Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Software
Certification
Interests
Timeline
Generic

DENNIS MAHUGU

MEDICAL PSYCHOLOGIST
Nairobi, Nairobi Province

Summary

Highly skilled and board-certified Psychologist with 7+ years of experience specializing in evidence-based therapeutic interventions and client-centered care. Expert in cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), psychoanalysis, crisis intervention, and psychological assessments, with a strong emphasis on tailored intervention plans that enhance client well-being and coping mechanisms. Proven ability to integrate psychological theories into real-world applications, ensuring impactful results in dynamic clinical settings.

Adept at team collaboration, consistently ensuring the seamless delivery of interventions and therapeutic strategies. Reliable, adaptable, and goal-oriented, with a robust capacity to learn new methodologies and apply them effectively to address complex client needs. Committed to fostering positive client outcomes through empathetic communication, evidence-based practices, and comprehensive client assessments.

Experienced in family and wellness coaching, with a strong foundation in DSM-V classification and extensive expertise in patient behavior evaluation. Known for maintaining a neutral and impartial stance, ensuring confidentiality, and developing personalized treatment plans that align with clients’ goals. Passionate about mental health advocacy, policy development, and contributing to organizational success through research, strategic planning, and innovative approaches to mental health care.

Overview

10
10
years of professional experience
2
2
Certifications
3
3
Languages

Work History

Consultant Psychologist

VITAL AFRICA
01.2024 - Current
  • Conducted comprehensive psychological assessments to inform accurate diagnoses and appropriate treatments.
  • Administered high-level, specialized, diagnostic psychological testing and evaluations and wrote comprehensive assessment reports.
  • Developed customized treatment plans for clients, resulting in enhanced mental health and wellbeing.
  • Facilitated effective crisis intervention services for patients experiencing acute distress or emergency situations.
  • Created a safe and supportive environment for clients during therapy sessions, enabling them to explore their thoughts and feelings openly.
  • Managed caseload of individual clients, couples, and family therapy sessions.
  • Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams, ensuring seamless integration of care for patients.
  • Supported families affected by mental illness through psychoeducation and skills training in coping strategies.
  • Consulted with organizations on matters related to employee mental health, enhancing overall workplace well-being strategies.
  • Delivered psychoeducational workshops to groups, promoting mental health awareness and self-care strategies.
  • Participated in continuing education opportunities, staying current on best practices in the field of psychology.
  • Facilitated group therapy sessions to provide interactive and supportive environment for clients to process experiences and learn new coping skills.

Clinical Coordinator

JABALI WELLNESS CENTRE
10.2020 - 12.2023
  • Provided professional support and leadership to ensure effective, safe and efficient clinical services operation
  • Work with the management team to develop corporate strategy and policies
  • Devised and implemented clinical protocols to ensure high-quality patient care.
  • Facilitated effective communication and team working among staff across every disciplines
  • Coordinated, monitored, assigned, and documented patient and clinical care activities.
  • Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to optimize resource utilization, reducing costs while maintaining high-quality care standards.
  • Ensured seamless transitions between levels of care by effectively managing handoffs from acute to post-acute settings.
  • Mentored junior staff members, fostering a supportive learning environment that cultivated professional growth and development.
  • Supported organizational performance improvement initiatives by participating in data analysis, root cause identification, and action plan development efforts.
  • Improved efficiency in case management tasks through the implementation of evidence-based best practices and standardized procedures.
  • Maintained thorough documentation of all clinical interventions, ensuring accurate records for continuity of care and regulatory compliance.
  • Promoted patient-centered care by actively involving patients and their families in treatment decisions and goal-setting processes.
  • Assisted in developing and implementing staff training programs, promoting a culture of continuous learning and professional development among clinical team members.
  • Conducted routine facility inspections, identifying areas needing improvement and eliminating hazards posed to staff and residents for continued compliance with associated regulations.

