Angela Farris LCSW

Professional Summary

Experienced social work professional capable of arranging services, collaborating with individuals and families, and providing ongoing counseling and support. Excellent communication, planning and conflict resolution skills. Currently licensed in Illinois and Missouri. Trained in providing crisis intervention services in addition to routine care and support. Conducts clinical assessments, sets goals and improves patient quality of life with hands-on assistance. Impeccable written and verbal communication skills as well as excellent interpersonal skills.  Strong leadership skills.

Skills

• Illinois Licensed LCSW
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Expert
• Depression and Anxiety Expert
• Biopsyhcosocial Assessments Expert
• Sexual Assault Survivor Counseling
• Organized, Cooperative, and Compassionate
• Group Facilitation
• Effective Leadership
• Missouri Licensed LCSW
• PTSD Expert
• Substance Abuse Treatments
• Crisis Intervention
• Clinical Documentation and Reporting
• Strengths-Based Solutions-Focused Therapy
• Networking

Experience

Clinical Therapist, Jan 2022 – Present
Community and Long Term Care Psychiatry, LLC 

• Provides psychotherapy to a wide range of clients
• Provides CBT, supportive and solutions focused support
• Updates client files with session notes, observations, and diagnostic information.
• Performs client assessments and developed treatment plans
• Practices high level of professionalism to safeguard patient information and maintain data integrity
• Works collaboratively with other mental health professionals to provide consistent care and minimize diversion
• Customizes treatment plans with type, frequency, and duration of therapy. Consulted diverse reference materials to make accurate diagnoses and plan effective treatment strategies.
• Researched and followed best practice guidelines in treatment recommendations and procurement of service delivery.

Clinical Therapist, Sep 2020 – Dec 2021
Quality Staffing Services; Scott Air Force Base – Shiloh, IL

• Developed, implemented, coordinated, and evaluated specialty treatment programs and coordinated and evaluated all activities for active duty military.
• Planned and performed both individual and group psychotherapy regularly including CBT, CPT, PE and motivational interviewing. 
• Conducted psychological assessments and prepared reports associated with assessments of individuals adversely impacted by traumatic life experiences.
• Researched and followed best practice guidelines in treatment recommendations and procurement of service delivery.
• Customized treatment plans with type, frequency, and duration of therapy. Consulted diverse reference materials to make accurate diagnoses and plan effective treatment strategies.
• Updated client files with session notes, observations, and diagnostic information.
• Consulted on cases with doctors, therapists, and clinicians to offer expert advice and improve treatment planning.

Clinical Therapist, Apr 2020 – Current
Betterhelp – Shiloh, IL

• Provided psychotherapy to a wide range of clients for an online platform
• Provided CBT, supportive and solutions focused support
• Utilized live video, live chat and live phone sessions
• Maintained caseload between 10 and 35 patients

Clinical Therapist, Jan 2019 – Oct 2019
Deer Oaks Behavioral Health Solutions – Shiloh, IL

• Deer Oaks purchased Home Psych Services. Maintained stable caseload throughout transition.
• Maintained long-term relationships with clients
• Performed client assessments and developed treatment plans
• Utilized CBT, Supportive Therapy, Validation Therapy, DBT, Motivational Interviewing, and Reminiscing to support clients in meeting therapeutic goals
• Provided clients with recommendations to community resources
• Documented client progress in confidential files
• Mediated conflicts within families to clarify and resolve underlying issues
• Displayed sensitivity to cultural and linguistic needs of clients and families served
• Facilitated smooth discharge by encouraging and reassuring clients throughout transitions
• Worked collaboratively with other mental health professionals to provide consistent care and minimize diversion
• Applied array of different methodologies to assist patients with therapy
• Directed family-centered, strengths-based, culturally competent and individualized intakes and assessments
• Developed goal-oriented, psychoeducation and activity therapy groups to improve clients’ level of functioning
• Managed caseload of at least 10 patient appointments per day.

Clinical Therapist, Jan 2019 – Oct 2019
Home Psych Services, P.C–Purchased by Deer Oaks Behavioral Solutions – Swansea, IL

• Completed full Biopsychosocial assessments to determine best courses of action
• Counseled up to 50 patients weekly with issues such as mood disorders, anxiety, and depression
• Worked collaboratively with other mental health professionals to provide consistent care and minimize diversion
• Completed required documentation for continued therapy coverage by insurance companies to meet deadlines
• Developed individual treatment goals based on history and diagnosis.

