Christopher Askew MS, NCC, LCMHC, LCAS

Conducted thorough assessments of individuals entering the emergency department to determine the level of dangerousness to themselves and others. Utilized clinical skills to evaluate mental health and addiction issues, providing timely and accurate diagnoses. Collaborated with medical professionals, law enforcement, and other interdisciplinary teams to develop and implement effective crisis intervention strategies. Demonstrated proficiency in crisis intervention techniques to de-escalate high-stress situations and ensure the safety of patients and staff. Maintained up-to-date knowledge of relevant laws, policies, and procedures related to mental health and addiction in the state of North Carolina. Acted as a liaison between clients and community resources, facilitating appropriate referrals for ongoing treatment and support. Provided crisis intervention and counseling services to clients and their families, offering emotional support and coping strategies. Utilized motivational interviewing techniques to help clients recognize personal barriers to change and identify actionable steps towards improvement. Developed creative therapeutic approaches to address unique client challenges and promote lasting change. Completed all necessary documentation in compliance with legal and ethical standards, ensuring accurate and thorough records of assessments, interventions, and treatment plans. Collaborated with the legal system to fulfill the role of a certified commitment examiner, adhering to state regulations and guidelines. Enhanced client well-being through personalized treatment plans tailored to individual needs and goals. Worked closely with families to educate them on mental health issues, facilitate open dialogue, and foster a supportive home environment for client recovery. Advocated for client needs within larger healthcare systems by participating in case conferences and collaborating with other mental health professionals.

Evaluated medical necessity guidelines and benefit coverage to determine appropriateness of services for multiple payors including Medicare and Medicaid. Submitted cases for criteria failures and helped facilitate resolutions and approvals. Increased average length of stay of residential and partial hospitalization levels of care by at least 1 day. Devise or identify solutions for irregular requests and issues. Served as subject matter resource, providing information related to medical necessity and documentation situations. Facilitated denial meetings with medical personnel to find effective solutions on denied care. Launched quality assurance practices for each phase of development Controlled costs and optimized spending via restructuring of budgets for labor, capital assets, inventory purchasing and technology upgrades. Expanded cross-functional organizational capacity by collaborating across departments on priorities, functions and common goals. Maximized performance by monitoring daily activities and mentoring team members. Delivered feedback to decision-makers regarding employee performance and training needs. Onboarded new employees with training and new hire documentation. Recruited and hired top performers to add talent and value to department. Prepared annual budgets with controls to prevent overages. Supervised labor costs and departmental expenses to remain in line with budget. Evaluated employees' strengths and assigned tasks based upon experience and training. Administered monthly and annual reviews to direct reports and set clear and measurable goals, action plans and follow-up procedures. Drove performance of staff by creating incentives and positive work atmosphere and administering recognition and rewards programs. Accurately prepared weekly payroll and tracking data using Ultipro system. Report directly to facility CFO and CEO. Remained on staff PRN 3 months after working 30 day notice, while working full time in new position to assist with training new leader.

Managed caseload of 10-15 clients with co-occurring mental health and substance abuse disorders in detox level of care. Provided individual and crisis intervention counseling; family counseling; and intervention style sessions. Developed and facilitated goal-oriented psychoeducational and therapy groups to improve clients' level of functioning. Utilized MI and SFBT strategies to foster adherence to care plans, adoption of healthy behaviors and engagement in self-care. Displayed sensitivity to cultural and linguistic needs of clients and families served. Completed required documentation for continued therapy coverage by insurance companies to meet deadlines. Provided comprehensive case management services, created treatment plans and connected clients and families to appropriate resources. Developed individual treatment goals based on history and diagnosis. Coordinated referrals for addiction and mental health services based on individual client needs and preferences. Worked with closely prescribing professionals daily, to assist client in getting necessary medications. Used critical thinking to break down problems, evaluate solutions and make decisions. Trained newly hired clinicians. Promoted to Manager of Utilization Review,

As a licensed Telehealth Therapist at BetterHelp, I provide comprehensive mental health services to clients in North Carolina and Colorado. Utilizing a variety of therapeutic modalities, I conduct individual therapy sessions through video, phone, and messaging platforms. My role involves assessing and diagnosing mental health conditions, developing personalized treatment plans, and offering crisis intervention. With a strong commitment to confidentiality and compliance with HIPAA regulations, I ensure clients receive compassionate and effective care in a remote setting.

Crisis comprehensive clinical assessments; supportive individual and group counseling; timely and efficient documentation(DAP notes); completion of assessments(CSSRS, PHQ-9. etc); case management; working closely with other clinical/professional staff to maintain communication and providing feedback, standardizing procedures, and expediting PCP implementation; ensuring that all initial and re-authorizations for services occur in a timely fashion; coordinating transition to another level/type of care for the client; facilitating relationships and serving as a link between the company, parents, guardians, local agencies and the community.

Lead interdisciplinary healthcare team providing support to individuals in residential, school, workplace and community settings; increase caseload from 6 to 30 clients; individual therapy in community based setting; coordinates and monitored an array of services and supports; directly manage care and documentation provided by two QPs; supporting clients in development of various skill-building activities, including daily and community living skills, socialization skills, adaptation skills, and behavior and anger management; participating in a first-responder on-call system available to consumers and/or his/her natural support network on a 24/7/365 basis; coordinates “first response" resources according to consumer need and PCP; case management; working closely with other clinical/professional staff to maintain communication and providing feedback, standardizing procedures and expediting PCP implementation; ensuring that all initial and re-authorizations for services occur in a timely fashion; monitoring utilization of service to ensure that it is effective, appropriate, and within limits set forth in both rule, PCP, and service authorization; coordinating transition to another level/type of care for client; promoted to Outpatient/Crisis Counselor.

Completing assessments, PCP's, progress notes and other necessary paperwork associated with managing caseload of 50 patients; providing individual and group counseling using Evidence Based Practices; conducting monthly urinalysis screenings; providing crisis interventions as needed; assisting in peer-to-peer record audits; providing supportive counseling in conjunction with Medical and Nursing Services; contributing to ongoing assessment and treatment planning process through participation in daily reports, case reviews, and treatment team meetings.

Complete alcohol and drug assessments; complete one-on-one sessions, working with individuals in both substance abuse and mental health; lead weekly process group; case management; community outreach; complete urinalysis drug screens for individuals on federal and state probation; hired to complete contract work post internship.

Scheduling of client appointments; complete orientation/intake process for new clients; complete one-on-one sessions, working with individuals in both substance abuse and mental health; co-lead weekly mindfulness meditation group; case management; complete reports and notes while maintaining professional, legal, and ethical guidelines; report to clinic director as well as department chair.