Open to opportunities

Dominique Elston

@dominiqueelston

Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist and clinical supervisor improving trauma-informed, evidence-based behavioral health outcomes.

United States

Message

What I'm looking for

I’m looking for a role that values trauma-informed, culturally responsive care and strong clinical supervision. I want to improve quality and care coordination, support clinician development, and expand evidence-based psychotherapy and addiction treatment services.

I’m a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) with 12+ years of experience in behavioral health leadership, clinical supervision, psychotherapy, and higher education. I bring expertise in trauma-informed care, addiction treatment, quality improvement, care coordination, and evidence-based interventions.

I lead and support clinicians through weekly individual, triadic, and group supervision, while aligning clinical operations with organizational goals and strategic therapist retention. I also focus on discharge planning, linking patients to outpatient providers and community resources, and maintaining accurate, CMS-compliant documentation through utilization review.

Alongside direct practice, I teach graduate-level psychology and counseling courses as an adjunct professor and clinical faculty member. I’m committed to developing clinicians, improving patient outcomes, advancing culturally responsive behavioral healthcare, and strengthening learning through curriculum development, faculty advising, and diversity-focused training.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Current

Adjunct Professor (Addiction Disorders)

Current

UMASS Global | Point Loma Nazarene University

Jan 2024 - Present (2 years 6 months)

Taught assessment and treatment of addictive disorders and psychopathology with an emphasis on evidence-based practices to support recovery outcomes. Instructed on diagnostic criteria, assessment techniques, and creating individualized treatment plans aligned with best practices for diverse populations.

Treatment Planning Evidence Based Practice

Current

Clinical Quality Supervisor & Trainer

Current

Maple Counseling Center

Jan 2023 - Present (3 years 6 months)

Provided clinical supervision to unlicensed clinicians through weekly individual, triadic, and group supervision to support professional development and regulatory compliance. Led discharge planning efforts, linking patients to outpatient providers and community resources, and documented CMS-compliant utilization reviews.

Clinical Supervision Unlicensed Clinician Oversight Triadic Supervision Regulatory Compliance Discharge Planning Care Coordination Utilization Review

Current

Adjunct Professor (Diversity)

Current

UCLA Extension

Jan 2022 - Present (4 years 6 months)

Instructed graduate-level learners on cross-cultural counseling fundamentals for substance-abusing and dependent individuals. Provided performance feedback, advised students academically, and participated in faculty meetings and healthcare training and clinical technique instruction integrating diversity with addiction studies.

Substance Use Disorder Education Academic Advising Faculty Meetings Participation

Current

Clinical Faculty Adjunct

Current

Antioch University

Jan 2022 - Present (4 years 6 months)

Taught graduate-level content on addiction and recovery, including traditional and non-traditional approaches. Guided students with graduation and BBS paperwork requirements, and contributed to curriculum development through faculty meetings and healthcare training program development.

Addiction Counseling Motivational Interviewing Student Advising Curriculum Development BBS Paperwork Support Training program development

Current

LMFT / Clinical Supervisor

Current

Private Practice

Jan 2020 - Present (6 years 6 months)

Provided individual, couples, and family therapy to diverse clients addressing mental health and relationship issues, including addiction, anxiety, depression, and trauma. Conducted comprehensive clinical assessments to develop evidence-based treatment plans and maintained an active caseload while following ethical and professional standards.

Individual Therapy Couples Therapy Family Therapy Clinical Assessment Treatment Planning Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Trauma Informed Care Case Management

Clinical Quality Supervisor

Champion Counseling Center

Jan 2020 - Jan 2023 (3 years)

Oversaw day-to-day clinical operations, including workflow efficiency, resource allocation, and alignment with organizational goals. Supervised and mentored clinical and administrative staff, developed and enforced operational policies, managed budgets, and partnered with interdisciplinary teams to improve patient outcomes and meet performance indicators.

Clinical Operations Management Workflow Optimization Resource Allocation Regulatory Compliance Budget Management KPI Tracking

Residential Supervisor

Optimist Youth and Family Services

Jan 2015 - Jan 2020 (5 years)

Managed day-to-day operations and clinical services for a residential facility, including clinical oversight and staff development. Ensured compliance with Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health requirements, federal/state laws, licensing/accreditation/funding rules, and maintained accurate records for audits and reviews.

Residential Mental Health Services Oversight Clinical Oversight Staff Development Regulatory Compliance Los Angeles County DMH Compliance Audit Preparation Records Management

Education

Degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework

Antioch University

Master of Science in Clinical Psychology, Clinical Psychology (Marriage and Family Therapy)

Earned an M.S. in Clinical Psychology (Marriage and Family Therapy) from Antioch University (Los Angeles) in 2015 with training in trauma-informed care, motivational interviewing, crisis intervention, and evidence-based behavioral health treatment.