Michelle Friedman, Lcsw, Pmh-C Email & Phone Number

Tampa/St. Petersburg, Florida Area, Remote

Duties included applying all medical necessity criteria to treatment requests to assist members in accessing, and providers in administering, the level of care that will best help to increase empowerment and improve overall quality of life. Comply with established referral, precertification and authorization policies, procedures and processes. -Implemented Utilization Management to improve delivery of services and adhere to medical necessity criteria. -Maintained compliance with federal and state regulations and contractual agreements. Assisted with and conducted on-site trainings to local providers, supporting and training 20+ new staff members of the Child Welfare Specialty Plan. -Managed services for all Specialized Therapeutic Group Home (STGH) level of care for 200+ members residing in 10 STGH placements throughout the state of Florida. -Assisted out-of-state markets and other departments in Florida with workload completion to comply with deadlines. -Conducted online national Utilization Management trainings for 10 Utilization Managers and trainers covering 15 states.

Tampa/St. Petersburg, Florida Area

Worked telephonically with members identified as high risk for inpatient admission. Conducted assessments to identify needs, set goals and implement action steps towards achieving goals. Coordinated case management and utilization management functions with other departmental functions as assigned. Monitored and promoted compliance with The Healthcare Effectiveness Data and Information Set (HEDIS) measures following psychiatric admissions.

East Yaphank, Ny

Maintained clinical documentation and services in compliance with NY Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse standards. Conducted professional screenings, assessments, and intake referrals. Provided effective individual and group treatment in the area of addiction services with substance abuse clients. Collaborated with referral sources, community and collateral contacts. Created and implemented treatment plans directly addressing individualized client needs.

Bayshore, Ny

Implemented various psychotherapeutic interventions designed to meet identified mental health needs of children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families in Suffolk County, recognizing the individual or family socio-cultural values, goals and lifestyles. Utilized strengths-based approach, as well as cognitive behavioral therapy, with patients presenting with histories of substance abuse, domestic violence, trauma, loss, family discord, and behavior disorders.

Dix Hills, Ny

Provided trauma-informed therapies to adolescent females diagnosed with psychiatric disorders, attention disturbances, learning disabilities, emotional disturbances, and substance abuse disorders. -Collaborated with interdisciplinary clinical team to formulate individualized treatment plans and determine relevant IEP services. -Advocated for students’ social, emotional, and academic needs in the school setting and community. -Developed and utilized strength-based, client-centered “treatment menu” program which empowers families to participate in establishing the treatment approach. -Facilitated family therapy and parent support group focusing on strengthening familial relationships

Forest Hills, Ny

Evaluated clients facing non-violent criminal charges through the Queens Criminal Court System. Provide pre-trial supervision, therapy, and case management to clients as an alternative to incarceration. Collaborate with defense attorneys, judges, assistant district attorneys, clients’ family members, and agency staff to determine and coordinate additional services, based on client needs.

Central Islip, Ny

Facilitated Psycho-education group programs for population facing severe and persistent, mental illness, with focus on dual disorders, relapse prevention training, medication management, and alternative therapies. Provided individual therapy and crisis intervention with focus on developing coping skills, wellness self management, bereavement, and gainful employment. Participate in weekly interdisciplinary clinical team meetings and discharge planning.

Huntington, Ny

Provided in-home services through transitional family living centers. Performed case management for residents to facilitate life skills development.

Master'S Degree, Social Work

Bachelor'S Degree, Social Work