Experience

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  San mateo county community college district

  Jan 2001 - Jan 2003

  Health clinic assistant

  General clerical supportMaintained confidentiality of clientsAssisted with counseling of test results

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  Mateo lodge inc

  Aug 2002 - May 2005

  Supportive crisis counselor

  Provided therapeutic case management and enrichment services to clients with SMI in a residential setting. Led skills based groups, planned and transported clients on outing for fun, self-care, medical appointments, and activities of their choosing.

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  Center for independent rehabilitative services

  Jan 2003 - Jan 2006

  Office administrator

  Responsibilities included all areas of front office functions, multidisciplinary coordination, scheduling, and patient interactions. Key duties involved billing and collections, where I ensured the verification of benefits, timely billing, and follow-up on medical claims and collections. I assisted in negotiating private and Medi-Cal contracts and successfully appealed denied services. I secured the necessary clinical documentation for billing, processed insurance rejections or denials, and worked with business office staff to ensure accurate diagnosis and procedure codes on claims. I collaborated directly with insurance companies, healthcare providers, and clients to process and expedite payments. My role required keeping up-to-date with all billing and benefit changes from third-party insurance carriers. I conducted collection calls to reconcile accounts and secure full payment, posted third-party insurance payments, and maintained compliance with departmental standards. I stayed informed about third-party billing requirements and changes, reviewed outstanding balances daily, and documented collection attempts. I prepared and submitted claims timely, adjusted claims according to paid amounts and contract rates, managed coordination of benefits for clients with multiple insurers, and addressed client billing questions, verifying their insurance coverage. Additionally, I possessed knowledge of CPT, ICD9, and payer codes. Show less

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  Mental health association of san mateo county

  Jan 2006 - Jan 2007

  Case manager

  Provided direct support to mental health clients in the community.Case Management. As a Case Manager, I met regularly with each client to help achieve the goals of the treatment plan. The Case Manager makes sure each client has the tangible resources needed to stay housed. To help our clients live stably, the Case Manger also helps clients obtain mental health support, medical assistance, social services, and entitlements. The Case Manager monitors how well each client is coping with independent living. The Case Manager works closely with other MHA staff, including the Occupational Therapist and Public Health Nurse. Community Building. We want our clients to strengthen their connections to other people and to gain practical skills. The Case Manager connects clients to social and recreational activities. The Case Manger also connects clients to other activities, including training and education programs on topics such as appliance usage, timely rent payment, budgeting, transportation, and use of community resources.Property Management. Our goal is to see our clients stay housed, especially during the inevitable challenges of living with mental illness. The Case Manager mediates conflicts with property managers and reaches out to clients who are delinquent in their rent or who are exhibiting behavioral problems in violation of their lease agreement. Show less

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  Foresee

  Jan 2007 - Jan 2011

  Patient care coordinator/ office manager

  Partnered with clients and their families to address mental health needs, ensuring a trauma-informed approach to care. Educated a diverse client population and their families by welcoming them warmly, developing and explaining individualized care plans, outlining therapeutic and financial options, and providing educational information on treatments, interventions, medications, and ongoing care in collaboration with direct care providers.Developed comprehensive, interdisciplinary care plans through coordination and participation in meetings, aligning information and care requirements with other providers, addressing issues affecting care progression, and educating others on trauma-informed care principles and case management processes.Monitored care delivery with meticulous documentation, tracking progress toward goals, addressing deviations in the care plan, reviewing care plans with clients in collaboration with direct care providers, and coordinating with departments to expedite necessary assessments, interventions, and consultations.Negotiated contracts with Medi-Cal and other insurance carriers to ensure clients' medical needs, such as prosthetics and cranial remolding helmets for post-surgery infants, were met. Track record of proven success. Managed administrative tasks, including billing and collections on behalf of clients, to ensure financial aspects of care were handled efficiently.Reported personnel and performance issues to the unit manager and maintained ongoing communication with utilization review staff regarding care plan or transfer/discharge plan variances.Evaluated care outcomes with the interdisciplinary team by measuring service effectiveness, ensuring a trauma-informed approach, and implementing team recommendations to enhance client well-being. Show less

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  The pampered chef

  Jan 2011 - Jan 2014

  Independent consultant

  As owner of a small home-based business, maintained database of clients for direct sales, coordinated a variety of home cooking shows and presented marketing materials to potential customers, produced sales to reach monthly goals, and conducted routine phone calls to ensure customer satisfaction and quality level of service.Family meals are the center of family life, and studies show that eating together makes kids smarter, better adjusted children! Did you also know that family dinners lessen risk taking in teens, and reduce stress in working parents? It's all true! Families that eat together are happier. Let me show you some tips and trick and fabulous products that will help you (quickly!) get your family around the table! Show less

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  Telecare corporation

  Oct 2012 - Dec 2014

  Case manager / personal service coordinator ii

  As a Mental Health Specialist at San Mateo Transitions, a program developed in partnership between Telecare Corporation and the San Mateo County Mental Health Services Division, I provided intensive support to individuals with serious mental illness who were homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. Specializing in forensic mental health treatment, I delivered comprehensive services to high-need clients, including therapy, addiction counseling, medication support, and full case management. My responsibilities included serving as the representative payee for 60 high-risk clients, managing their finances to ensure stability. I utilized a trauma-informed care model and was trained in Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP) development, supporting clients in creating personalized recovery plans. I coordinated services with in-house psychiatrists, nursing staff, and case managers to ensure integrated care, while managing all aspects of clients' lives, including housing placement, substance use treatment, and crisis intervention. My approach emphasized cultural competence, diversity, and client-centered recovery, promoting client involvement in hiring processes. I contributed to Telecare’s exemplary conformance to CARF standards, maintaining detailed documentation of client interactions and reporting regularly on program outcomes and client success stories. Show less

