Valarie Cascadden Email & Phone Number

Centennial, Colorado, United States

Centennial, Co

Centennial, Co

• On an ongoing basis, I provide in-office psychotherapy to individuals, families and couples, with positive responses to approaches such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, with especial emphasis on improving communication.• By referrals from county Departments of Human Services, I conduct in-home treatment sessions of clients with mental health/substance abuse diagnoses. Currently, I utilize cognitive-behavioral, solution-focused, and motivational interviewing tools, with clients verbalizing understanding and ability to implement them. Also, I conduct urinalyses, completing chain of custody documentation, submitting samples to CORDANT, and following up for results for DHS caseworkers. These results also impact ongoing assessment and treatment.• I am anticipating completion of my CAC II during March 2019. I facilitate Level II Education classes for DUI offenders. Soon, I will be taking a course in Interlock Education Counseling, as well as a Minors in Possession class.

Littleton, Colorado

Under supervision, conducted individual and group therapy and Level II education classes directed toward consumers in the legal system after DUI citations. Completed client intake and exit interviews. Collected UAs from female clients for submission to Norchem in compliance with probation officers’ orders.

North Hollywood, California

Conducted weekly office sessions for individuals and moderated groups. Liaised with patient psychiatrists and psychologists to obtain treatment plans and formulate therapy strategies best suiting patients’ needs. Consistently assessed and updated treatment plans to meet changes in patient needs and address any identified risk factors. Leveraged an integrated approach using diverse treatment modalities to optimize patient outcomes. Provided references for external community resources and opportunities for development. Prepared results on patient outcomes. Consulted with peers on various cases.Promoted use of more effective coping skills among diverse individual patients, using cognitive-behavioral methods to support them in changing negative assumptions about their lives and futures.Gained a positive reputation among patients, resulting in numerous patients returning to schedule additional sessions at the end of their authorized number of allocated sessions.Drove an 80% increase in patients sharing encouragement and positive experiences in group sessions.

Encino, California

Assisted a wide variety of patients by providing therapeutic and psychological counseling, including taking patient histories, conducting assessments, making individual diagnoses, and preparing treatment plans. Continuously evolved treatment plans to the specific needs of individual patients. Monitored patients to adjust assessments, determine potential risk factors, and remain sensitive to the unique cultural or sociological needs of each patient. Educated and coached clients on key life skills and techniques. Referred supplemental community resources relevant to their particular needs. Provided healthy models for behavior, accountability, and boundaries. Entered and updated records in compliance with HIPAA.Leveraged cognitive-behavioral and solution-focused therapy to support a client suffering from depression in changing their perspective on their life and moving forward with life goals.Ensured that lessons learned in therapeutic sessions persisted throughout patients’ daily lives by assigning independent tasks to reinforce positive behaviors.

Northridge, California

Handled all patient intakes and assessments, treatment and discharge planning, and inpatient and outpatient group therapy for patients dealing with chronic depression, anxiety, bipolar, dementia, diverse psychoses, and co-occurring alcoholism or substance abuse. Communicated with clients to understand their treatment needs and aid them in establishing and realizing realistic goals. Coached patients on situational coping and anger management. Worked with treatment teams and DMH court officers on treatment planning and patient capacity decisions. Liaised with social workers to make appropriate arrangements for post-discharge housing. Collaborated with therapists and psychiatrists to conduct periodic evaluations of medication. Worked with community services providers to further advance patient treatment and progress.Secured a position of trust among diverse patients and groups, acting as a model for appropriate and safe behavior.Assisted patients in challenging dysfunctional thoughts by integrating cognitive-behavioral techniques into group sessions, allowing patients to successfully change unproductive behavioral patterns.Offered critical information to helping patients continue to develop, grow, and manage their behavior post-discharge.

Pasadena, California

Conducted assessments of senior clients, their physical environments, and available resources to determine appropriate care plans and support application for In-Home Support Services (IHSS). Provided information to clients to manage their expectations of the application process. Counseled and educated clients and families on available supplementary resources. Coordinated integration of durable medical equipment and safety devices into client routines. Monitored caregiver performance and stress. Identified and reported any incidents of suspected elder abuse or neglect. Liaised with peers and senior personnel on case management and clinical feedback. Updated HIPAA-compliant client records.Selected Achievements:Prevented potentially serious injury to a legally blind senior client by working with the client’s family to source appropriate caregiver services from IHSS and implement durable medical equipment appropriately tailored to her needs. This furthered client quality of life by circumventing nursing home care.Recognized with an On the Spot award for the excellent customer feedback received after assisting this patient.

Doctor Of Philosophy, Clinical Psychology

Pursued Doctorate in Clinical Psychology, with an emphasis in Depth Psychology.

Master Of Arts, Counseling Psychology

Pursued Masters degree in Counseling Psychology

Bachelor Of Arts, Behavioral Science

High School Diploma

Activities and Societies: Lettergirls, Student CouncilI'm proud member of my graduating class.

Certification Track, Certified Addiction Counselor (Cac)

Activities and Societies: I have finished my CAC 1-level coursework, and plan to have the requisite supervision hours completed by the end.