Manager, Care Coordination
Name: Yisel Morell
Thriving Mind Title: Care Coordination Manager
Department: Adult System of Care
Education: (College/Degree): Carlos Albizu University/ Master’s in Psychology
Credentials/certifications: MS, License Mental Health Counselor (LMHC)
What do you at Thriving Mind? As the Care Coordination Manager, I oversee a team of 3 incredible Care Coordinators and together we link and assist individuals in the community to care coordination services. Care Coordination is a time-limited service that assists individuals with behavioral health conditions and substance use who are not effectively engaged with case management or other behavioral health services and supports as they transition from higher levels of care to community-based care. Care Coordination concentrates on educating and empowering individuals while providing a single point of contact until they are adequately connected to the care that meets their needs. Care Coordination connects systems including behavioral health, physical health, peer and natural supports, housing, education, vocation, and the justice system.
How do you help individuals with mental illness/substance use disorders?
The Care Coordination team serves individuals diagnosed with serious mental illness (SMI), substance use disorder (SUD), serious emotional disturbance (SED), or co-occurring disorders who demonstrate high utilization of acute care services, including crisis stabilization, inpatient, substance abuse inpatient detoxification, and the Statewide Inpatient Psychiatric Program (or equivalent out of state treatment). Through collaborative efforts with our community providers, we aim at efficiently linking individuals to treatment, provide resources to needs, effectively manage and reduce risk, and promote accurate diagnosis and treatment due to consistency of information and shared information. It is an approach that includes coordination at the funder level, through data surveillance, information sharing across regional and system partners, partnerships with community stakeholders (i.e., housing providers, judiciary, primary care, etc.), and purchase of needed services and supports.
Why is this work important to you? This work is important to me because it allows me to contribute and empower our community providers and individuals about available community services for mental health and substance use. Education is extremely important because it helps ensure that individuals receive the right support at the right time. When communities and providers are aware of the resources available, they can better identify needs, reduce stigma, and promote early intervention. This knowledge also helps individuals access the appropriate care quickly, which can lead to improved outcomes and recovery. Additionally, education fosters collaboration among different service providers, creating a more coordinated and effective support system for those struggling with mental health and substance use issues. Ultimately, it helps build a healthier, more informed, and compassionate community.
Previous employment (title/employer): 1. Citrus Health Network- Adult Case Manager
- Douglas Gardens CMHC- Intake Coordinator/ Therapist
Hobbies/Family (any personal info you want to include): I enjoy traveling with my family and exploring new cultures around the world. One of our favorite destinations is Asia, particularly Thailand, which I have had the pleasure of visiting three times. Traveling allows us to create meaningful memories, experience diverse traditions, and gain a broader perspective on life, not to mention the delicious food.