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Valerie Gootee
EAP Manager
Professional Background
Valerie L Gootee is a dedicated professional with extensive experience in the field of psychology and employee assistance programs. With a career spanning numerous notable organizations, Valerie has developed a rich expertise in counseling psychology and behavioral health management. Currently serving as the EAP Manager at Optum, Valerie plays a crucial role in overseeing employee assistance services, ensuring mental health support is accessible and impactful for clients across various sectors. Prior to her current role at Optum, Valerie was instrumental in shaping workplace wellness at Magellan Health, where she held the managerial position and focused on innovative solutions for employee mental health challenges.
Valerie's career began at Crisis Connection, where she served as an EAP Phone Counselor, providing immediate support and guidance to employees in distress. This foundation laid the groundwork for her deep understanding of the nuances involved in employee assistance programs. Following this role, she took on the position of Manager of Behavioral Health at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Minnesota, where her leadership skills shone through in improving behavioral health services for clients. Valerie's journey in the industry also led her to T.E.A.M. Total Employee Assistance Management, where she excelled as Vice President of Clinical Services, demonstrating her commitment to enhancing mental health offerings within organizations and fostering a supportive workplace culture.
Education and Achievements
Valerie's academic background is anchored in a strong foundation of psychology. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, where she gained critical insights into human behavior and mental processes. Seeking to further her expertise, Valerie pursued a Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology at Saint Mary's University of Minnesota. This integral step in her education equipped her with advanced counseling techniques, enabling her to better assist individuals in navigating their mental health journeys.
Throughout her career, Valerie's leadership has been recognized in various capacities. Her ability to focus on holistic employee wellness translates to enhanced productivity, improved morale, and a positive organizational atmosphere. Valerie's efforts are not only evident through her roles in these organizations but also through her commitment to professional development and contributing to the broader field of mental health.
Achievements
Among Valerie’s many achievements is her longstanding dedication to promoting mental health awareness within the workplace. Her positions have facilitated numerous initiatives aimed at improving employee mental health resources, building awareness of the importance of mental wellbeing, and fostering an inclusive environment. Valerie is well-respected in the industry for her innovative approaches to employee assistance programs, spearheading projects that have resulted in significant advancements in mental health offerings.
tags:[
Psychology
Counseling Psychology
Employee Assistance Programs
Mental Health Support
Behavioral Health Management
Leadership in Mental Health
Workplace Wellness Initiatives
Crisis Counseling
Managerial Experience
Clinical Services Management
Location
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