Esmeralda Cervantes Croteau
Colton
Summary
Results-driven Mental Health Specialist offering expertise in behavioral health issues, demonstrated over 22 years of industry experience. Challenges clients to work toward healing and self-sufficiency while emphasizing personal strengths and milestones.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Mental Health Specialist
San Bernardino County
10.2023 - Current
- Managed patients with substance dependence and co-occurring Axis I and Axis II disorders.
- Increased patient satisfaction by maintaining a therapeutic environment tailored to individual needs and preferences.
- Provided clients with recommendations to community resources.
- Maintained caseload of active clients and clients within assessment phase.
- Provided psychoeducation for clients, increasing understanding of mental health conditions and treatment options.
- Encouraged patients to discuss experiences in group and individual settings.
- Developed strong relationships with community partners, enhancing access to additional resources and support services for patients.
- Provided comprehensive case management services, created treatment plans, and connected clients to appropriate resources.
- Documented client progress in confidential files.
- Provided referrals to connect clients with other community resources to support mental health and well-being.
- Developed goal-oriented psychoeducational and activity therapy groups to improve clients' level of functioning.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to provide comprehensive mental health services and support for patients.
- Maintained detailed records of clinical interventions, progress notes, treatment plans, and other documentation required for regulatory compliance.
- Attended trainings to participate in regular supervision and continued education to maintain professional competence and ethical standards.
- Encouraged clients to express feelings and discuss what was happening in day-to-day life in order to help each person develop insight into personal experiences and relationships
- Passionate about learning and committed to continual improvement.
Health Care Aide
In Home Supportive Services
08.2008 - Current
- Reduced patient anxiety through effective communication and active listening skills.
- Monitored patient progress and reported changes to healthcare professionals.
- Promoted patient socialization, self-care and development by recognizing and using patient strengths to motivate patient.
- Transported patients to and from appointments, assisting with getting in and out of vehicles.
- Assisted with daily living activities, promoting patient independence and overall wellbeing.
- Assisted patients with dressing, grooming and feeding needs, helping to overcome, and adapt to mobility restrictions.
Mental Health Specialist
San Bernardino County
02.2014 - 04.2021
- Monitored patients and assessed suicide risks.
- Managed patients with substance dependence and co-occurring Axis I and Axis II disorders.
- Conducted thorough evaluations, assessments, and diagnoses to develop appropriate treatment recommendations for each patient.
- Provided psychoeducation for patients and families, increasing understanding of mental health conditions and treatment options.
- Promoted client self-advocacy by assisting them in understanding their rights within the mental health system.
- Supported ongoing recovery efforts by connecting patients with community resources and support networks upon discharge.
- Reduced patient readmission rates by providing effective crisis intervention and stabilization strategies.
- Supported clients by representing needs and advocating for patient rights in healthcare, legal and community-based settings.
- Displayed sensitivity to cultural and linguistic needs of clients and families served.
- Conducted crisis interventions to respond to clients in crisis, assess immediate needs and provide support and resources.
- Provided comprehensive case management services, created treatment plans, and connected clients and families to appropriate resources.
- Trained new staff members on facility policies, procedures, best practices in mental health care delivery, ensuring consistent service standards across the team.
- Ensured safety of patients through close observation during high-risk situations such as suicidal ideation or self-harm behaviors.
- Consulted with other staff members regarding treatment plans as deemed appropriate by team leader.
- Adhered to ethical and legal standards for confidentiality, protecting clients' privacy.
- Attended trainings to participate in regular supervision and continued education to maintain professional competence and ethical standards.
- Participated in team projects, demonstrating an ability to work collaboratively and effectively.
- Demonstrated a high level of initiative and creativity while tackling difficult tasks.
- Identified issues, analyzed information and provided solutions to problems.
- Demonstrated respect, friendliness and willingness to help wherever needed.
Education
No Degree - Human Services
University of Phoenix
Riverside, CA08.2011
Skills
- Resilience Strengthening
- Empathy Development
- Crisis Intervention
- Community Outreach
- Nonviolent Crisis Intervention (NVCI)
- Suicide Prevention
- Community Resources
- Case Management
- Home Visits and Inspections
- Fluent Bilingualism
- Professional ethics
- Networking
Certification
- Mental Health Interpreter
- Trauma Resiliency Model
Languages
Spanish
Professional Working
Timeline
Mental Health Specialist
San Bernardino County
10.2023 - Current
Mental Health Specialist
San Bernardino County
02.2014 - 04.2021
Health Care Aide
In Home Supportive Services
08.2008 - Current
No Degree - Human Services
University of Phoenix
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