsible for assessment, diagnosis, treatment planning, individual and group therapy for adults with severe mental illness and co-occurring disorders within the Supported Living Services Program
- As a certified pre-admission screener, conducted risk assessments and evaluated need for inpatient hospitalization or crisis stabilization placements
- Provided licensure supervision and administrative oversight to 6 Therapist IIs providing active case management, mental health support services and psychotherapy
- Assisted in developing and implementing best practice programming by training employees in evidenced-based treatment approaches
- Member of a select task force to train and supervise the department's transition to a new EHR system
Division Director
Pathway Homes Inc.
09.2010 - 03.2013
- As a member of the agency's management team, responsible for the development and delivery of a wide range of clinical and residential support services and oversight of the daily operations of programs serving 75 individuals
- Responsible for crisis intervention in an on-call capacity
- Ensured the provision of orientation, clinical supervision, training and evaluation to a team of qualified mental health professionals
- Engaged in ongoing monitoring of all program-related documentation to ensure compliance with Medicaid, DBHDS and CARF standards
- Conducted mental health support service assessments for determining Medicaid eligibility
- Directed all aspects of the Medicaid billing process by performing licensure reviews of individualized service plans and clinical supervision of QMHPs
- Served as an active member of a task-force responsible for the design and implementation of the region's first two consumer-directed programs
- Supervised the development of a HUD funded Supported Housing Program providing housing and services to 25 individuals with chronic homelessness, severe mental illness and other co-occurring disabilities
Mental Health Counselor III
Pathway Homes Inc.
08.2005 - 09.2010
- Served as both clinical supervisor and case manager within the agency's Supported Living Program, serving 50 individuals living with severe mental illness
- Engaged in ongoing clinical assessments, formulated accurate diagnostic impressions, and adapted interventions accordingly
- Collaborated with community partners to review waiting lists of individuals in need of services and triaged appropriately based on individualized needs
- Designed and implemented the agency's training curriculum on person-centered service planning for all new employees
- Assisted director in evaluating program effectiveness and with implementing necessary modifications
- Conducted performance evaluations for supervisees and student interns
- Coordinated and monitored the daily schedule/routine to ensure that the program operated without interruption
Advanced Clinical Intern
Catholic Family Services
04.2004 - 08.2005
- Provided counseling services for individuals, couples and families under the direct supervision of the agency's senior therapist
- Maintained case files in accordance with accreditation (COA) standards
- Provided referrals based on client needs by creating connections with various community resources
- Participated in weekly peer supervision with a multi-disciplinary team to include psychiatric nurses, psychiatrists, licensed therapists, and school counselors
Assault Crisis Worker
YWCA Sexual Assault Program
03.2003 - 08.2004
- Provided counseling and on-site advocacy to survivors of sexual assault and their support systems in hospital emergency rooms
- Participated in extensive and ongoing training in trauma and crisis intervention
- Connected survivors to community and legal resources based on individualized needs
Clinician I
WMU Center for Psychological Services
01.2004 - 05.2004
- Provided individual counseling services to clients under the supervision of doctoral candidates
- Responsible for maintaining clinical files, observing live sessions, offering feedback to peers, and for participating in both group and individual supervision in accordance with CACREP standards
Education
Master of Arts - Counseling Education
Western Michigan University
Kalamazoo, MI01.2005
Bachelor of Arts - Interpersonal Communication and Psychology
Western Michigan University
Kalamazoo, MI01.2002
Skills
- Assessment & Diagnosis
- Process Improvement
- Strength-Based & Person-Centered
- Attention to Detail
- Addiction Recovery & Harm Reduction
- Trauma Informed
- Multidisciplinary Consultation
- Crisis Management
- Solution-focused brief therapy
- Case management
Licenses & Certifications
Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) - Virginia
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) - Maryland
Certified Co-Occurring Disorder Professional (CCDP) - Virginia
Certified Forensic Mental Health Evaluator (CFMHE)
Acupuncture Detoxification Specialist (ADS)
Timeline
Behavioral Health Therapist IV
Behavioral Health Adult Ambulatory Services
03.2014 - Current
Senior Therapist (III)
Prince William County CSB
03.2013 - 03.2014
Division Director
Pathway Homes Inc.
09.2010 - 03.2013
Mental Health Counselor III
Pathway Homes Inc.
08.2005 - 09.2010
Advanced Clinical Intern
Catholic Family Services
04.2004 - 08.2005
Clinician I
WMU Center for Psychological Services
01.2004 - 05.2004
Assault Crisis Worker
YWCA Sexual Assault Program
03.2003 - 08.2004
Bachelor of Arts - Interpersonal Communication and Psychology
Western Michigan University
Master of Arts - Counseling Education
Western Michigan University
Similar Profiles
Ashley NashAshley Nash
Forensic Director at Elwyn Adult Behavioral Health ServicesForensic Director at Elwyn Adult Behavioral Health Services
Margarita Colón-RodríguezMargarita Colón-Rodríguez
Forensic Behavioral Health Clinician II / at Alameda County Adult Forensic Behavioral HealthForensic Behavioral Health Clinician II / at Alameda County Adult Forensic Behavioral Health
Yolanda Sanchez AriasYolanda Sanchez Arias
Office Specialist at Adult Behavioral HealthOffice Specialist at Adult Behavioral Health