Her Story
About Danielle
Danielle Kelley, MSW, MSJ, is the Founder of DLH Enterprises LLC, established in 1995, and a California patients’ rights and mental health regulatory compliance subject matter expert based in Los Angeles. She brings more than 25 years of clinical experience to her work, with expertise spanning HIPAA, minors’ rights, civil detention under California’s 5150 laws, and the intersection of mental health and patient rights law. Kelley entered the mental health field in the late 1980s through volunteer work supporting rape crisis services, developing an early commitment to advocacy and community-based care.
After earning her MSW in School-Based Mental Health from the University of Southern California in 1993 and training as a psychotherapist, Kelley worked in frontline crisis intervention, violence prevention, and community mental health in Central Los Angeles, including Compton. In 1995, she launched school-based mental health programs within the Compton Unified School District and continued providing clinical services through DLH Community, specializing in rape trauma syndrome, children and adolescents, school-based mental health, and Black families in urban communities. She later expanded her expertise by earning a Master of Jurisprudence in Healthcare Law from Seton Hall University School of Law in 2024, with a focus on patients’ rights, minors’ rights, HIPAA, and clinical trials.
Since transitioning into mental health regulatory compliance and mental health court work, Kelley has conducted and supported more than 13,000 certification review and medication capacity hearings in inpatient psychiatric settings. Through DLH Enterprises, she provides consulting, training, investigations, 5150 case analysis, medical-record accuracy review, HIPAA risk mitigation, and compliance support while assisting families, healthcare professionals, attorneys, and organizations in navigating complex mental health laws and patient-rights issues. Her interdisciplinary background as a psychotherapist, Patient Rights Advocate, educator, and compliance specialist allows her to approach these matters from both clinical and legal perspectives. Kelley remains committed to protecting vulnerable patients, strengthening compliance, and developing practical, community-centered solutions that help bridge gaps in mental health services.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Danielle
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to perseverance, advocacy, strong communication, and a genuine commitment to serving others. Throughout my career in mental health, I have remained dedicated to helping individuals and families navigate complex systems, understand their rights, and access the support they need. My experiences in rape crisis work, school-based mental health, community advocacy, training, and mental health regulatory compliance have taught me the importance of building meaningful relationships and developing practical solutions. I have also learned that making a lasting impact requires more than expertise in one area; understanding business, economics, contracts, and the broader systems that influence mental health has strengthened my ability to advocate effectively. Ultimately, my success comes from staying committed to my purpose, continuing to learn, and using my knowledge and experience to create positive change in the lives of others.
02What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering the industry is to pursue your passion while also developing a strong understanding of business and economics. It is important to understand how the broader systems around your profession work, including politics and the factors that can influence funding, compensation, and opportunities. I also encourage women to take courses in business and economics and learn how to write grants, because these skills can expand your impact and give you greater confidence and independence in navigating your career.
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