Ariel Smith
Raytown
Summary
Dedicated and detail-oriented person, skilled in conducting biopsychosocial assessments, speaking with treatment providers, and recommending appropriate levels of care consistent with treatment needs. Experience in utilization review- communicating with care managers at insurance companies, requesting prior authorization and concurrent reviews, submitting discharge clinical, and assisting with discharge planning and case management needs. Strong knowledge of mental health disorders, appropriate levels of mental health care, and available resources in the community. Organized, and dependable candidate, successful at managing multiple priorities with a positive attitude.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Hospital Therapist (LPC)- Utilization Review
Crittenton Children’s Center- Saint Luke's Hospital of KC
06.2025 - Current
- Analyze patient records (EMR) to ensure the clinical information is current, clear, and supports the treatment plan.
- Determine if the patient's treatment level, stay, and services are medically necessary according to clinical standards and payer criteria.
- Liaise with insurance case managers to submit information and gain authorization for services. This includes handling concurrent, prospective, and retrospective reviews.
- Work with the inpatient clinical team to gather information, discuss patient status, and ensure the information presented to the payer accurately reflects the patient's condition.
- Manage the process for initial authorizations.
- Assist patients and families in understanding their insurance benefits when applicable.
- Conduct clinical interviews and recommend levels of care consistent with the treatment needs to patients and their families.
- Assist with case management, discharge planning, and facilitating timely referrals to alternate levels of care.
Hospital Therapist (LPC)- Intake
Crittenton Children's Center- Saint Luke's Hospital of KC
07.2022 - 06.2025
- Conducted biopsychosical assessments with patients and families, and recommended levels of care consistent with treatment needs.
- Recommended and implemented general therapeutic interventions both for individual clients and for overall program development.
- Documented patient information, treatment plans, and patient responses.
- Developed and maintained relationships with referral sources to support continuity of care.
- Provided individual sessions to patients suffering from mental health disorders.
- Assisted with additional work functions in the area of Utilization Management- requesting prior authorizations, submitting discharge clinical, and assisting with discharge planning.
Youth Care Specialist
Great Circle
03.2020 - 05.2022
- Completed clear and concise documentation of youth behavior and actions.
- Evaluated needs of youth and outlined measures to address.
- Aided with crisis intervention by redirecting negative behaviors and offering peer counseling.
- Attended treatment team meetings to discuss youth’s mental and behavioral progress.
- Built solid and trusting rapport with children and families, fostering trust and communication to meet case needs.
- Reported child abuse in accordance with legal standards of mandatory reporters.
- Intervened in crisis situations and counseled children experiencing emergencies and disruptive incidents.
Direct Support Professional
Northwest Community Services
07.2015 - 02.2020
- Administered medication as directed by physician.
- Monitored progress and documented patient health status changes to keep care team updated.
- Developed rapport to create safe and trusting environment for care.
- Assisted disabled clients to support independence and well-being.
- Maintained clean, safe, and well-organized patient environment.
- Support daily hygiene needs of patients by assisting with bathing, dressing, dental care, and personal grooming.
- Assisted with crisis intervention to de-escalate challenging behavior and maintain peaceful encounters.
Education
Master of Arts - Community Counseling
Missouri Valley College
Marshall, MO07.2021
Bachelor of Science - Interdisciplinary Studies
Missouri Valley College
Marshall, MO12.2018
Skills
- Active listening
- Attention to detail
- Collaboration/Team Work
- Critical Thinking
- Effective Communication
- Computer/Typing skills
- Multitasking
- Organizational
- Problem-solving
- Time management
Certification
Licensed Professional Counselor - Issued 9/30/2022
Timeline
Hospital Therapist (LPC)- Utilization Review
Crittenton Children’s Center- Saint Luke's Hospital of KC
06.2025 - Current
Hospital Therapist (LPC)- Intake
Crittenton Children's Center- Saint Luke's Hospital of KC
07.2022 - 06.2025
Youth Care Specialist
Great Circle
03.2020 - 05.2022
Direct Support Professional
Northwest Community Services
07.2015 - 02.2020
Master of Arts - Community Counseling
Missouri Valley College
Bachelor of Science - Interdisciplinary Studies
Missouri Valley College
AWARDS
MVC Scholar Award - Master of Arts Community Counseling Program, MVC Graduate Committee member, Dean’s List