Open to opportunities

Melissa Buchanan

@melissabuchanan

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Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor specializing in trauma and family wellness.

United States

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What I'm looking for

I seek a collaborative environment where I can continue to support individuals and families facing mental health challenges, with opportunities for professional growth and development.

I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor with extensive experience in trauma-informed care, focusing on adults and adolescents affected by PTSD, anxiety, and depression. My clinical practice at Thriveworks and Parallel Pathways emphasizes evidence-based treatment modalities, ensuring that my clients receive the highest quality of care tailored to their individual needs.

Throughout my career, I have held various roles that have enriched my expertise in mental health and substance use disorders. As the Family Wellness Director at Aware Recovery Care, I led a team dedicated to supporting families impacted by substance use, developing policies and procedures that enhanced our service delivery. My commitment to advocacy and collaboration has been pivotal in my work with organizations like the Brunswick Children’s Collaborative, where I contributed to child and family advocacy initiatives.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Current

Clinician

Current

Thriveworks

Dec 2020 - Present (4 years 6 months)

As a Clinician at Thriveworks, I focus on treating adults suffering from trauma-related issues, including PTSD, anxiety, and depression. I utilize evidence-based treatment modalities and provide family counseling.

PTSD Treatment Anxiety Clinical Assessment Treatment Planning

Family Wellness Director

AWARE RECOVERY CARE

Jan 2019 - Aug 2020 (1 year 7 months)

Oversaw the Family Wellness Team, providing support and education to families affected by Substance Use Disorders. Responsibilities included data tracking, training, and policy creation.

Data Tracking Policy Development Team Leadership Training Family Support Crisis Management Communication Skills Program Development

Residential Mental Health Counselor

Becket Family of Services

Jan 2018 - Jan 2019 (1 year)

Worked with adolescent females requiring intensive treatment for severe mental health diagnoses. Responsibilities included crisis management, individual and family counseling, and staff training.

Crisis Management Mental Health Counseling Staff Training Treatment Planning Conflict Resolution

Addiction Resource Specialist

Midcoast Hospital

Sep 2016 - Dec 2017 (1 year 3 months)

Conducted psychosocial assessments for adult clients with substance abuse and mental health issues, recommending appropriate treatment levels.

Mental Health Counseling Communication Skills Team Collaboration

Substance Abuse Counselor

Day One

Sep 2013 - Aug 2014 (11 months)

Provided counseling for adolescents in a residential treatment program, focusing on co-occurring disorders and utilizing evidence-based treatment modalities.

Co Occurring Disorders Treatment Planning Conflict Resolution

Behavioral Health Professional

Providence Merrymeeting Achieve

Oct 2012 - May 2013 (7 months)

Worked in a school-based program providing behavioral health treatment for children and adolescents with emotional and behavioral disorders.

Behavioral Health Treatment Emotional Disorders IEP Contributions Team Collaboration Advocacy

Human Resource Administrator

Catholic Charities Maine

Jan 2007 - Jan 2010 (3 years)

Managed recruitment and HR policies for healthcare and social service professionals, improving recruitment processes and reducing costs.

Recruitment HR Policies Budget Management Database Management Strategic Planning Communication Skills Team Collaboration Policy Development

Education

Degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework

Southern New Hampshire University

Graduate Degree, Community Mental Health Counseling

2013 - 2014

Earned a Graduate Degree in Community Mental Health Counseling & Substance Abuse Services with a Child & Family focus, equipping me with the skills to address mental health issues in children and families.

Southern New Hampshire University

Graduate Certificate, Community Mental Health Counseling

2011 - 2014

Completed a Graduate Certificate in Integrated Community Mental Health & Substance Abuse Services with a focus on Child & Family. This program provided advanced knowledge and skills to support families dealing with substance abuse issues.

Southern New Hampshire University

Bachelor of Science, Business Studies

2003 - 2007

Obtained a Bachelor of Science in Business Studies with a concentration in Human Resources, providing a solid foundation in business principles and human resource management.