Independent psychological evaluations that go beyond simple diagnosis
As a forensic expert, my role is to provide objective, impartial psychological evaluations that educate the court. This work moves beyond a simple clinical diagnosis to provide a comprehensive psychological formulation—a narrative that explains how and why an individual is functioning in their current state.
A single diagnosis (e.g., "PTSD") is a static label and can be easily challenged. A formulation, however, is a dynamic model that integrates an individual's history, personality, an analysis of the event in question, and current test data. It demonstrates a clear, defensible nexus between an event and an outcome, or provides a nuanced profile of functioning.
Did the plaintiff suffer psychological harm as a result of the incident?
To provide an objective opinion on psychological causation, diagnosis, and prognosis. I evaluate plaintiffs who claim to have suffered psychological harm, such as PTSD, anxiety, or depression, as a result of an incident.
My analysis focuses on distinguishing new-onset trauma from the exacerbation of a pre-existing condition. A "whole person" model looks at the individual's baseline functioning, prior traumas, and coping mechanisms. This answers the crucial question: "Is this a new injury, or the aggravation of an old one?"
I assess the individual's prognosis by evaluating psychological factors that complicate recovery, such as personality structure, co-occurring disorders, or lack of social support.
A core part of the evaluation involves using structured interviews and specific psychological tests (Symptom Validity Tests) to assess the credibility of the reported symptoms. This helps differentiate genuine distress from feigned or exaggerated presentations.
Has the individual suffered emotional distress as a result of alleged workplace events?
To evaluate claims of emotional distress resulting from alleged harassment, discrimination, or hostile work environment.
The formulation connects the specific workplace allegations to the individual's psychological decline. We look at their vocational history, performance reviews, and interpersonal patterns before the alleged events.
I evaluate how the distress has impacted their functioning across all life domains (social, familial, occupational), not just at work. This helps the court understand the pervasiveness of the harm, moving beyond "they're just upset about their job."
My expertise is not just in what I diagnose, but in how I synthesize the data. This formulation-based approach provides the clear, defensible, and comprehensive education the legal system requires.
Contact my office to schedule a consultation