Clinician Social Worker Field Care Manager, Apr 2018 – Dec 2018
WellCare Health Plans Inc – Swansea, IL

• Practiced high level of professionalism to safeguard patient information and maintain data integrity
• Coordinated implementation of health programs and initiatives in collaboration with professionals and technical personnel
• Maintained appropriate filing of personal and professional documentation
• Documented residents’ behavior in terms of mental status, sleeping and eating patterns in medical record books
• Reduced care costs without sacrificing quality through effective service coordination and multidisciplinary collaboration Identified care needs of individual patients and coordinated responses based on physician advice, insurance limitations and procedural costs
• Worked with different disciplines to provide cohesive care to patients
• Educated patients and loved ones about different treatment options and outside care approaches, reducing burden on hospital resources.

Clinical Therapist, Sep 2016 – Apr 2018
Edgewood Clinician Services – Naperville, IL

• Scheduled regular patient appointments and new patient consultations
• Maintained long-term relationships with clients
• Maintained excellent attendance record, consistently arriving to work on time
• Utilized positive uncertainty and multi-systemic family systems therapy to encourage clients and help to handle ambiguity, accept inconsistencies and trust intuition in decision-making
• Encouraged patients to discuss experiences in group and individual settings
• Applied array of different methodologies to assist patients with therapy
• Developed goal-oriented, psychoeducation and activity therapy groups to improve clients’ level of functioning
• Directed family-centered, strengths-based, culturally competent and individualized intakes and assessments
• Mediated conflicts within families to clarify and resolve underlying issues Facilitated smooth discharge by encouraging and reassuring clients throughout transitions
• Delivered client assessments for those struggling with addiction or relationship issues and implemented strategies based on client needs
• Worked collaboratively with other mental health professionals to provide consistent care and minimize diversion
• Led educational seminars and lectures at local community mental health centers to expand awareness of mental health symptoms and issues
• Managed caseload of 55 patients with substance dependence and co-occurring Axis I and Axis II disorders.

Psychosocial Rehabilitation Coordinator, Jan 2013 – Jun 2016
Family counseling Center LLC – Kennett, MO

• Responsible for day to day operations of the Psychosocial Rehabilitation services for entire Adult CPRC program in three locations
• Provided clinical supervision to 10 staff Responsible for approximately 100 consumers in outpatient program
• Conducted annual appraisals, privilege assessments, and staff development plans
• Conducted annual assessments and developed treatment plans for consumers
• Developed and facilitated in-service training for staff and volunteers
• Practiced Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Structural Family Therapy
• Worked with chronically mentally ill adults, the homeless and dually diagnosed adults.

Field Instructor, Jan 2014 – May 2014
University of Missouri, CO – Columbia, MO

• Used different instructional techniques to obtain and retain student interest in subject matter
• Guided students through exercises to challenge personal world views and open individual minds to different approaches
• Educated students in strategies for utilizing core principles of discipline to address practical problems in field
• Conducted weekly meetings with field students
• Critiqued written assignments and provided guidance during practice experience
• Victim Advocate/Sexual Assault Advocate/Court Advocate.

Victim Advocate/Sexual Assault Advocate/Court Advocate – Jan 2007 – Jan 2013
Haven House, Inc – Poplar Bluff, MO

• Liaised with members of justice system on behalf of clients
• Accompanied clients to court to clarify processes and procedures
• Attended inter-agency meetings and networked to create community partnerships
• Provided comprehensive services including assessments, goal setting, and service plans Developed safety plans to meet clients assessment of needs
• Constructed referral list of agencies and community resources to provide aftercare services to clients
• Supported clients, family members and witnesses through various systems including law enforcement, health care, and social services
• Spear headed awareness through public speaking to community and business groups
• Established treatment plans with short and long term goals Coordinated individual and group counseling to meet clients service standards 
• Reported child abuse in accordance with legal standards of mandatory reporters
• Completed home welfare checks to align with state and program guidelines
• Conducted individual six week program “Healing from Rape” with clients.

Accomplishments

• Certified SAP with United Stated Department of Transportation: Inactive
• Certified Clinical Trauma Professional: Inactive
• Certified Equine Centered CBT Therapist: Inactive
• Developed a career ladder for Adult CPRC program to increase staff development and quality of care for mental health consumers
• Developed and facilitated Anger Management Program
• Developed and implemented consumer incentive and fundraiser programs
• Developed annual Support the Troops program
• Developed a Sexual Assault Response Team including brochures and signs to place in exam rooms alerting patients to available help, and a local resource list to be given to patients as they exit the emergency room. 

Education

MSW Clinical Social Work – May 2012
University of Missouri – Columbia, MO

• Graduated with 4.0 GPA
• Trauma Concentration
• Professional portfolio developed with concentration in trauma, domestic and sexual violence

Bachelor of Science: Psychology/Sociology – May 2006
Southeast Missouri State University – Cape Girardeau, MO

• Member of Psi Chi National Honor Society in Psychology
• Dean’s List
• Graduated with 3.67 GPA
• Featured Presenter: presented original research at State of Illinois Psi Chi Convention