Abigaelle Desir

Mental Health and Addiction Counselor with over 7 years of experience providing crisis intervention, addiction counselling and clinical research support.

Texas Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor

Intern (LCDC-I) with a Master's degree in Addiction Counselling and extensive experience supporting diverse populations through evidence-based and person-centered care. Guided by a philosophy of curiosity, collaboration and empowerment to help individuals achieve meaningful and lasting change.

Mental Health Counselor at Kids Help Phone (988) (2021-01 – Present)

National e-mental health service

• Delivered single-session crisis intervention via phone and text for youth and young adults experiencing suicidal ideation, anxiety, depression, and substance use concerns
• Conducted suicide risk assessments and collaborative safety planning in high-risk situations, ensuring timely intervention and appropriate escalation
• Applied trauma-informed, person-centered approaches to support emotional stabilization and strengthen immediate coping strategies
• Built rapport rapidly in time-limited (45-60 minute) interactions while maintaining ethical, confidential, and evidence-based care

Research Assistant / Health Navigator at Sainte-Justine Children's Hospital (2025-01 – Present)

• Recruited participants and coordinated research activities across multiple pediatric clinical sites in the Greater Montreal area
• Served as a Health Navigator, connecting families with healthcare and community resources and addressing barriers to smoking cessation
• Collaborated with physicians, clinicians, and researchers to support participant follow-up, study coordination, and data quality

Substance Use Counselor (Intern) at Lac Echo (2021-01 – 2021-12)

Residential addiction rehabilitation for youth

• Provided individual counselling and recovery-focused support to clients experiencing substance use disorders under clinical supervision
• Assisted with psychosocial assessments and individualized intervention planning
• Supported young individuals in developing coping strategies and maintaining engagement in recovery
• Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams in the management of co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders

Crisis Mental Health Counselor at Residential Crisis Center (2019-01 – 2021-12)

• Delivered crisis intervention services by phone and within a residential setting for individuals experiencing acute psychological distress
• Conducted suicide risk assessments and implemented immediate intervention plans to promote client safety
• Collaborated with emergency responders, healthcare providers, and families to ensure continuity of care

Master of Arts (M.A.) in Addiction Intervention – Université de Sherbrooke (2022-01 – 2025-12)

Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) in Psychology – Concordia University (2015-01 – 2021-12)

Certificate in Addiction Prevention and Recovery – Université de Montréal (2021-01 – 2022-12)