Lead Counselor

THIKA COUNSELING HOMES
11.2019 - 10.2020
  • Provided psycho-social services to individuals and groups to assist them to recover from various infirmities
  • Implemented evidence-based counseling techniques to address a wide range of mental health concerns effectively.
  • Developed and implemented individualized treatment plans for clients.
  • Maintained client confidentiality by adhering to ethical guidelines and professional standards in counseling practice.
  • Provided comprehensive case management services and connected clients and families to appropriate resources.
  • Facilitated group therapy sessions, promoting healthy coping strategies and interpersonal skills among participants.
  • Maintained up-to-date knowledge of industry trends and best practices, continuously enhancing professional skills to better serve clients.
  • Participated in development of community’s awareness, understanding and engaged with issues relating to mental health and trauma.
  • Advocated for client needs within the organization, securing necessary resources for optimal service delivery.
  • Mentored junior counselors, sharing expertise in therapeutic interventions and best practices within the field.

Intern Psychotherapy Student

THE OUTSPAN HOSPITAL
09.2019 - 10.2019
  • Rendered psychosocial services to individuals and groups to assist them to recover from various infirmities.
  • Provided interpretation between clients and other care providers when needed.
  • Supported staff members in their daily tasks, reducing workload burden and allowing for increased focus on higher-priority assignments.
  • Gained valuable experience working within the medical industry, applying learned concepts directly into relevant work situations.
  • Analyzed problems and worked with teams to develop solutions.
  • Contributed to a positive team environment by collaborating with fellow interns on group projects and presentations.
  • Sorted and organized files, spreadsheets, and reports.

Psychology Student Field Attaché

ELDAMA RAVINE REFERRAL HOSPITAL
06.2019 - 08.2019
  • Promoted mental well-being on campus through participation in various awareness campaigns and events.
  • Supported diverse client needs by employing culturally-sensitive approaches when addressing mental health concerns.
  • Maintained detailed case notes for each client interaction, ensuring accurate documentation and informed decision-making in subsequent appointments.
  • Enhanced accessibility to psychological resources for non-English speaking populations by translating materials into multiple languages.
  • Aided in the formulation of individualized treatment plans, resulting in more effective therapeutic outcomes for clients.
  • Gained practical experience through internships at mental health clinics, applying theoretical knowledge to real-world situations for improved client outcomes.
  • Provided Community Based health Education Services (COBES).
  • Participated in various county health outreach programs.

Psychotherapy Student

Moi Teaching And Referral Hospital, M.T.R.H
08.2016 - 05.2019
  • Followed school and classroom policies, regulations, dress codes, and schedules.
  • Collaborated on group projects to complete professional deliverables.
  • Enhanced classroom experience by utilizing multimedia presentations and interactive learning tools.
  • Provided psychosocial services to individuals and groups to assist them to recover from various infirmities.
  • Learnt about various issues related to mental health including: management of various psychopathologies and policy implementation
  • Assisted in collection and analysis of data in a research project: Outcomes of patients with acute kidney injury at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital, Eldoret.
  • Giving verbal feedbacks as well as written reports about data collection processes to the Researchers.

Community Outreach and Mental Health Educator

NAMBALE SUB-COUNTY HOSPITAL
03.2015 - 05.2015
  • Community entry and diagnosis
  • Participated in development of community’s awareness, understanding and engaged with issues relating to mental health
  • Developed evaluation tools gauging the long-term impact of health promotion strategies on individual behaviors and overall population wellness.
  • Conducted needs assessments to identify gaps in knowledge, skills, or resources related to public health concerns among target populations.
  • Taught health education classes for community workers and members of public.
  • Conducted health screenings and assessments to evaluate community health needs.
  • Participated in community outreach activities to promote health education initiatives.
  • Developed and implemented health education programs to promote healthy lifestyles and prevent chronic diseases.

