My focus is on recovery, quality of care, and embracing the individuality of

the client or patient. My goal is to improve the quality and availability of mental

health services for those living with mood and psychotic disorders through

research and psychotherapy.

Education

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Master of Arts | Clinical Mental Health Counseling                                                 

Washington Adventist University

01/2019-12/2021

Takoma Park, MD

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Bachelor of Arts | History                                                                                         

Marymount University

09/2010-06/2013

Arlington, VA

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Research Interests

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· Pediatric Bipolar Disorder

· Mood disorders

· Psychotic disorders

· Trauma/PTSD

· Family-Focused Therapy for Bipolar Disorder (FFT)

· Interpersonal and Social Rhythm Therapy for Bipolar Disorder (IPSRT)

· Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing therapy (EMDR)

· Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Psychosis (CBT-P)

· Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

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Publications 

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 ·  Research on Youth with and at Risk for Bipolar Disorder: A Five Year Update

     Mikaela K. Dimick, PhD, Xinyue Jiang, BS, Katrin Kutlucinar, MA, LGPC, Kathryn 

     Burrows, PhD, Benjamin I. Goldstein, MD, PhD. (2024) Bipolar Disorders.

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·  Patients' Perspectives on the Consequences of Eliminating Prepubertal-Pediatric

    Bipolar Disorder as a Valid Diagnosis

    Katrin I. Kutlucinar, MA, LGPC, Kathryn Burrows, PhD. (2024) Bipolar Disorders.              

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·   Linking Scientific Research to the Bipolar Consumer Patient

    Katrin I. Kutlucinar, MA, LGPC, Kathryn Burrows, Ph.D. (2022) Bipolar Disorders. 

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·   The Role of Astrocytes on Depression

     Katrin I. Kutlucinar, MA, LGPC (2022). OALib Journal.

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·   Patients’ Opinions on the Validity of the Diagnosis of Pediatric Bipolar Disorder

    Katrin I. Kutlucinar, MA, LGPC, Shawnna M. Hoyt, M.A., Daniel A. Willie II (2022). Bipolar

    Disorders. 

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·   The Effects of Stimulant Treatment on Child and Adolescent Growth: What Every Parent

     and Clinician Needs to Know

    Katrin I. Kutlucinar, MA, LGPC, James Swanson, Ph.D., Alan Zametkin, MD. (2021). The

    ADHD Report.

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·   COVID-19 Wreaks Havoc on Mental Health and Suicide Rate

    Katrin I. Kutlucinar, MA, LGPC (2020). Nahmias Cipher Report.

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Interviews and Research Featured in Popular Media

 

·   Bipolar Disorders. 2023. “Linking Scientific Research to the Bipolar Patient.” Bipolar Disorders-The         Overview- Volume 24, Issue 7. (podcast).

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Conferences

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·   Kutlucinar, K. I. (2023, February 20). Patients' Opinions on the Validity of the Diagnosis of

    Pediatric Bipolar Disorder [Conference presentation]. EuroSciCon.   https://mentalhealthconference.euroscicon.com/

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·   Kutlucinar, K.I. (2023, September 14). The Impact of Delayed Diagnosis of Pediatric

    Bipolar Disorder: What Every Clinician Should Know [Conference presentation].

    Longdom Conferences. https://www.longdom.com/clinicalpsychiatry​

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·   Kutlucinar, K.I. (2024, September 29). The Gap Between Research and Practice is Failing

    Patients with Bipolar Disorder (Poster presentation). International Society of

    Bipolar Disorders. https://www.isbd.org/2024AnnualConference.

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Work Experience

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Therapist 

You First Health Systems

4/2024-present

• Conducts comprehensive mental-health diagnostic intake evaluations and assessments, ensuring accurate and thorough understanding of clients' needs and challenges.

• Provides individual counseling and therapeutic services to a diverse caseload of 25 clients, utilizing evidence-based treatment modalities to promote positive mental health outcomes.

• Collaborates with a multidisciplinary team of providers to develop and implement personalized treatment plans, ensuring holistic and coordinated care for clients.

• Maintains accurate and up-to-date documentation of client progress, treatment plans, and interventions, ensuring compliance with legal and ethical standards.

