Legal cases involving psychological issues require more than a diagnosis. They require objective, scientifically supported opinions that address the specific legal questions before the court. As a licensed clinical psychologist and forensic psychologist with more than 35 years of experience, I provide comprehensive forensic psychological evaluations for attorneys, courts, employers, insurance carriers, and private parties throughout California and in federal matters such as federal workers compensation cases.
My practice is devoted to conducting independent evaluations that assist the trier of fact by providing clear, unbiased, and well-supported opinions. Every evaluation is performed in accordance with established forensic psychology principles, incorporating a comprehensive review of records, clinical interviews, collateral information when available, and psychological testing using well-validated assessment instruments.
I am retained by both plaintiff and defense counsel to evaluate a broad range of forensic issues, including:
- Independent Medical Examinations (IMEs)
- Emotional distress and psychological injury claims
- Defense Base Act (DBA) evaluations
- Workers’ compensation psychological claims
- Employment and wrongful termination litigation
- Sentencing mitigation and diversion evaluations
- Violence risk assessments
- Credibility, malingering, and symptom validity assessment
- Causation, apportionment, and psychological impairment
My evaluations are designed to answer the legal questions that matter most. Rather than relying solely on self-report, I integrate objective psychological testing, symptom validity measures, performance validity testing when appropriate, behavioral observations, collateral evidence, and documentary records to determine whether the available evidence supports the claimed psychological condition and whether it is causally related to the events at issue.
A well-prepared forensic evaluation should do more than identify symptoms. It should explain the basis for diagnostic conclusions, evaluate the consistency of the available evidence, address alternative explanations, discuss causation and apportionment, and present opinions that are firmly grounded in current scientific research and accepted professional standards. My reports are written with these goals in mind and are intended to withstand careful scrutiny during deposition and trial.
In addition to preparing comprehensive written reports, I provide consultation to attorneys throughout litigation, including case review, deposition preparation, rebuttal of opposing expert opinions, and expert testimony. I strive to communicate complex psychological concepts in a manner that is understandable to attorneys, judges, and juries while maintaining the objectivity expected of an independent forensic examiner.
Whether retained by plaintiff or defense counsel, my role remains the same: to provide impartial, evidence-based opinions that assist the legal system in reaching informed decisions. My opinions are guided by the available evidence, established scientific research, and the ethical standards governing the practice of forensic psychology.
