Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Timeline
Generic

Tonia Fugate

Richmond,KY

Summary

Focused counselor skilled in delivering caring and compassionate support to address substance abuse and mental health issues. Well-versed in leading both one-on-one and group counseling sessions to improve client well-being and coping skills development. Over a 20 year history of advocating for clients to obtain resources and enhance support networks. Adept at optimizing program operations to maximize support.

Overview

23
23
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Counselor

Behavioral Health Group
10.2023 - Current
  • Maintained confidentiality of records relating to clients' treatment.
  • Guided clients in developing skills and strategies for dealing with problems.
  • Offered guidance and advice to help cultivate self-esteem and community involvement.
  • Implemented and developed core counseling programs to meet each individual's specific and varying needs.
  • Developed individualized counseling plans for clients to incorporate short-term and long-term goals.
  • Engaged clients in conversation to determine feelings and apprehensions.
  • Implemented evidence-based therapeutic interventions to promote positive behavior change.
  • Conducted evaluations to help patients develop measurable treatment goals.
  • Developed and expanded referral system of service providers to assist clients in attaining services.
  • Designed safe and supportive environment for clients to discuss issues.
  • Listened to clients' concerns and provided encouragement and support.
  • Managed a case load of 50+ patients/clients

Utilization Review Coordinator

Edgewater Recovery Centers
09.2020 - Current
  • Evaluated medical guidelines and benefit coverage to determine appropriateness of services.
  • Performed prior authorization review of services requiring notification.
  • Performed admission reviews based for medical necessity based upon ASAM specification.
  • Obtained authorizations from multiple insurance carriers for various levels of care.
  • Supervised and maintained all utilization review documentation through BestNotes.
  • Facilitated workgroup meetings with clinicians to find effective solutions to issues.
  • Fostered excellence by example by "setting pace" and being hands on mentor to clinical staff.

Treatment & Coalition Coordinator

Operation UNITE
09.2017 - 03.2020
  • Completed necessary reports and documentation on time and to specifications.
  • Supported office operations by expertly handling administrative needs.
  • Carried out day-day-day duties accurately and efficiently.
  • Maintained energy and enthusiasm in fast-paced environment.
  • Supervised activities and events such as town hall and coalition meetings to promote positive community relations.
  • Gathered information and created materials on such topics as substance abuse and overdose rates for dispersal within local community.
  • Developed and created programs and monitored effectiveness against individual participant needs.
  • Conducted community workshops to promote different programs and educate public on available services.
  • Worked with senior case managers to coordinate team development activities and trainings.
  • Coordinated individual referrals to obtain community services, advocated for client needs and resolved roadblocks.
  • Assisted supervisor with researching grants and grant writing tasks.
  • Worked flexible hours; night, weekend, and holiday shifts.

Substance Abuse Prevention Specialist

Mountain Comprehensive Care
07.2008 - 09.2017
  • Led supportive group discussions and education sessions with alcohol and drug users and families.
  • Provided comprehensive case management services, created treatment plans and connected clients and families to appropriate resources.
  • Displayed sensitivity to cultural and linguistic needs of clients and families served.
  • Quickly learned new skills and applied them to daily tasks, improving efficiency and productivity.
  • Worked flexible hours; night, weekend, and holiday shifts.
  • Maintained energy and enthusiasm in fast-paced environment.
  • Continually improved knowledge, skills and performance based on feedback and self-identified professional developmental needs.
  • Promoted available resources and connected individuals with services.
  • Prepared presentations on health and safety concerns for public.
  • Partnered with agencies and organizations driving improvements in community health.
  • Gave public talks on importance of health education and specific disease prevention and treatment strategies.
  • Helped programs improve outreach efforts and results with fresh designs for educational materials and visual aids.
  • Taught health education classes for community workers and members of public.
  • Assisted with development of improved seminars and training materials.
  • Assisted local and state governments and community agencies with developing health education programs.
  • Developed programs for teaching students and public.
  • Administered job knowledge assessments and competency testing for certification-level training.
  • Developed and maintained libraries and literature subscriptions.
  • Maintained mailing lists and subscriptions to facilitate program functions.

Recreational Therapist

ARH Psychiatric Center
07.2001 - 07.2008
  • Organized recreation and therapy programs congruent with participants' therapy goals, abilities and personal interests.
  • Scheduled and led specialized programs allowing participants to engage in exercise and recreation, supporting social and physical wellbeing.
  • Encouraged clients with special needs and circumstances to acquire new skills and get involved in health-promoting leisure activities.
  • Conducted patient evaluations to identify mental, emotional, social and physical aptitudes, assess abilities and identify conditions suitable for recreational interventions.
  • Maintained detailed records outlining patient treatment plans, progress updates, treatment adjustments, goal achievements and outcomes.
  • Instructed patients in activities and techniques such as dance, music or art designed to meet specific physical or psychological needs.
  • Prepared and submitted reports and charts to treatment team to reflect patient reactions and evidence of progress or regression.
  • Observed, analyzed and recorded patient progress during treatment sessions, modifying treatment programs.
  • Worked closely with caregivers and relatives of patients to explain treatment plans, objectives and expected outcomes.
  • Created individualized treatment programs in collaboration with physicians and recommended specialist referrals.
  • Worked flexible hours; night, weekend, and holiday shifts.
  • Performed duties in accordance with applicable standards, policies and regulatory guidelines to promote safe working environment.

Education

Master of Arts - Human Services Addiction Counseling

Liberty University
Lynchburg, VA
01.2025

Bachelor of Science - Recreation Therapy

Eastern Kentucky University
Richmond, KY
05.2000

Skills

  • Documentation Review
  • Patient Condition Monitoring
  • Emotional Support
  • Continuous Assessments
  • Obtaining Authorizations
  • Compassionate and Caring
  • Physician Consultations
  • Interdepartmental Functions Coordination
  • Patient Care Activities
  • Accurate Documentation
  • Determine Medical Necessity
  • Patient Care Standards
  • Individualized Treatment Plans
  • CPT Coding
  • Team Meetings
  • Interdisciplinary Care

Certification

  • TCADC (Temporary Certified Alcohol & Drug counselor completing supervision currently.

Timeline

Counselor

Behavioral Health Group
10.2023 - Current

Utilization Review Coordinator

Edgewater Recovery Centers
09.2020 - Current

Treatment & Coalition Coordinator

Operation UNITE
09.2017 - 03.2020

Substance Abuse Prevention Specialist

Mountain Comprehensive Care
07.2008 - 09.2017

Recreational Therapist

ARH Psychiatric Center
07.2001 - 07.2008

Master of Arts - Human Services Addiction Counseling

Liberty University

Bachelor of Science - Recreation Therapy

Eastern Kentucky University

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Tonia Fugate