Mental Health, Behavioral Health and Substance Use

Specialties & Experience of this Expert Witness

Additional Information

Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) – Forensic & Community Mental Health Specialist I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 17 years of experience in behavioral health, homelessness, substance use, and forensic mental health, including 9 years of post-MSW clinical practice. My professional background spans high-acuity settings such as correctional facilities, psychiatric units, and community-based programs, where I’ve provided direct clinical services, crisis intervention, and care coordination for some of the most vulnerable populations. As a former Mental Health First Aid Instructor for Santa Cruz County Mental Health, I trained county agencies and community-based partners in identifying, understanding, and responding to signs of mental illness and substance use disorders. This role highlights my dedication to community education and building mental health literacy across systems of care. My expertise includes: Crisis intervention and de-escalation Psychiatric risk assessments and involuntary LPS psychiatric holds (5150/5250) Treatment planning and multidisciplinary case coordination Legal documentation and court-related evaluations I have worked extensively with unhoused individuals and have led crisis interventions both in the community and in jail settings. I specialize in connecting individuals to appropriate services, helping ensure continuity of care and supporting long-term stability following acute crises. In my role as a Mental Health Court Clinician, I provided clinical evaluations, treatment recommendations, and case management for individuals in both traditional and specialty courts. I collaborate closely with law enforcement, legal professionals, and healthcare teams to support diversion programs that offer treatment alternatives to incarceration for individuals with mental health conditions. Holding an MSW from the University of Southern California with a concentration in Community Organizing, Planning, and Administration, I bring both clinical acumen and systems-level thinking to my work. I am highly experienced in conducting forensic assessments, offering expert consultation, and providing courtroom testimony in cases involving behavioral health and the justice system. Available for: Case consultation & forensic evaluations Expert witness testimony Crisis response systems advising Behavioral health and substance abuse case review