About Me
I hold a BA in sociology with a minor in psychology from UC Riverside and a Master of Social Work (MSW) from USC. A Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with over 20 years of post-license clinical experience, I specialize in conducting crisis assessments and completing quality documentation. My direct client service experience spans office and community-based settings, including schools, clinics, private homes, and emergency rooms as a psychiatric social worker. While I am qualified to diagnose and offer long-term therapy, my focus is on providing personalized crisis support, short-term treatment and service navigation in environments where clients feel most comfortable.
Highlights of Experience
20+ years
post licensure clinical experience
15+ years
providing clinical supervision to BASW/MSW students and ASWs
10+ years
providing program consultation, QA/QI reviews and oversight and clinician training for various community-based agencies
5+ years
independent contractor for L.A. County Dept. of Mental Health conducting specialized needs assesments for foster children
5+ years
years as a BSW/MSW practicum seminar faculty & practicum liaison
5+ years
as an expert witness & consultant
Adjunct Faculty
Cal State Los Angeles
5+ years
As a practicum seminar course instructor and liaison, I am responsible for providing learning opportunities to help students demonstrate ability to integrate concepts into practice. I provide coaching and consultation, and monitor student performance and progress in practicum.
Practice Policies
Psychiatric Social Worker
(Emergency Response)
Kaiser Permanente PET & LA County PMRT
10+ years
Authorized to write 5150/5585 psychiatric holds, I conduct urgent and emergent evaluations for patients who present at the emergency room with psychiatric symptoms. In this role I assess, diagnose, provide professional interpretation of a patient's presentation, and make recommendation(s) regarding the appropriate level of care, course of treatment, etc.
Independent Contractor/Consultant
LA County Dept. of Mental Health
5+ years
As an independent DMH D-Rate & AB3632 assessor I conducted home and/or school-based psycho-social assessments including a mental health diagnosis and recommendations regarding services and support for the child and families of special needs children placed in out-of-home care.
LA County Social Worker
(various depts.)
Children & Family Services
Health Services - King-Drew Medical Center
Probation Treatment & Counseling
Dept. pf Mental Health
7+ years (combined experience)
In various social work roles throughout The County, I conducted assessments, provided therapy, case management services for consumers, including linkage to community resources, and clinical supervision for ASWs.