• Demonstrates strong interpersonal skills, building rapport and trust with clients to create a safe and supportive therapeutic environment.

• Adapts therapeutic approaches to meet the unique needs and preferences of each client, fostering a client-centered and empowering therapeutic relationship.

• Regularly engages in professional development activities, staying informed about the latest research and best practices in the field of therapy.

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Lead Therapist-Abuse Intervention Program

Synergy Family Services

10/2023-4/2024

• Leads counseling groups for the treatment and recovery of female perpetrators of domestic violence, as part of the Abuse Intervention Program at Synergy Family Services.

• Facilitates therapeutic sessions, providing a safe and supportive environment for clients to address their abusive behaviors.

• Develops and implements individualized treatment plans, tailored to the specific needs and goals of each client.

• Utilizes evidence-based therapeutic techniques to promote behavior change and empower clients to develop healthy coping strategies.

• Conducts regular assessments and progress evaluations to track client outcomes and adjust treatment plans as needed.

• Maintains accurate and confidential client records, adhering to ethical and legal guidelines.

• Stays updated on the latest research and best practices in the field of domestic violence intervention, continuously enhancing professional knowledge and skills.

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​Therapist                                                                                                                           

Synergy Family Services

4/2022-4/2024 

• Conducts comprehensive mental-health diagnostic intake evaluations and assessments, ensuring accurate and thorough understanding of clients' needs and challenges.

• Provides individual counseling and therapeutic services to a diverse caseload of 25 clients, utilizing evidence-based treatment modalities to promote positive mental health outcomes.

• Collaborates with a multidisciplinary team of providers to develop and implement personalized treatment plans, ensuring holistic and coordinated care for clients.

• Maintains accurate and up-to-date documentation of client progress, treatment plans, and interventions, ensuring compliance with legal and ethical standards.

• Demonstrates strong interpersonal skills, building rapport and trust with clients to create a safe and supportive therapeutic environment.

• Adapts therapeutic approaches to meet the unique needs and preferences of each client, fostering a client-centered and empowering therapeutic relationship.

• Regularly engages in professional development activities, staying informed about the latest research and best practices in the field of therapy.

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Therapist Intern

Synergy Family Services

12/2020-12/2021​

• Conducted comprehensive mental health diagnostic intake evaluations and assessments, ensuring accurate and thorough understanding of clients' needs and challenges.

• Delivered individual counseling and therapeutic services to a caseload of 16 clients, utilizing evidence-based interventions and techniques to promote emotional well-being and personal growth.

• Collaborated with a multidisciplinary team of providers to develop and implement personalized treatment plans, ensuring holistic and coordinated care for clients.

• Actively participated in case conferences and team meetings, sharing insights and contributing to the development of effective treatment strategies.

• Maintained accurate and up-to-date client records, documenting progress, treatment plans, and interventions in compliance with legal and ethical standards.

• Fostered a safe and supportive therapeutic environment, establishing rapport and trust with clients to facilitate open and honest communication.

• Adapted therapeutic approaches to meet the unique needs and preferences of each client.

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Research Associate                                                                                                      

Dr. Robert M. Post-Bipolar Collaborative Network

05/2018-present 

• Conducts in-depth research, edit, proofread, and publish manuscripts for Dr. Robert M. Post, head of the Bipolar Collaborative Network and Professor of Psychiatry at George Washington University.

• Manages day-to-day office functions, ensuring smooth operations and efficient workflow.

• Coordinates and arranges conferences, meetings, and office appointments, ensuring timely and effective communication with all stakeholders.

• Handle correspondences with patients, including prescription management and insurance-related matters, ensuring accurate and timely responses.

• Organizes and manage finances, including billing and financial record-keeping, ensuring accuracy and compliance with established protocols.

• Maintains clear and concise documentation, facilitating easy access to information and efficient knowledge transfer.

• Demonstrates strong attention to detail and accuracy in all tasks, including proofreading and editing manuscripts and correspondence.

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Founder & Director

Research and Conversations About Bipolar Disorder Inc.                                                          

05/2020-present

• Founded and currently serve as the Director of Research and Conversations About Bipolar Disorder Inc, overseeing all operations and strategic initiatives.

