Independent Psychological Evaluations in California

An independent psychological evaluation begins with a specific referral question. Dr. Colleen Long, Psy.D., provides psychological assessment, records review, and attorney consultation for civil and administrative matters involving symptoms, cognition, and functioning.

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Psychological IMEs and independent examinations

Attorneys and referring organizations may use the term IME when requesting an independent psychological examination. The label alone does not define the work. The legal or administrative context, authority for the examination, questions to be addressed, intended recipients, and limits of the engagement should be clear before evaluation begins.

For a civil psychological-injury matter, see personal injury and emotional-distress evaluations. For California workers’ compensation, use the separate psychology QME / AME pathway.

Referral questions and scope

Diagnostic clarification and reported psychological symptoms.
Emotional distress and trauma-related concerns.
Cognitive complaints and questions about daily functioning.
Functional impact, prognosis, and treatment recommendations.
Fitness-for-duty and return-to-work psychological questions within the accepted scope.

Some questions can be addressed through focused record review. Others require an interview, direct examination, collateral information, or testing. Psychological and neuropsychological testing are selected when appropriate; no single battery is promised for every referral.

What to establish before retention

The purpose: the question the evaluation must answer and the applicable legal or administrative context.
The material: available records, relevant history, and any limits on access to information.
The process: examination arrangements, notification or consent requirements, report recipients, and confidentiality limits.
The deliverables: agreed consultation, report, and any deposition or trial needs.
The logistics: location, availability, deadlines, and fees.

Independent analysis for the referring party

Dr. Long accepts inquiries from plaintiff and defense counsel and appropriate third-party referral sources. Opinions are based on the information evaluated and may include limitations or conclusions that differ from the retaining party’s expectations.

A forensic or administrative examination is not psychotherapy and does not establish an ongoing treatment relationship. The purpose and recipients of the work must be understood before the examination.

Dr. Colleen Long’s assessment background

Dr. Long holds California psychologist license PSY23911 and a Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology from Spalding University. Her more than 15 years of assessment experience includes psychological and neuropsychological evaluation, personal injury, disability, and fitness-for-duty work.

Based in Mission Viejo, she provides evaluation services throughout Southern California, including Orange, Los Angeles, San Diego, and Riverside counties. Confirm the location and format available for a particular referral.

Start with the referral question

Email your name, firm or organization, business contact details, general matter type, jurisdiction, and deadline. Do not include client names, confidential case facts, or records in the initial message. The office will clarify case fit and the appropriate next steps.

Request an independent-evaluation consultation → · Qualifications and attorney FAQs

Professional reference: APA Specialty Guidelines for Forensic Psychology.