SUZANNE BRINSON
Los Angeles,California
Summary
Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 15+ years of experience across outpatient, inpatient, crisis, and public mental health settings. Expertise in evidence-based treatment, diagnostic assessment, crisis intervention, and culturally responsive care. Skilled in supervising interns, interdisciplinary collaboration, and providing trauma-informed psychotherapy for diverse and high-acuity populations.
Experienced mental health professional with strong background in providing therapeutic support and crisis intervention. Expertise in developing individualized treatment plans, conducting assessments, and facilitating group therapy sessions. Known for collaborative approach, adaptability, and focus on achieving positive outcomes. Strong interpersonal skills and deep understanding of diverse populations ensure reliable and empathetic care.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Psychiatric Social Worker II
Los Angeles Department of Mental Health, Santa Clarita Mental Health Center
Valencia, CA
05.2014 - Current
- Performs in-depth evaluations of mental health requirements through bio-psycho-social assessments to enhance client support services.
- Develops and implements individualized treatment plans in collaboration with multidisciplinary teams.
- Leads group therapy sessions focused on developing effective coping mechanisms and fostering emotional strength.
- Provided crisis intervention services, ensuring timely support for individuals in acute distress situations.
- Mentored junior social workers, enhancing their clinical skills and professional development within the team.
- Advocated for client access to community resources, improving overall service delivery and support systems.
- Utilized evidence-based practices to improve treatment outcomes, demonstrating commitment to continuous improvement.
- Collaborated with external agencies to coordinate care and streamline referral processes for clients in need.
Psychiatric Social Worker II
Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health — Santa Clarita Valley Mental Health Center
Valencia, CA
05.2014 - Current
- Provide individual long term and brief psychotherapy using CBT, DBT, CPT, and mindfulness-based modalities.
- Conduct biopsychosocial assessments, diagnostic evaluations, treatment plans, and crisis evaluations.
- Serve as Officer of the Day, performing high-volume triage, crisis intervention, and stabilization.
- Facilitate therapy groups and provide psychoeducation on coping skills and emotional regulation.
- Coordinate care with psychiatrists, nursing staff, crisis teams, and community agencies.
- Supervise MSW and MFT graduate trainees in assessment, intervention, documentation, and ethics.
- Document all clinical interventions according to DMH standards and regulatory requirements.
Psychiatric Social Worker II — Urgent Care
Los Angeles County DMH at Olive View Medical Center
Sylmar, CA
04.2013 - 05.2014
- Conducted rapid psychiatric assessments for adults and adolescents in crisis.
- Performed suicide and homicide risk evaluations and developed immediate safety plans.
- Initiated 5150 involuntary holds when clinically indicated.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary hospital teams including physicians, EMTs, nurses, and law enforcement.
- Prepared discharge and crisis stabilization plans for patients transitioning to higher or lower levels of care.
Temporary Psychiatric Social Worker II
Los Angeles County DMH — Santa Clarita Valley Mental Health Center
Valencia, CA
08.2012 - 04.2013
- Conducted intake evaluations, psychosocial assessments, and diagnostic screenings.
- Provided short-term individual therapy and crisis response.
- Coordinated services with DCFS, schools, crisis teams, and community partners.
EPSDT & CalWORKs Therapist
The Help Group — Child & Family Center
Van Nuys, CA
03.2007 - 07.2009
- Provided individual, family, and group therapy to children and transitional-age youth.
- Completed psychosocial assessments, treatment plans, and progress documentation.
- Offered in-home services assessing parenting capacity, family safety, and environmental risks.
- Collaborated with schools, probation, and community agencies to coordinate care.
Education
Master of Social Work -
University of Southern California
Bachelor of Arts - Sociology
State University of New York, Purchase College
Skills
- Biopsychosocial assessment
- CBT, DBT, CPT for trauma, IFS and Mindfulness-Based Approaches
- Crisis Stabilization & Triage
- Suicide & Homicide Risk Assessment
- Trauma-Informed & Identity-Affirming Care
- Short-Term & Long-Term Psychotherapy
- Safety Planning & Care Coordination
- Interdisciplinary Collaboration
- Clinical Documentation & EMR
- Supervision & Training of MSW/MFT Trainees
Certification
- Licensed Clinical Social Worker (CA)
- LPS Designation (Active)
- Cognitive Processing Therapy for Trauma (CPT)
- Certified DBT Therapist
- Certified CBT Diplomat
- Seeking Safety Certified
- Internal Family Systems — Informed
Timeline
Psychiatric Social Worker II
Los Angeles Department of Mental Health, Santa Clarita Mental Health Center
05.2014 - Current
Psychiatric Social Worker II
Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health — Santa Clarita Valley Mental Health Center
05.2014 - Current
Psychiatric Social Worker II — Urgent Care
Los Angeles County DMH at Olive View Medical Center
04.2013 - 05.2014
Temporary Psychiatric Social Worker II
Los Angeles County DMH — Santa Clarita Valley Mental Health Center
08.2012 - 04.2013
EPSDT & CalWORKs Therapist
The Help Group — Child & Family Center
03.2007 - 07.2009
Bachelor of Arts - Sociology
State University of New York, Purchase College
Master of Social Work -
University of Southern California