• Curate and maintain an online knowledge base of current research articles, providing valuable resources and information to members.

• Collaborate with leading researchers in the field to organize monthly guest speaker presentations, fostering education and awareness about bipolar disorder.

• Develop and teach psychoeducation classes, empowering individuals with knowledge and skills to manage their condition effectively.

• Contribute articles to the organization's newsletter, sharing insights and perspectives on bipolar disorder and related topics.

• Proofread all written materials, including articles and newsletters, to ensure accuracy, clarity, and error-free presentation.

• Continuously seek opportunities for growth and improvement, staying updated with the latest research and developments in the field of bipolar disorder.

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Psychiatric Rehabilitation Program- Lead Transitional Age Youth Care Specialist                                

Family Services Inc of Sheppard Pratt

11/2017-04/2019

• Designed and facilitated classes on various subjects, including illness management and recovery, medication awareness and management, communication, coping skills, substance abuse, anger management, hiking, and community trips, and effectively supported the Transitional Age Youth population (16-24 years old).

• Maintained accurate and up-to-date documentation for each client on my caseload, ensuring compliance with program requirements and facilitating effective communication with other providers.

• Successfully managed a caseload of 40 clients, providing individualized care and support tailored to their unique needs and goals.

• Coordinated services with clients' other providers, including psychiatrists, therapists, and primary care physicians, ensuring a holistic and integrated approach to their care.

• Assumed responsibility for weekly crisis phone shifts, providing immediate support and intervention to clients in crisis situations.

• Diligently proofread all documentation and reports, ensuring accuracy and clarity in conveying information.

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Residential Rehabilitation Program-Residential Care Specialist                              

Family Services Inc of Sheppard Pratt

12/2015-11/2017

• Provided compassionate and comprehensive care to 21 clients in three intensive-level group homes, ensuring their safety, well-being, and progress towards recovery goals.

• Collaborated with clients and their other providers to coordinate services and create individualized rehabilitation plans, resulting in improved outcomes and client satisfaction.

• Monitored and managed medication administration, ensuring compliance and minimizing risks associated with medication errors.

• Successfully handled weekly crisis phone shifts, demonstrating strong crisis management skills and the ability to provide immediate support and guidance to clients in distress.

• Maintained accurate and up-to-date documentation of client progress, ensuring effective communication and continuity of care among the care team.

• Diligently proofread all documentation and reports, ensuring accuracy and professionalism in all written communication.

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Assistant/Lead Teacher                                                                                                  

Montessori School of Chevy Chase

07/2014-08/2015

• Managed a diverse classroom of 8-15 children, ages 18 months to 6 years, fostering a positive and engaging learning environment.

• Developed and implemented personalized Montessori lesson plans, catering to the individual needs and learning styles of each student.

• Created and utilized Montessori educational materials that enhanced student engagement and facilitated active learning.

• Collaborated with parents and colleagues to ensure effective communication and support for each child's educational journey.

• Maintained accurate and up-to-date records of student progress, providing valuable insights for parents and school administrators.

• Demonstrated strong organizational skills, effectively managing classroom activities and resources to optimize learning opportunities.

 

​Leadership Experience​

·       Founder & Director of Research and Conversations About Bipolar Disorder Inc.

·       Lead Transitional Age Youth Care Specialist at Family Services Inc. of Sheppard Pratt

·       Vice President for Washington Adventist University chapter of Psi Chi International Honor Society in Psychology

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Certifications & Training

·       Certified in Family-Focused Therapy for Bipolar Disorder (FFT)

·       Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing therapy (EMDR)

·       Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Psychosis (CBT-P)

·       Certified Trauma Professional

·       Interpersonal and Social Rhythm Therapy for Bipolar Disorder (IPSRT)

·       Acceptance and Commitment Therapy

·       Trauma-Focused Acceptance and Commitment Therapy

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Achievements

·       Psi Chi International Honor Society in Psychology

·       Alpha Chi National Honor Scholarship Society 

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Associations

·       Psi Chi Honor Society

·       Alpha Chi National Honor Society

·      American Counseling Association