Mental Health Management

JOHN SEARS, PhD, LCP

804-***-**** . gpaj6t@r.postjobfree.com . Richmond, VA

CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGIST

Compassionate, client-centered, and progress-driven Psychologist with

outstanding clinical skills and more than 20 years of mental health

experience. Extensive knowledge in treating diverse populations of

children, adolescents, adults, and families, including individuals with

dual diagnoses. Well-versed in hundreds of psychological assessments and

treatment modalities; remain up to date with the latest therapeutic

advancements. Highly effective communicator, leader, and mentor committed

to helping others achieve their personal and professional goals.

Individual & Group Counseling . Psychological Testing & Evaluation .

Program Management

Staff & Student Training . Crisis Intervention & De-escalation . Treatment

Planning . Provider Relations

Regulatory Compliance . Progress Reporting . Community Outreach .

Documentation

CAREER HIGHLIGHTS

. Invited to lead numerous workshops for hospitals, health education

centers, community organizations, military posts, and universities over

course of career for medical staff on various professional levels; topics

included adolescents and dysfunctional families, dual diagnoses,

substance abuse, and managing difficult patients.

. Owned and operated successful private practice, building caseload of up

to 70 patients of varying ages and mental health needs; granted medical

staff privileges to fill pain management psychologist position at

Riverside Tappahannock Hospital.

. Created 20+ hour structured treatment protocol, "Co-Parenting

Psychotherapy for Estranged, Separated and Divorced, Highly Litigious,

Treatment Refractory Co-Parents," that provided comprehensive and court

appointed Parenting Plan for diverse families in Richmond area; served as

Expert Evaluator, Guardian Ad Litem, and Expert Witness.

. As Director of Clinical Services, prepared Jackson Field Homes for JCAHO

accreditation and secured Medicare/Medicaid provider designation.

CLINICAL EXPERIENCE & ACHIEVEMENTS

VABODE- Richmond Virginia

Clinical Director of Children and Adolescent Services

8/2012-10/2012

Provided administrative and clinical services to QMHP's for Intensive In

Home and Day Treatment Programs.

Department of Veterans Affairs - John J Pershing VAMC, Poplar Bluff,

Missouri 6/2011-2/2012

Primary Mental Healthcare Integrated Psychologist

Served as Healthcare Psychologist in primary care unit, responsible for

weekly caseload of 25-40 patients. Provided mental health care for

diabetes, smoking cessation, pain management, and substance abuse related

issues. Supported triage and hospitalization of severe cases including

suicidal patients.

. Spearheaded planning and development of new hospital-wide testing program

for pain management patients.

Private Practice - Richmond, VA 2003-2011

Psychologist

Earned reputation as key community resource in multiple areas including

forensics, parenting/co-parenting, geriatrics, pain management, and

substance abuse services. Treated children and adolescents with various

disorders including ADD, ADHD, learning disabilities, and emotional

problems. Contributed to FAPT, CPMT, and IEP meetings.

. Regularly requested to perform forensic assessments (NGRI, competency at

time of crime, and competency to stand trial), psychological evaluations

for worker's compensation cases, and substance abuse evaluations for

Department of Transportation staff members employed in safety-sensitive

positions.

. Actively participated in Collaborative Professionals of Richmond,

covering complex topics in divorce with financial experts, mental health

specialists, and attorneys.

Jackson Field Homes - Jarratt, VA 1993-2003

Director of Clinical Services (2002-2003)

ACV Clinical Care Coordinator (1992-2002)

Therapist, Part-Time (1993-1994)

Progressed through a series of positions with increasing responsibilities

for 58-bed residential psychiatric treatment facility for adolescent girls.

Supervised team of 8-10 licensed mental health professionals and numerous

paraprofessional staff. Presided over delivery of individual, group, and

family therapy for diverse client population, most of whom were dually

diagnosed. Served on call, responding to clinical emergencies and

conducting necessary incident investigations.

. Established substance abuse program and implemented standardized

admissions, discharge, evaluation, and placement protocols for all

residents.

Additional experience:

Psychologist, Part-Time - Zande Behavioral Health Services, Raleigh, NC

Consultant - GE Gercken Associates, Branford, CT

Fellowship/Substance Abuse Treatment Coordinator - UNC Chapel Hill School

of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC

Pre-doctoral Psychology Internship - McGuire Veterans Administration

Medical Center, Richmond, VA

Staff Psychologist, Adult Admission Unit - John Umstead Hospital, Butner,

NC

Clinical Director - Bluegrass Comprehensive Care Center, Off-Broadway

House, Lexington, KY

Assistant to Program Director, Rehabilitation Services - Eastern State

Hospital, Lexington, KY

EDUCATION & LICENSURE

Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY

Dissertation: "The temperament and personality traits which predict drug of

choice and success in treatment in adult inpatient substance abusers."

M.S. in Counseling Psychology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY

B.S. in Pre-Med & Biological Science, Transylvania University, Lexington,

KY

Licensed Clinical Psychologist (LCP) #081******* - Virginia Board of

Psychology

Substance Abuse Professional (SAP) - Department of Transportation

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

American Psychological Association: Parenting Coordination: Public Policy,

Research, and Practice Issues; Forensic Assessment and the Standard of

Care; Qualitative Approaches to Culturally Competent Evidence Based

Practice; Proficiency in the Treatment of Alcohol and Other Psychoactive

Substance Use Disorders

Richmond Academy of Clinical Psychologists: Introducing the MMPI II-RF

NBI, Inc.: Child Custody and Visitation

University of Virginia Institute of Law, Psychiatry, and Public Policy:

Assessing the Risk for Violence in Clinical Practice; Assessing Individuals

Charged with Sexual Crimes; Evaluating Individuals Not Guilty by Reason of

Insanity

PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS (reapplication pending)

American Psychological Virginia Psychological Association

Richmond Academy of Clinical Psychologists

International Academy of Collaborative Professionals

Virginia Collaborative Professionals

Collaborative Professionals of Richmond

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