Melissa Cruz

Provided individual and group psychotherapy for adults via a virtual office based out of a home office in NYC. Utilized eclectic therapeutic modalities including psychodynamic, attachment-based, and emotionally-focused approaches.

Provided psychotherapy for adults via a telehealth video platform/virtual office. Utilized eclectic therapeutic modalities including mindfulness-based CBT, DBT-oriented, motivational interviewing, and trauma-focused approaches.

Provided short-term individual and group psychotherapy for liberal arts undergraduate and graduate students. Offered interpersonal process-oriented group psychotherapy for students facing complex family challenges and relationship issues.

Provided short and long-term bilingual counseling for children, teens, adults, and older adults at a rural Federally Qualified Health Center. Maintained prompt, clear clinical documentation using electronic health records with appropriate DSM 5 diagnoses and CPT billing codes.

Provided short and long-term individual and family therapy for English and Spanish-speaking patients at an urban federally qualified health center. Championed and supported integrated behavioral health care into the primary care model.

Provided short-term individual and family therapy for English and Spanish-speaking patients with various mental illnesses and substance use disorders. Facilitated daily group therapy for adults with drug and alcohol-related addictions and mental illnesses.

Managed a caseload of up to 12 adult patients, completing bio-psychosocial assessments, utilization review, and discharge planning services. Supervised and trained MSW student interns.

Provided short-term individual and family therapy for English and Spanish-speaking patients with mental illnesses and substance use disorders. Facilitated daily group therapy for adults with addictions and mental illnesses.

Facilitated psychoeducational groups for up to 20 adult clients on topics pertaining to recovery from physical, mental, and addictions-based illnesses. Collaborated with interdisciplinary treatment teams to develop and implement treatment plans.

Supervised and assisted children, adolescent, and adult patients with various behavioral disorders and mental health crises. Facilitated the intake process for voluntarily and involuntarily committed inpatient admissions.

Designed, organized, and facilitated a positive psychology mental health and wellness workshop for college students. Utilized SPSS to gather and analyze pre- and post-workshop participant data.

Received a Howard Hughes Medical Institute research grant and prepared research subject survey response materials. Utilized SPSS to organize and systematize data for analysis.

Co-founded and co-directed the college’s first student-run peer counseling and mental health advocacy program. Provided confidential, informal counseling for the entire student body.

Obtained a Master of Social Service (MSW Equivalent) with a clinical concentration. Focused on advanced clinical practices and social work methodologies.

Completed a Bachelor of Arts degree with a dual major in Psychology and Religion. Gained foundational knowledge in human behavior, psychological theories, and religious studies.