VANESSA GARCIA
Hacienda Heights
Summary
Dynamic behavioral health leader with a strong foundation in optimizing operations and enhancing organizational performance within higher education and community mental health. Experienced in mobilizing teams through relational leadership, fostering cross-functional collaboration, and implementing large-scale programs that drive measurable improvements in service delivery.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
Work History
Behavioral Health Director
Mount San Antonio College
Walnut
10.2025 - Current
- Recruited, trained, supervised, and evaluated staff to improve team competency and service delivery for students.
- Directed daily operations of department, ensuring compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
- Developed policies and procedures to uphold adherence to institutional guidelines.
- Managed departmental budgets to optimize resource allocation and utilization.
- Implemented thorough oversight of behavioral health services, ensuring quality service delivery.
- Oversaw crisis response operations in partnership with campus safety while leading behavioral wellness team.
- Supervised team members, fostering partnerships across campuses to enhance outreach access.
- Applied data insights and program evaluations to drive improvements in student achievement outcomes.
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
Private Practice
Hacienda Heights
12.2020 - Current
- Delivered individual therapy sessions to clients with diverse mental health diagnoses, fostering personal growth and recovery.
- Collaborate with the client to design treatment strategies using MI, CBT, and Seeking Safety models of therapy.
- Provided quality therapy to over 20 clients weekly, ensuring tailored support for each individual's needs.
- Credentialed with Kaiser, Blue Shield, EAP, and Anthem.
Director of Psychological Services
Long Beach City College
Long Beach
07.2023 - 10.2025
- Provided administrative leadership for psychological services, developing strategic goals and program objectives supporting over 20,000 students.
- Enhanced psychiatric access by managing expansion of TimelyCare services, offering virtual evaluations and medication support for 20,000+ students.
- Developed and implemented clinical protocols, workflow policies, and quality-assurance measures to improve service delivery.
- Assessed personnel needs and allocated resources to enhance clinical service delivery and operational efficiency.
- Expanded clinical training programs through partnerships with CSULB's counseling psychology department, increasing intern workforce.
- Established consistent clinical presence across multiple student hubs, raising awareness of mental health resources.
- Built cross-campus partnerships to deliver tailored workshops and outreach for high-need student populations.
- Strengthened engagement with psychological services by implementing targeted outreach strategies.
Independent Contractor for Start Up
Telecare Corporation
Alameda
03.2024 - 03.2025
- Facilitated timely launch of Telecare programs through effective credentialing and certification submissions.
- Successfully launched awarded community Telecare mental health program in Los Angeles County.
- Conducted site reviews and coordinated readiness activities among quality assurance, revenue cycle, billing, EHR, and facilities teams.
- Collaborated with cross-functional departments to develop compliant policies and procedures aligned with county and state regulations.
Start Up Administrator
Telecare Corporation
Alameda
02.2022 - 07.2023
- Spearheaded Telecare product line program startups for mental health urgent care and rehabilitation centers.
- Successfully launched three programs in Riverside County, two in Washington, and one in Oregon while ensuring compliance.
- Designed and implemented programs for all Telecare contracts awarded across Pacific Northwest and California.
- Cultivated strong relationships with internal and external partners to enhance collaboration.
Regional Director of Operations
Pathways of California
Orange County
07.2021 - 02.2022
- Led over 200 staff across six outpatient programs, consistently exceeding KPIs for service delivery and outcomes.
- Elevated clinical quality while optimizing operational workflows to enhance experiences for both staff and clients.
- Oversaw core operational systems, including scheduling and workflow management within a $10 million budget.
- Streamlined administrative tasks to reduce overhead and prioritize clinical hiring through effective resource allocation.
- Redesigned budget structures in response to the COVID-19 crisis, ensuring financial stability.
- Enhanced organization's public profile through strategic community engagement and impactful presentations at county level.
Administrator
Telecare Corporation
Los Angeles
01.2017 - 07.2021
- Achieved program certification through medical recertification and CARF accreditation within my first year as Administrator.
- Managed a $3.5M behavioral health contract by meeting budget targets and leading staff to deliver high-quality services to 200+ adult consumers.
- Implemented clinical, programmatic, and data-tracking systems within six months, streamlining workflows and improving documentation quality and compliance.
- Restructured and expanded programs to exceed DMH expectations for 65% service delivery, enhancing access for 200+ adults with significant mental health needs.
- Increased employee engagement scores from 2.5 to 4.5 (out of 5) within one year through targeted culture and leadership strategies.
- Fostered recovery-oriented culture that improved staff morale and reduced turnover, aligning with Telecare's mission and values.
- Redesigned programs during COVID pandemic to ensure service continuity and compliance with regulatory standards.
Director of Integrated Behavioral Health/Consultant
Tiburcio Vasquez Health Center
Hayward
05.2016 - 07.2017
- Led federally qualified health center as IBHP consultant after eight months as director.
- Overhauled IBHP department to ensure 100% mental health coverage across all clinic sites.
- Secured $6 million contract for essential community services, adhering to budget guidelines.
- Expanded IBHP department by obtaining $550,000 grant for mental health care access.
- Rolled out electronic health record system, streamlining processes and enhancing patient care quality.
TAY Program Director
Stars Behavioral Health Group
San Leandro
02.2007 - 05.2016
- Directed operations for Transition Age Youth program, delivering comprehensive mental health services to youth aged 16–25.
- Grew program contract to $1.3 million in under three years through strategic expansion and resource optimization.
- Expanded agency contract from $1.5 million to $3.8 million, facilitating new programs and increasing EPSDT revenue.
- Secured subacute triage program for ages 18–26, enhancing continuum of care for youth.
- Cultivated strong referral partnerships, boosting outreach and engagement across Alameda County.
- Improved access and outcomes for over 500 underserved youth annually.
- Acknowledged for providing high-need services while ensuring fiscal accountability.
- Contributed significantly to TJC accreditation for Stars Behavioral Health Group.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
California State University - Long Beach
Master of Science - Counseling Psychology
Dominican University of California
Skills
- Behavioral health planning
- Data analytics
- Financial oversight
- Program evaluation
- Staff development
- Policy formulation
- Certified meditation teacher
- EMDR specialization
License
Licensed MFT, 48482
Timeline
Behavioral Health Director
Mount San Antonio College
10.2025 - Current
Independent Contractor for Start Up
Telecare Corporation
03.2024 - 03.2025
Director of Psychological Services
Long Beach City College
07.2023 - 10.2025
Start Up Administrator
Telecare Corporation
02.2022 - 07.2023
Regional Director of Operations
Pathways of California
07.2021 - 02.2022
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
Private Practice
12.2020 - Current
Administrator
Telecare Corporation
01.2017 - 07.2021
Director of Integrated Behavioral Health/Consultant
Tiburcio Vasquez Health Center
05.2016 - 07.2017
TAY Program Director
Stars Behavioral Health Group
02.2007 - 05.2016
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
California State University - Long Beach
Master of Science - Counseling Psychology
Dominican University of California