Sonya Donaldson-Bates, LCSW
Richmond,VA
Summary
Professional Clinician with years of experience in delivering high-quality patient care and therapeutic services. Team collaboration, adaptability to changing needs, and achieving impactful results, is a priority. Skilled in patient assessment, treatment planning, and evidence-based interventions. Dependable and goal-oriented, with passion for supporting patients' and staff's mental health and well-being. Working effectively in a 24/7 team model. Strong focus on stakeholder relationships and coordination of patient care across multiple departments in the county. Very people oriented and dedicated to improving the lives of consumers.
Overview
40
40
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Clinical Supervisor, Emergency Services Program
Henrico Area Mental Health and Developmental Services
12.1993 - 06.2024
- Contributed to maintaining accurate patient records using electronic health systems.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to coordinate care for clients with complex needs, ensuring comprehensive support was provided across all domains of life functioning.
- Enhanced team collaboration through regular staff meetings, case conferences, and training sessions.
- Served as a liaison between clinical staff and administration to address concerns and optimize workflows.
- Facilitate hiring of qualified crisis clinicians personnel by interview applicants and making recommendations for employment.
- Liaised with community stakeholders, police, school personnel, hospital staff and other county agencies to develop comprehensive patient care plans and provide highest quality of care.
- Facilitated training and implemented CISD services as needed with county employees and community groups.
- Enhanced patient care quality by providing clinical supervising to 5 crisis clinicians and a team of 6-8 relief staff, ensuring adherence to best practices and protocols.
Contract Employee Assistance Program Clinician
Magellan Health Services
01.2004 - 12.2024
- Conducted comprehensive mental health assessments to determine patient needs and treatment options.
- Utilized Trauma Informed Care when encountering employees dealing with trauma, and grief and loss events.
- Advocated for patients within the EAP system to ensure access to appropriate resources and services when needed.
- Conducted group therapy sessions to facilitate skill development, coping strategies, and emotional processing among participants, especially when dealing with the loss of an employee.
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge on industry best practices, attending conferences and participating in continuing education opportunities.
- Engaged in management consultations and promoted resiliency protocols for employees.
Contract Employee Assistance Program Clinician
Crisis Care Network/ R3 Continuum
04.2004 - Current
- Developed and implemented personalized care plans to address client needs effectively.
- Collaborated with EAP Service provider to ensure coordinated care and resource allocation.
- Facilitated crisis intervention sessions, providing immediate support for individuals in distress.
- Collaborated with management staff to ensure appropriate levels of care are coordinated across the impacted departments.
- Provided trauma informed care for impacted employees.
Coordinator of Outreach Services
Psychiatric Institute of Washington
02.1991 - 12.1993
- Oversaw scheduling and resource allocation to optimize team productivity and meet clinical needs of consumers
- Mentored junior staff, fostering skill development and promoting a collaborative work environment.
- As a Marketing Specialist developed relationships with Community Stake Holders to improve referrals of mental health consumers.
- Improved team productivity with regular communication and progress updates, fostering a collaborative work environment.
Clinical Social Worker/Crisis Care Coordinator
Tidewater Psychiatric Institute, HCA Facility
10.1985 - 02.1991
- Led individual and group therapy sessions to address mental health challenges and improve client coping strategies.
- Developed comprehensive treatment plans tailored to clients' specific needs and goals, ensuring personalized care.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to coordinate services and advocate for clients' needs within healthcare systems.
- Provided crisis intervention support during emergency situations, ensuring safety and stability for clients in distress.
- Facilitated skill-building groups for clients, focusing on coping strategies, stress reduction techniques, and self-care practices.
- Interviewed clients, families, or groups to assess situations, limitations and issues and implement services to address needs.
- Treated patients with mental health issues and dual-diagnoses such as
- Diagnosed clients by using DSM-IV criteria and documentation.
- Worked with medical teams, patients and families to implement effective treatment plans.
- Provided patient and family education on available resources and self-care strategies.
Education
Masters of Social Work - Social Work
Howard University
Washington, DC05-1977
Bachelor of Arts - Sociology
Hampton University
Hampton, VA05-1975
Skills
- Clinical documentation
- Clinical assessment
- Multidisciplinary approach
- Therapeutic techniques
- Behavioral interventions
- Ethical practice
- Evidence-based practice
- Unit supervision
- Chart review
- Interdisciplinary team coordination
- Healthcare team collaboration
Certification
- Licensed Clinical Social Worker since 1990
Timeline
Contract Employee Assistance Program Clinician
Crisis Care Network/ R3 Continuum
04.2004 - Current
Contract Employee Assistance Program Clinician
Magellan Health Services
01.2004 - 12.2024
Clinical Supervisor, Emergency Services Program
Henrico Area Mental Health and Developmental Services
12.1993 - 06.2024
Coordinator of Outreach Services
Psychiatric Institute of Washington
02.1991 - 12.1993
Clinical Social Worker/Crisis Care Coordinator
Tidewater Psychiatric Institute, HCA Facility
10.1985 - 02.1991
Masters of Social Work - Social Work
Howard University
Bachelor of Arts - Sociology
Hampton University
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