Kaitlyn King

Background

About Kaitlyn King

I’m a passionate behavioral health professional with nearly a decade of experience supporting individuals and families across the full continuum of care from inpatient, crisis stabilization to outpatient, community-based, and system-level services.Currently, I serve as the Senior Lead Navigator for District 7, where I lead and support a team of System Navigators across Eastern Iowa. In this role, I oversee team performance and outcomes, align goals with organizational KPIs. I also serve as a primary escalation point during crisis situations, helping determine the most appropriate pathways to support callers navigating complex behavioral health and social service systems.My work is deeply collaborative and systems-focused. I utilize tools such as Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and Asana to support performance tracking, coordination, and cross-district collaboration with providers. I work closely with community partners to identify service gaps and reduce unnecessary barriers to care for Iowans.My academic background reflects my dual commitment to clinical practice and system improvement. I hold an Executive Master’s in Health Administration from Saint Louis University (2024), a Bachelor’s in Psychology with a minor in Family Studies from Grand View University (2018), and I am currently pursuing my Master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy at Abilene Christian University (expected Fall 2026).Previously, I worked as a Behavioral Health Counselor, where I ran outpatient programming and served as a key point of contact for patients, families, and interdisciplinary teams. These roles strengthened my foundation in team leadership, process improvement, crisis response, and patient-centered care and taught me how to remain steady and flexible in fast-paced, high-pressure environments.In addition to my clinical and leadership experience, I’ve been part of a healthcare startup, gaining firsthand insight into innovation, cross-functional teamwork, and the importance of clear communication in building effective systems. I’m highly tech-savvy and proficient in Microsoft Office, Teams, Zoom, and digital case management platforms.I’m driven by the belief that mental health systems can and should do better for individuals, families, and communities. My goal is to pursue a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology at U of I and continue shaping policies, programs, and partnerships that make high-quality behavioral health care more accessible and equitable.