Inpatient Psychiatric Hospital Social Worker

Specialties & Experience of this Expert Witness

Additional Information

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with extensive experience working in outpatient and acute inpatient psychiatric settings. I have treated a broad spectrum of complex psychiatric conditions including depression, anxiety, post‑traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, and co‑occurring substance‑use disorders. I have over a decade of experience working in acute inpatient psychiatric hospitals serving patients experiencing mental health crises. Many patients I worked with were admitted to the hospital on 72 hour involuntary psychiatric holds (5150). There, I provided direct care, safety planning, complex discharge coordination, and testified at involuntary (5250, 5260, 5270) certification hearings. I regularly represented the hospital at these hearings, testifying on the clinical criteria for Danger to Self (DTS), Danger to Others (DTO), and Grave Disability (GD). Furthermore, I have collaborated closely with numerous County Public Guardian offices to coordinate LPS Temporary Conservatorships (5350) for patients who require long-term institutional protection due to their inability to provide for basic personal needs. I have a comprehensive understanding of the spectrum of treatment options available within the mental health system. I am adept at orchestrating appropriate clinical placements for patients with complex needs, ranging from long-term locked facilities (Institute of Mental Disease - IMD) to residential care and outpatient programs. My expertise extends to maneuvering the complex landscape of private insurance, Medicare, and Medi-Cal (Medicaid), ensuring that unhoused and indigent populations receive a clinical standard of care that is not compromised by socioeconomic barriers. Crucially, I bring deep experience in managing treatment resistance and navigating the delicate balance between patient autonomy and clinical safety. In addition to my institutional work, I manage a psychotherapy private practice. As part of my practice, I provide onsite psychotherapy and consultation for prominent organizations in the tech and biotech sectors. This role allows me to apply my clinical expertise to high-performance environments, addressing the unique mental health challenges within the corporate sector. I am available for objective case consultation, medical record review, and expert testimony for both plaintiff and defense counsel. LINKS: Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/patrickthanhngo/