Services

Litigation Support for Behavioral Health Cases

Each service is designed to give retaining counsel the expert foundation needed to build, support, or challenge a case involving behavioral healthcare standards.

Expert Witness Opinion

Credentialed expert opinion for state and federal proceedings.

David H. Lewis MA FACHE provides qualified expert witness opinion in litigation involving behavioral healthcare standards, administrative governance, and clinical operations. Opinion is grounded in 20+ years of direct executive leadership across the full spectrum of behavioral health settings — from outpatient programs to acute inpatient psychiatric units. David is qualified to provide oral and written opinion, including deposition and courtroom testimony.

Qualified to provide expert opinion in state and federal proceedings
Opinion on standard of care, administrative practice, and clinical governance
Experience across inpatient, residential, PHP, IOP, and outpatient settings
Oral and written opinion prepared to withstand rigorous cross-examination

Case Review & Analysis

Thorough review of records, protocols, and facility documentation.

Every engagement begins with a methodical review of the available record — medical documentation, treatment protocols, staffing records, policy and procedure manuals, accreditation materials, and facility governance documents. The analysis assesses whether the care provided met, exceeded, or fell below the applicable standard in behavioral health settings.

Review of medical records, treatment plans, and clinical documentation
Assessment of facility policies, procedures, and governance structures
Analysis of staffing decisions, supervision protocols, and accountability systems
Evaluation against CARF, JCAHO, and applicable state licensing standards

Standard of Care Opinions

Written opinions and affidavits for use in litigation.

Following case review, DHL provides written expert opinions and affidavits addressing the applicable standard of care in behavioral healthcare. These documents are prepared with the precision and clarity required for litigation — clearly stating the standard, the deviation (if any), and the basis for the opinion in documented operational experience and professional certification.

Written expert opinions suitable for filing and court use
Affidavits addressing standard of care in behavioral health settings
Clear articulation of the standard, the deviation, and the evidentiary basis
Opinions grounded in board-certified management expertise and direct operational experience

Deposition & Trial Readiness

Preparation for deposition and courtroom proceedings.

David is qualified and prepared to participate in the full deposition and trial process — from pre-deposition strategy sessions with retaining counsel to oral opinion under oath. His operational background means he can speak with authority not only to clinical standards but to the administrative and governance decisions that are frequently at issue in behavioral health litigation.

Pre-deposition preparation and strategy sessions with retaining counsel
Oral opinion grounded in board-certified management expertise
Ability to address both clinical and administrative dimensions of the case
Clear, composed opinion prepared for adversarial questioning

Preliminary Case Consultation

Early-stage review to assess merit and scope.

Before formal retention, DHL offers preliminary consultation to help retaining counsel assess the viability of a case and the scope of expert opinion available. This early engagement allows attorneys to make informed decisions about case strategy with the benefit of expert perspective — without committing to full retention.

Confidential preliminary review of case facts and documentation
Assessment of whether expert opinion is available and supportable
Guidance on the scope and limitations of behavioral health expert opinion
Efficient, focused consultation to inform early case strategy

How It Works

The Engagement Process

Initial Inquiry

Law firms submit a case inquiry describing the matter, the parties, and the type of expert opinion sought. All inquiries are reviewed personally by David Lewis.

Preliminary Review

Upon receipt of relevant materials, a preliminary assessment is conducted to determine whether the case falls within the scope of the practice and whether a supportable opinion is available.

III

Formal Retention

If the case is accepted, a formal engagement agreement is executed. Retaining counsel receives a clear scope of work, timeline, and fee structure.

Analysis & Opinion

A thorough review of all provided materials is conducted. A written opinion is prepared and delivered — clear, documented, and defensible through deposition and trial proceedings.

"Engagements are accepted selectively — so that every case receives the depth of attention it deserves."

DHL: Behavioral Healthcare Consulting does not operate as a volume practice. Each matter is reviewed personally by David Lewis, and engagements are accepted only where a well-founded, defensible opinion is available. Retaining counsel can expect direct access, thorough documentation, and opinions prepared to withstand the full scrutiny of litigation.

Submit a Case Inquiry

Ready to Proceed

Law firms are invited to submit a case inquiry.

Describe the matter and the type of expert opinion sought. All inquiries are reviewed personally and responded to promptly.

Submit a Case Inquiry About David Lewis