Lindsay S. McCarson
Ashland
Summary
Professional counselor with experience providing direct counseling and crisis intervention for children and adolescents in high-acuity settings. Expertise in suicide risk assessment, safety planning, and evidence-based interventions (CBT, trauma-informed) with a person-centered approach. Proven ability to collaborate with educators and adapt to changing needs while consistently achieving positive outcomes for students. Skilled in individual and group counseling, academic planning, and crisis intervention, creating a supportive and results-driven environment.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Professional School Counselor
O.B. Gates Elementary School
Chesterfield, VA
08.2020 - Current
- Executed therapeutic strategies in individual and group settings to address anxiety, trauma-related issues, behavioral challenges, and emotional disturbances.
- Executed suicide risk assessments, crisis evaluations, and safety planning protocols.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to design and implement tailored mental health and behavioral support plans.
- Designed individualized counseling strategies aimed at fostering student growth in both academic and personal domains.
- Led the implementation of comprehensive school-wide programs focused on mental health awareness and resilience building.
Coordinator of School Counselors
Liberty Middle School
Bedford, VA
01.2018 - 01.2020
- Managed delivery of counseling services and facilitated mental health support systems to enhance student well-being.
- Oversaw team initiatives focused on behavioral health interventions and coordinated comprehensive crisis response solutions.
- Created frameworks for early detection and intervention in student mental health issues.
- Developed collaborative relationships with community providers to optimize referral pathways and support seamless continuity of care.
- Coordinated prevention strategies and mental health awareness activities to enhance public understanding and support.
Professional School Counselor
Bedford Middle School
Bedford, VA
01.2015 - 01.2018
- Delivered short-term counseling and crisis intervention services to adolescents facing anxiety, trauma exposure, and behavioral dysregulation.
- Implemented strategies to support individuals in managing acute emotional and behavioral crises.
- Organized and led skills-based groups to enhance coping strategies and emotional regulation.
- Engaged with staff and caregivers to develop comprehensive behavioral and support plans that address individual needs.
- Developed individualized counseling plans to support student academic and personal growth.
Education
M.Ed. - Counselor Education
Virginia Commonwealth University
Richmond05-2015
B.S. - Psychology
University of Mary Washington
Skills
- Suicide risk assessment, crisis intervention, safety planning
- Informed clinical assessments and referrals
- Short-term counseling for youth groups and individuals
- Trauma-informed & CBT-informed interventions
- Emotional regulation & behavioral stabilization
- Family systems engagement & caregiver collaboration
- Partnership with local service providers
Certification
- Resident in Counseling (VA) – Pending 2026
- National Certified Counselor (NCC)
- Professional School Counselor (PreK–12, active)
Timeline
Professional School Counselor
O.B. Gates Elementary School
08.2020 - Current
Coordinator of School Counselors
Liberty Middle School
01.2018 - 01.2020
Professional School Counselor
Bedford Middle School
01.2015 - 01.2018
B.S. - Psychology
University of Mary Washington
M.Ed. - Counselor Education
Virginia Commonwealth University
CLINICAL TRAINING
- Clinical Mental Health Counseling (Diagnosis & Assessment), Liberty University (15 credits)
- ASIST – Suicide Intervention
- Nonviolent Crisis Intervention (NCI)
- Youth Mental Health First Aid (Trainer Certified)