NEHA SUTARIA
Mumbai
Summary
Mental health professional with over seven years of cross-cultural experience in providing trauma-informed, evidence-based care to individuals with serious mental illness, co-occurring disorders, and complex trauma histories. Proficient in clinical assessment, crisis intervention, treatment planning, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Demonstrated leadership in program development, team supervision, and community mental health initiatives across diverse settings in the USA and India. Committed to advancing equitable, person-centered care, and systemic advocacy.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Team Lead – Mental Health Clinician
Exodus Recovery, Inc.
Fresno
08.2024 - 04.2025
- Provided therapy and crisis support to adults experiencing severe mental illnesses, such as schizophrenia, post-traumatic stress disorder, bipolar disorder, polysubstance use, etc.
- Led a multidisciplinary team of case managers and behavioral health staff in developing individualized treatment plans, coordinating care across providers, and ensuring timely documentation aligned with Medi-Cal standards. Provided clinical supervision, streamlined service workflows, and tracked team productivity to meet quality and compliance benchmarks.
- Partnered with the county Department of Behavioral Health, housing authorities, and medical providers to ensure continuity of care.
- Supported stabilization in permanent supportive housing using harm reduction, de-escalation, and recovery-focused approaches.
Clinical Mental Health Counselor
Fresno Mental Psychological Health Services
Fresno
09.2023 - 08.2024
- Provided trauma-informed counseling to clients with depression, anxiety, PTSD, intimate partner violence, and substance use histories.
- Delivered CBT and strengths-based interventions; conducted safety planning and risk assessments.
- Facilitated individual and group therapy sessions for adolescents, adults, and specialized populations, fostering peer connection and psychoeducation.
- Participated in weekly team meetings to discuss client cases and review treatment plans.
- Monitored client safety by assessing risk factors associated with suicide or self-harm behaviors.
Job Coach
Wayfinders
Fresno
08.2023 - 01.2024
- Delivered individualized coaching to young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities in community-based employment settings.
- Enhanced workplace readiness, communication, and adaptive functioning through structured, real-world practice.
- Promoted autonomy, problem-solving, and self-advocacy in diverse vocational contexts.
- Identified and addressed employment barriers through targeted, one-on-one support.
Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor (Intern)
California State University, Fresno
Fresno
01.2023 - 05.2023
- Supported students with intellectual disabilities in career planning and vocational rehabilitation.
- Conducted assessments, job readiness training, and partnered with employers for student placement.
Student Coordinator – Survivor Advocacy Services
California State University, Fresno
Fresno
08.2022 - 03.2023
- Collaborated with students and staff to support individuals experiencing intimate partner violence, sexual assault, and other forms of interpersonal abuse.
- Delivered resource navigation and emotional support in a trauma-informed, survivor-centered framework.
- Conducted campus-wide workshops and trainings on healthy relationships, consent, boundaries, and accessing mental health, and legal resources.
- Promoted safety, inclusion, and resilience through culturally responsive advocacy and outreach.
Support Coach
California State University, Fresno
Fresno
09.2021 - 08.2022
- Served in progressive coaching roles, supporting students with intellectual and developmental disabilities in academic, residential, vocational, and community settings.
- Facilitated independent living and vocational readiness through individualized coaching and inclusive education practices.
- Delivered workplace training, academic navigation support, and community-based integration activities.
Life Skills & Mental Health Trainer
Freelance
Mumbai
08.2017 - 10.2021
- Designed and facilitated interactive workshops on self-harm prevention, emotional resilience, mental health literacy, and communication skills.
- Partnered with colleges, NGOs, and correctional institutions to deliver psychoeducational sessions tailored to youth, educators, and at-risk populations.
Crisis Responder
Samaritans Mumbai
Mumbai
08.2016 - 01.2021
- Served as a trained telephone responder, providing crisis de-escalation, emotional support, and active listening to individuals in distress.
- Offered nonjudgmental, confidential support to callers experiencing suicidal ideation, grief, and acute emotional distress.
- Conducted outreach programs, facilitated awareness initiatives, and contributed to social media campaigns promoting mental health literacy.
- Participated in volunteer training sessions, supporting the development of active listening and empathetic response skills in new team members.
Program Officer – Mental Health Initiatives
Aga Khan Health Board for India
Mumbai
01.2019 - 11.2020
- Led mental health education sessions across India on emotional well-being and stigma reduction.
- Part of the team that launched India’s first Jamati mental health helpline during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Trained volunteers and managed helpline referrals, outreach, and coordination.
Education
Master of Science - Clinical Rehabilitation & Mental Health Counseling
California State University, Fresno
Fresno, California, USA05.2024
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
University of Mumbai
Mumbai, Maharashtra, India05-2019
Skills
- Trauma-Informed Therapy (CBT, DBT-informed)
- Suicide Risk Assessment and Crisis Response
- Psychosocial Rehabilitation and Recovery Planning
- Multicultural and gender-affirming counseling
- Case Management and Service Coordination
- Program Implementation and Clinical Supervision
- Documentation (Medi-Cal, Ethical Standards)
- Client advocacy
- Teamwork and collaboration
Licensure & Credentials
- Associate Professional Clinical Counselor (APCC), California | #17165
- Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC) | #697588
Affiliations
- Chi Sigma Iota – Counseling Honor Society
- American Counseling Association
- Befrienders Worldwide – Volunteer Network
- Rehabilitation Counseling Student Association
Certification
- CBT for Suicide Prevention, Beck Institute, 2023
- QPR Suicide Prevention Gatekeeper, QPR Institute, 2023
- Certified Sexual Assault Counselor, RCS Fresno, 2023
- Psychological First Aid, Johns Hopkins University, 2022
- Certified Life Skills Master Trainer, IALSE, 2018
- CPR/First Aid, National CPR Foundation, 2022
Languages
- English, Fluent
- Hindi, Fluent
- Gujarati, Conversational
Projects
- Wellness Ambassadors – Jai Hind College
Designed and implemented a campus-based peer-support model to promote emotional wellbeing, mental health literacy, and early intervention among students. This initiative trained student volunteers in basic mental health skills and active listening. - Coach & Player – Women’s Throwball Team, Mahim Community Centre
Actively coached and played for the local women’s throwball team, fostering community engagement, discipline, and physical wellness among women across age groups.
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Team Lead – Mental Health Clinician
Exodus Recovery, Inc.
08.2024 - 04.2025
Clinical Mental Health Counselor
Fresno Mental Psychological Health Services
09.2023 - 08.2024
Job Coach
Wayfinders
08.2023 - 01.2024
Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor (Intern)
California State University, Fresno
01.2023 - 05.2023
Student Coordinator – Survivor Advocacy Services
California State University, Fresno
08.2022 - 03.2023
Support Coach
California State University, Fresno
09.2021 - 08.2022
Program Officer – Mental Health Initiatives
Aga Khan Health Board for India
01.2019 - 11.2020
Life Skills & Mental Health Trainer
Freelance
08.2017 - 10.2021
Crisis Responder
Samaritans Mumbai
08.2016 - 01.2021
Master of Science - Clinical Rehabilitation & Mental Health Counseling
California State University, Fresno
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
University of Mumbai