Marni Wratchford
Long Beach
Summary
Dynamic and Compassionate Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with commitment to providing impactful, trauma-informed client-centered care. Strong work ethic, adept at fast paced environments with proven ability to build and maintain meaningful relationships. Collaborative, humble, and eager to learn, and a team player. Nearly 20 years in the field working with individuals, couples, and group time-limited psychotherapy, utilization review with understanding of medical necessity criteria, and demonstrated ability to foster a collaborative approach working with interdisciplinary team members in both inpatient/residential and outpatient levels of care., fostering resilience and growth in diverse populations.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Staff Counselor
California State University, Long Beach
02.2025 - Current
- Support University’s commitment to academic success and aligning with CSULB’s values of compassion, creativity, diversity, and commitment to the public good.
- Provide strengths-based trauma informed services to culturally diverse student body
- Crisis intervention in fast paced setting
- Establish, develop, and maintain cooperative working relationships with on campus and off campus colleagues and partners
- Provide consultative services when appropriate and within legal framework
- Demonstrated flexibility and adaptability in meeting the dynamic needs of the department
Clinical Advisor, Outcomes & Alumni
Discovery Behavioral Health
01.2022 - 10.2024
- Led administration and KPI management for alumni and family app.
- Facilitated weekly alumni support groups
- Conducted intake assessments for readmission suitability.
- Streamlined alumni readmissions and coordinated referrals.
- Participated in product development and created app content.
- Provided case management and resource coordination.
Clinical Advisor, Admissions & Utilization Review
Discovery Behavioral Health
09.2014 - 08.2021
- Oversaw admissions for mental health, ED, and substance use programs, serving as the only licensed clinician reviewing client profiles and determining appropriate placement and level of care criteria.
- Secured pre-authorizations and increased authorized treatment days.
- Trained clinicians in UR and contributed to organization UR manual.
- Built strong payer relationships and overturned denials.
- Maintained detailed documentation and achieved top conversion metrics.
Primary Therapist
Discovery Behavioral Health
11.2011 - 09.2014
- Conducted biopsychosocial assessments and Utilization Review for RTC level of care.
- Managed caseload of at least 4 clients; provided individual and family therapy.
- Facilitated process groups, managed crisis intervention, and coordinated care with other members of the treatment team
- Identified step-down options and communicated with outside professionals to prepare client for transition home.
Facility Manager
Discovery Behavioral Health/Center For Discovery
08.2006 - 11.2011
- Provided tours to prospective clients and their families and other professionals
- Managed daily needs of household including shopping for food, organizing and administering client's daily medications.
- Coordinated household repairs and servicing needs of appliances, etc.
- Managed charts and ensured all safety protocol and licensing compliance in accordance with Joint Commission and Community Care Licensing.
Education
Master of Arts - Counseling Psychology
Pacifica Graduate Institute
Carpinteria, CABachelor of Arts - Psychology
California State University, Long Beach
Long Beach, CA05-2008
Skills
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
- Client Assessment
- Group Therapy Facilitation
- Mindfulness Training
- Conflict Resolution
- Stress Management
- Crisis Intervention
- Patient Progress Monitoring
Certification
- Board Member, The Nonprofit Partnership (TNP) 2024- present
- Identify and collaborate with board to execute creative solutions to organizational challenges.
- Attend community events and represent TNP.
- Serve on fund development committee with emphasis on strategy, fundraising, and community representation.
Timeline
Staff Counselor
California State University, Long Beach
02.2025 - Current
Clinical Advisor, Outcomes & Alumni
Discovery Behavioral Health
01.2022 - 10.2024
Clinical Advisor, Admissions & Utilization Review
Discovery Behavioral Health
09.2014 - 08.2021
Primary Therapist
Discovery Behavioral Health
11.2011 - 09.2014
Facility Manager
Discovery Behavioral Health/Center For Discovery
08.2006 - 11.2011
Master of Arts - Counseling Psychology
Pacifica Graduate Institute
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
California State University, Long Beach
Licensure
- Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (CA. LMFT) 85711
- Certification in Pet Loss Grief Specialist by Association for Pet Loss and Bereavement (APLB)