Nicole Garrard

Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) with 16+ years of experience providing evidence-based behavioral health, mental health, and substance use disorder (SUD), and co-occurring disorder treatment in correctional, community mental health, residential, and inpatient settings. Skilled in mental health assessments, psychosocial evaluations, crisis intervention, suicide risk assessment, treatment planning, case management, and individual therapy, group therapy, and care coordination. Experienced in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), relapse prevention, trauma-informed care, and DSM-5-informed treatment.

Proven ability to engage justice-involved and high-risk populations while collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to improve treatment outcomes and continuity of care. Licensed in Mississippi and currently completing supervised clinical hours toward LCSW licensure.

Substance Use Disorder Therapist at Central Mississippi Correctional Facility (2025-03 – Present)

• Provide individual and group therapy for incarcerated individuals with substance use and co-occurring mental health disorders.
• Conduct behavioral health assessments, suicide risk screenings, and treatment planning.
• Utilize CBT, Motivational Interviewing, and relapse prevention interventions.
• Facilitate psychoeducational and recovery-focused treatment groups.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to support rehabilitation and re-entry planning.
• Maintain timely and accurate clinical documentation.

Therapist at Region 8 Mental Health Services (2023-01 – 2023-12)

• Provided outpatient therapy services for individuals with severe and persistent mental illness.
• Completed psychosocial assessments and treatment plans.
• Delivered crisis intervention and evidence-based therapeutic services.
• Coordinated care with community providers and support services.

Substance Abuse Counselor at McCoy House (2021-01 – 2022-12)

• Facilitated individual and group counseling services.
• Conducted substance abuse assessments and treatment planning.
• Assisted with admissions, intakes, and client orientation.
• Coordinated referrals and community-based support services.

Licensed Social Worker at Mississippi State Hospital (2020-01 – 2021-12)

• Provided case management, discharge planning, and psychosocial support.
• Coordinated care among patients, families, and healthcare providers.
• Conducted assessments to identify treatment needs and service barriers.

Counselor at Fairland Adult Treatment Center (2016-01 – 2020-12)

• Delivered individual and group counseling in a residential treatment setting.
• Facilitated relapse prevention programming.
• Coordinated care with courts, probation officers, and community agencies.
• Developed treatment goals and aftercare plans.

Counselor at Sunflower Landing Adolescent Treatment Program (2012-01 – 2016-12)

• Provided behavioral health counseling for adolescents.
• Facilitated therapeutic and psychoeducational groups.
• Conducted assessments and crisis intervention services.

Aftercare Counselor at Region One Mental Health Center (2011-01 – 2012-12)

• Coordinated aftercare services and relapse prevention planning.
• Connected clients to community resources and ongoing support services.

Master of Social Work in MSW – Walden University (2023-01)

Bachelor of Social Work in BSW – Delta State University (2011-01)