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  Starvista

  Jun 2015 - Aug 2017

  • Marriage and Family Therapist Trainee

    Jan 2016 - Aug 2017

  • Women's Enrichment Center Administrative Assistant

    Jun 2015 - Aug 2017
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  County of san mateo

  Aug 2017 - Jun 2020

  Spearheaded a pilot program within San Mateo County aimed at re-engaging long-term chronically homeless individuals with their regional clinics within Behavioral Health and Recovery Services (BHRS).Conducted extensive outreach to the most mentally ill and medically fragile community members, employing a high level of engagement to build trust and rapport. Coordinated full range of medical, mental health, and holistic services for clients, ensuring they received comprehensive care tailored to their unique needs. Facilitated communication and collaboration among various service providers to streamline care. Arranged and participated in high level complex care coordination meetings, field crisis meetings, and collaborated with law anforcement, forensic health, and community stakeholders to create network of support for clients. Supported clients in transitioning to their regional clinics by building strong relationships and ensuring a smooth hand-off to their care teams. Focused on establishing a strong connection between clients and their clinic care coordinators. Developed and maintained meaningful relationships with clients, using empathy and understanding to foster a sense of trust and safety. Advocated for clients' needs within the healthcare system, ensuring they received appropriate medical and mental health care, including facilitating access to necessary resources and services.Assisted clients in navigating the healthcare system, helping them to understand and access the services available to them. Provided ongoing support to ensure continuity of care. Maintained accurate and thorough documentation of client interactions, care plans, and progress. Provided regular reports to program supervisors and stakeholders on program outcomes and client success stories. Show less Played a key role in the Whole Person Care (WPC) pilot program initiated in 2016 in response to Medi-Cal 2020. This program aimed to enhance, evolve, and transform service delivery within the healthcare system. Engaged with the most mentally ill and medically fragile community members, fostering trust and rapport through consistent and empathetic interactions, ensuring a trauma-informed approach. Coordinated comprehensive care services for clients, ensuring seamless communication and collaboration across divisions, departments, and with county and community partners to meet clients' diverse needs. Facilitated warm hand-offs by building strong, trusting relationships with clients and supporting them in establishing connections with their new care teams. Developed and maintained meaningful relationships with clients, using a whole-person approach to address their physical, mental health, substance use, and social needs. Acted as a strong advocate for clients within the healthcare system, ensuring they received necessary medical and mental health care, including access to essential resources and services. Guided clients through the healthcare system, assisting them in understanding and accessing available services. Provided ongoing support to ensure continuity and effectiveness of care. Maintained detailed and accurate documentation of client interactions, care plans, and progress. Generated regular reports to supervisors and stakeholders, highlighting program outcomes and client success stories. Strengthened collaboration across divisions and with county and community partners, ensuring a coordinated approach to care for the most vulnerable clients with complex needs.Program Enhancement: Contributed to the expansion of existing services and the development of new services and programs that enhance the ability to serve the whole person. Show less

  • Associate Marriage And Family Therapist - Homeless MentalIy Ill Outreach Treatment Team

    Mar 2019 - Jun 2020

  • Care Navigator II - Whole Person Care

    Aug 2017 - Mar 2019
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  One life counseling center

  Nov 2019 - Dec 2024

  As the first Associate Clinical Director at One Life, I advocated for this position out of a need I identified while working as the Office Manager, proactively addressing gaps and picking up pieces where things fell through. As the Associate Clinical Director, I provided full support to the Clinical Director, including recruiting, interviewing, and providing comprehensive support to pre-licensed staff through clinical consultations, ensuring their development and adherence to best practices. Collaborating closely with the Clinical Director, I played a key role in establishing and refining numerous policies and procedures, culminating in a comprehensive employee handbook. Demonstrating initiative, I established One Life's first Youth Advisory Committee, engaging young voices in organizational decisions. I managed scheduling for 80 clinicians across 9 office buildings, ensuring efficient operations and client access. Additionally, I oversaw the referral coordination team and managed credentialing processes with Medi-Cal and Kaiser. I was actively involved in grant writing and provided staff trainings on various practical and clinical topics. My role was pivotal in enhancing service delivery, ensuring compliance, and fostering a supportive environment for both staff and clients. Show less

  • Licensed Marriage And Family Therapist

    Mar 2022 - Dec 2024

  • Associate Clinical Director

    Jun 2022 - Sept 2023

  • Associate Marriage and Family Therapist

    Nov 2019 - Mar 2022
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  Free spirit therapy rwc

  Jan 2024 - now

  Business owner / lmft

  Mind body based psychotherapy

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  Synergy healing collaborative

  Jan 2025 - now

  Founder and executive director

  I’m so excited to introduce you to the Synergy Healing Collab.! I’m Sarah Kay Fuhs, Creatrix of Synergy Healing Collab., Death Doula, and licensed mental health therapist based in Redwood City. While I technically own the name of the company, this is truly a network—built on the belief that when we collaborate, we can create something far more powerful and healing than any of us could offer alone.There are no fees, no demands, and no central location (though we do have limited shared office space available in Redwood City!). All practitioners operate fully independently. This is a networking group for professional consultation and support, marketing, and shared referrals among healing professionals offering holistic care to our communities. My vision is that it becomes a thriving web of mutual support, inspiration, and aligned care.If you have interest in joining our network, please reach out! Show less