Kara J. Cantu

**** ******** **, ***** ****, Ohio 43123

H 614-***-**** acw33k@r.postjobfree.com C 614-***-****

Mental Health and Chemical Dependency Counselor

Resourceful Chemical Dependency & Mental Health Counselor with strong experience assessing and assisting teens and adults from diverse backgrounds with alcohol and drug addiction rehabilitation. Effectively communicates pertinent information to groups or individuals in order to educate, encourage and motivate change. Compassionate and objective during client interactions; organizes and multitasks well in order to accomplish goals.

Areas of Strength

Client Needs Assessment ● Relapse Prevention Planning

Group Facilitation ● Individual Counseling and Treatment Planning ● Alcohol & Drug Education

Education, Licenses, & Certifications

Master of Arts in Mental Health Counseling, University of Sarasota (Argosy University) Licenses Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) S - pending

Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Social Science, University of South Florida

Licensed Independent Chemical Dependency Counselor (LICDC) CS-pending

Professional Experience

Access Ohio, Mental Health Center of Excellence, Columbus, Ohio 2014 to 2016

Clinical Supervisor and Clinician of the West Office

Manage clinical staff and provide comprehensive counseling services to a diverse population.

Provide diagnostic assessment, evaluation and individually based treatment plans.

Provide quality assurance of all clinical records

Provide CBT based therapies with emphasis on DBT and Tri-Phasic Trauma Processing.

Promote mood regulation skills, problem solving and behavioral modification

Provide support and education to other clinical staff regarding patient care

The Woods at Parkside, Gahanna, Ohio 2013 to 2015

Clinical Counselor for Residential Clients

Facilitate groups of up to 15 clients with chemical dependency and dual diagnosis to help promote behavioral changes and supports

Provide individual counseling focusing on CBT/DBT therapies to improve outcomes and increase delayed gratification strategies

Provide family counseling and education to aid in finding solutions, improve communication and understanding of addiction

Provide diagnostic assessment, evaluation and comprehensive treatment plans and reports to aid in treatment

Jewish Family Services, Columbus, Ohio 2004 to 6/29/12

Service Coordinator (Help Me Grow) and Client Rights Officer

Work with a caseload of up to 65 client families from diverse populations to assess needs and coordinate therapy and early intervention to improve development for children with a variety of disabilities and developmental delays; travel to conduct client visitations

Provide education about drug and alcohol addiction and drug effects to clients in other agency programs as needed

Connect client families with resources pertinent to meeting their basic needs, providing solutions to overcome barriers and supporting the wellbeing of their children

Utilize Help Me Grow materials, Hawaii Early Learning Profiles and Parents as Teachers curriculum to help parents understand how to assist with their child’s development

Taught parenting classes to Spanish, Somali and English populations

Responsible for ensuring the protection of client rights throughout the agency to protect client privacy, prevent discrimination, support customer service and troubleshoot to address grievances/complaints filed by clients

Oversee quality assurance to ensure client files are in compliance with all regulations

Maryhaven Inc., Columbus, Ohio 2001 to 2004, 2012

Contract Counselor for the MESA Program (Drivers Intervention)

Led and facilitated groups of up to 15 and individual sessions for clients recovering from alcohol and drug addictions (AOD) to promote abstinence

Charted and assessed further treatment needs for clients

Made referrals to other social service agencies to assist with treatment plans

Educated clients to promote a better understanding of the effects of drugs and alcohol

Focus Health Care, Worthington, Ohio 2002

Alcohol and Drug Intensive Outpatient Counselor

Assessed new clients to determine the level of treatment needed for drug and alcohol recovery efforts

Led and facilitated groups of up to 15 clients recovering from alcohol and drug addictions (AOD) to promote abstinence

Facilitated family support groups for parents of teens with alcohol and drug addictions or outpatient treatment as needed

Epilepsy Foundation of Southwest Florida, Sarasota, Florida 1997 to 1999

Case Manager and Prevention and Education Coordinator

Responsible for managing the entire satellite office, meeting with up to 90 clients, and assisting clients with obtaining medications

Provided presentations to teachers, law enforcement and other groups on how to administer first aid for individuals with epilepsy

Presented information on epilepsy, new medications and the effects on the brain to people of all age groups

Conducted educational programs about epilepsy for youth

Organized, scheduled and coordinated medical clinics to ensure clients were served

Coordinated prevention education for three counties and established support groups for clients and families

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