Education

Bachelor of Science - Medical Psychology

MOI UNIVERSITY
Eldoret, Uasin Gishu, Kenya
04.2001 -

High School Diploma -

Kirimara Boys High School
Karatina, Nyeri County
04.2001 -

Skills

Psychological testing

Accomplishments

    Skills:

  • Healthcare Skills: Certified First-Aid Provider (Red Cross) and Nursing Skills (Moi University).
  • HIV Services: Trained by NASCOP in HIV testing and service provision.
  • Research Skills: Proficient in data collection, data analysis, proposal and report writing, and presentation (Moi University).
  • Conferences & Workshops Attended:

  • Unveiling the Mask – Focus on mental health awareness and de-stigmatization.
  • Monitoring and Evaluation for Health Projects – University of Nairobi, May 2018.
  • Statistical Package for the Social Sciences – SPSS training for research and data analysis.
  • Field Training – L. Nakuru National Park on Community Education and Human-Wildlife Conflict Management (April 2017).
  • Eleventh International Conference on Sustainable Development Goals – Moi University, September 2016.
  • Career Conference 2015 on Leadership and Entrepreneurship in Health Sector – Moi University, August 2015.
  • Completed DOT Reach Up Program – Empowered youth with entrepreneurship, ICT, and life skills (Karundas Youth Polytechnic, November 2012).
  • Oral Presentations at Conferences:

  • Duckweed as One Solution to Climate Change and Food Insecurity – Presented at Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda.
  • Research Projects:

  • Use of Horizontal Projects for Sustainability: Project proposal exploring sustainable practices in healthcare.
  • Challenges Facing Mental Health Care Delivery: Research conducted at Eldama Ravine Sub-County Referral Hospital.
  • Prevalence of ADHD: Conducted a study on ADHD prevalence among children at MTRH, Eldoret, Kenya.
  • Community Entry, Diagnosis, and Health Center Activities: Conducted community-based health initiatives in Namable Sub-County Hospital, Busia, Kenya.
  • Awards & Scholarships:

  • One Health Global Health Case Competitions – Winners Award, 2018.
  • Best Medical Student: Recognized for outstanding research work in Community-Based Education and Service.
  • Barclays Bank Scholarship: Awarded for University education.
  • Co-Operative Bank Scholarship: Awarded for Secondary education.
  • Volunteers & Community Involvement:

  • Rabies Run: Nandi County (September 22, 2018).
  • HIV/AIDS Awareness Campaigns: Participation in community outreach, June 24, 2018.
  • Rabies Awareness Campaigns: Limuru, Kenya (September 30, 2018); Primary Healthcare Activities in Kipkelion, Kericho, May 2016.
  • Street Children and Orphans Society of Kenya: Supportive campaign (August 2011).
  • World Red Cross Day Charity Walk: Participated in walk for community awareness (Ruring’u, Nyeri, May 16, 2009).
  • Publications & Authorship

  • Marksmen: Stories of Misfires and Mastering the Art of Emotional Intelligence – Explores the intersection of emotional intelligence, personal growth, and overcoming life’s challenges.
  • Identity Rest: The Disciplined Pursuit of Self-Actualization – A guide to achieving self-actualization through discipline, introspection, and the pursuit of meaningful personal and professional goals.

Software

Microsoft office

Statistical Package for the Social Sciences

Certification

Family and Marriage Therapist License – State Licensing Boards.

Interests

Exploring new ideas and projects in healthcare and community development

Learning and experiencing different cultures, especially those linked to health systems and global well-being

Timeline

Family and Marriage Therapist License – State Licensing Boards.

08-2024

Licensed Psychologist (LP) - State Psychology Licensing Boards.

08-2024

Consultant Psychologist

VITAL AFRICA
01.2024 - Current

Clinical Coordinator

JABALI WELLNESS CENTRE
10.2020 - 12.2023

Lead Counselor

THIKA COUNSELING HOMES
11.2019 - 10.2020

Intern Psychotherapy Student

THE OUTSPAN HOSPITAL
09.2019 - 10.2019

Psychology Student Field Attaché

ELDAMA RAVINE REFERRAL HOSPITAL
06.2019 - 08.2019

Psychotherapy Student

Moi Teaching And Referral Hospital, M.T.R.H
08.2016 - 05.2019

Community Outreach and Mental Health Educator

NAMBALE SUB-COUNTY HOSPITAL
03.2015 - 05.2015

Bachelor of Science - Medical Psychology

MOI UNIVERSITY
04.2001 -

High School Diploma -

Kirimara Boys High School
04.2001 -
DENNIS MAHUGUMEDICAL PSYCHOLOGIST