ABIGAIL WRISTON
Santa Barbara
Summary
Compassionate and driven graduate student in Clinical Psychology at Antioch University Santa Barbara, dedicated to trauma-informed care and mental health counseling for individuals from diverse backgrounds. Holds a bachelor's degree in Psychological and Brain Sciences with a minor in Applied Psychology from the University of California, Santa Barbara, complemented by research experience and a strong foundation in interpersonal communication and client-centered support. Enthusiastic about contributing to clinical and hospital-based environments, focusing on acute populations and individuals facing homelessness, substance use challenges, trauma, anxiety, depression, and significant life transitions. Recognized for empathy, attention to detail, collaboration skills, and eagerness to enhance clinical expertise through immersive practicum experiences.
Overview
6
6
years of professional experience
Work History
Intake Coordinator/Billing Administrator
OpenMinds Mental Health Services
Santa Barbara, CA
04.2026 - Current
- Coordinate intake processes, ensuring accurate client documentation and timely service delivery.
- Answer phone calls and provided new clients with required paperwork to initiate service.
- Manage communication between clients and clinical teams, facilitating seamless information exchange.
- Collect, verify, record and process client demographics, insurance payments, and referral information.
Recovery Coach
Crestwood Behavioral Health Inc.
Santa Barbara, CA
10.2025 - 04.2026
- Provided direct support to clients in a residential mental health setting, including monitoring behavior, facilitating groups, and assisting with activities of daily living as needed.
- Participated in crisis intervention and de-escalation efforts to maintain client safety.
- Ensured accurate documentation in compliance with agency policies, procedures, and regulatory standards.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary staff to promote client stability and recovery progress.
Front of House Team Member/Cashier
Hummus Republic Isla Vista
Isla Vista, CA
09.2023 - 07.2025
- Prepared and served food, accurately processed customer orders at the register, and maintained cleanliness both inside and outside to ensure a pleasant dining environment.
- Delivered exceptional customer service by warmly greeting guests, addressing concerns professionally, and resolving complaints to encourage repeat business.
- Contributed to a positive team atmosphere while upholding health, safety, and service standards in a fast-paced food service setting.
Undergraduate Research Assistant
UCSB Vision and Image Understanding Lab
Goleta, CA
09.2024 - 06.2025
- Assisted in conducting research on visual perception, cognitive processing, and machine learning applications in image recognition and engage in ongoing research on visual perception and image processing.
- Collaborated with graduate researchers to discuss experimental methodologies and findings.
Education & Outreach Intern
UCSB Research, Experience, and Education Facility (REEF)
Goleta, CA
09.2022 - 06.2023
- Supported in-person marine science education programs for K–12 students and community members by communicating complex scientific concepts in an accessible, engaging way.
- Performed routine aquarist duties, including animal husbandry, feeding, and tank maintenance, ensuring the health and care of marine species according to strict protocols.
Guest Services/Support Associate & ACE Trainer
Topgolf
Roseville, CA
11.2020 - 06.2022
- Welcomed and checked in guests at the front desk, managed waitlists, provided information on venue technology and safety, and discussed membership options to enhance guest experience.
- Responsibilities as a Support Associate included delivering food, as well as cleaning and sanitizing spaces while working in a team-oriented environment.
- Promoted into the training department as an ACE (Associate Certified in Excellence) trainer and facilitated classroom learning and hands on skills training as well as assisted in the interviewing of potential hires.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Psychological & Brain Sciences, Minor in Applied Psychology
University of California-Santa Barbara
Goleta, CA09-2025
Master of Arts - Clinical Psychology
Antioch University Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara, CA09-2027
Skills
- Charting and clinical documentation
- Cross-cultural sensitivity
- Insurance verification
- Confidentiality
- Multitasking and organization
- Client advocacy
- Building rapport
- Psychoeducation
Timeline
Intake Coordinator/Billing Administrator
OpenMinds Mental Health Services
04.2026 - Current
Recovery Coach
Crestwood Behavioral Health Inc.
10.2025 - 04.2026
Undergraduate Research Assistant
UCSB Vision and Image Understanding Lab
09.2024 - 06.2025
Front of House Team Member/Cashier
Hummus Republic Isla Vista
09.2023 - 07.2025
Education & Outreach Intern
UCSB Research, Experience, and Education Facility (REEF)
09.2022 - 06.2023
Guest Services/Support Associate & ACE Trainer
Topgolf
11.2020 - 06.2022
Bachelor of Science - Psychological & Brain Sciences, Minor in Applied Psychology
University of California-Santa Barbara
Master of Arts - Clinical Psychology
Antioch University Santa Barbara