Krissel Montano

Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 15+ years of experience across behavioral health, medical social work, employee assistance, care coordination, crisis intervention, and case management. Extensive background conducting psychosocial and suicide-risk assessments, supporting individuals and families through complex medical and emotional concerns, and coordinating services for high-risk populations. Strong record of interdisciplinary collaboration, resource navigation, treatment-barrier resolution, and continuity-of-care support.

Bilingual in English and Spanish.

Clinical Care Coordinator / EAP Counselor - UnitedHealthcare / Optum

(2021-07 - 2026-01)

• Conducted comprehensive psychosocial assessments and suicide-risk evaluations for members with behavioral health, medical, and social-service needs.
• Provided brief, goal-oriented counseling and emotional support related to anxiety, depression, grief, caregiver stress, relationship concerns, and major life transitions.
• Coordinated services for high-risk and post-discharge members, addressing barriers to treatment and improving access to appropriate levels of care.
• Collaborated with providers, pharmacists, behavioral health professionals, and community resources to promote continuity of care and safe follow-up.
• Supported care transitions, referral management, benefits navigation, and connection to specialty and community-based services.

Clinical Case Manager - WellMed Medical Management

(2019-09 - 2021-04)

• Completed comprehensive psychosocial assessments for medically complex patients with chronic health conditions and functional limitations.
• Identified barriers involving finances, transportation, caregiver burden, behavioral health concerns, and access to treatment.
• Developed and coordinated multidisciplinary care plans designed to improve treatment access, adherence, and overall patient stability.
• Provided counseling and adjustment support to patients and families navigating chronic illness, changing functional needs, and complex healthcare decisions.
• Partnered with medical providers, case managers, and community organizations to connect patients with financial assistance and supportive resources.

Licensed Care Navigator - Vida Health

(2020-09 - 2022-10)

• Conducted behavioral health screenings, clinical triage, and psychosocial assessments for members enrolled in virtual health programs.
• Supported members experiencing anxiety, depression, stress, and adjustment to chronic health conditions.
• Coordinated referrals to psychiatry, psychotherapy, crisis services, and community-based resources based on clinical need.
• Collaborated with coaches and interdisciplinary behavioral health teams to support individualized care planning and risk management.

Dialysis Social Worker - Dialyspa Medical Center

(2016-11 - 2019-09)

• Provided psychosocial counseling and crisis intervention to patients with end-stage renal disease and other complex medical conditions.
• Conducted psychosocial assessments addressing emotional, social, financial, treatment-related, and caregiver concerns.
• Supported patients and families with advance care planning, transplant readiness, healthcare decision-making, and adjustment to chronic illness.
• Facilitated interdisciplinary care conferences and coordinated access to financial assistance, insurance support, and community resources.
• Served as a clinical resource to patients, families, and team members regarding barriers to treatment and continuity-of-care needs.

Dialysis Social Worker - SNG Dialysis

(2015-07 - 2016-11)

• Conducted psychosocial assessments and counseling for patients managing chronic kidney disease and long-term dialysis treatment.
• Identified barriers to treatment adherence and coordinated interventions to address psychosocial, financial, and behavioral health concerns.
• Facilitated referrals to transplant programs, mental health services, and financial assistance resources.
• Collaborated with physicians, nurses, dietitians, and other healthcare professionals to support patient-centered care planning.

Dialysis Social Worker - DaVita Medical Center

(2012-02 - 2015-07)

• Led psychosocial services for a large dialysis population with complex medical, behavioral health, and social-service needs.
• Conducted assessments, counseling, crisis intervention, care planning, and ongoing evaluation of psychosocial functioning.
• Facilitated patient education and interdisciplinary care meetings to strengthen treatment adherence and clinical outcomes.
• Supported patients and families with insurance concerns, healthcare-system navigation, financial resources, and community referrals.

Psychotherapist - Assurasource Behavioral Health Services

Private Practice Therapist - Krissel Montano, LCSW, LLC

Family Therapist - Community Solutions, Inc.

Therapist - Peak Behavioral Health Hospital

Family Service Coordinator - Tresco Tots

Master of Social Work - MSW - New Mexico State University

Bachelor of Social Work - BSW - University of Texas at El Paso