Personal Injury Psychological Evaluations in California

Psychological injury, emotional distress, trauma, and cognitive concerns can raise different questions within the same civil matter. Dr. Colleen Long, Psy.D., provides psychological and neuropsychological assessment and attorney consultation to clarify those questions.

Mission Viejo · Orange County · Los Angeles · San Diego · Riverside

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What the evaluation can address

Psychological symptoms and diagnostic clarification.
Trauma-related concerns, including PTSD, anxiety, and depression.
Attention, memory, and executive-function concerns following injury.
Functional impact, prognosis, and treatment recommendations.
Relevant pre-incident history, changes over time, and alternative explanations.
Symptom and performance validity when indicated by the referral question.

The accepted scope depends on the legal question, available evidence, and Dr. Long’s training and qualifications. A diagnosis, a reported symptom, and an opinion about causation are different conclusions; counsel should identify which questions the engagement needs to answer.

A defined question and a transparent process

A matter may call for focused record review, attorney consultation, a direct psychological examination, or a broader neuropsychological assessment. Before work begins, the referral question, records, examination needs, intended recipients, and requested deliverables are clarified.

Evaluation methods are selected for the person and question at hand. Findings may integrate interview information, relevant records, observations, collateral information, and appropriate testing. The report explains the evidence considered and any limits on the opinions offered.

For plaintiff and defense counsel

Dr. Long welcomes inquiries from both plaintiff and defense attorneys. Her role is to provide independent psychological analysis. Case acceptance and retention do not imply a promised finding, damages amount, or litigation result.

Prepare for a case-fit discussion

For the first inquiry, provide your name and firm, business contact details, the general matter type, jurisdiction, requested service, and deadline. Do not attach records or include client names or confidential facts in the initial email.

After the appropriate conflict and scope discussion, relevant materials may include a referral letter, a chronology and record index, treatment records, prior assessment reports, and documentation of functioning. Agree on the secure transfer method before sending materials.

Experience relevant to the referral

Dr. Long is a California-licensed psychologist, PSY23911, with more than 15 years of psychological and neuropsychological assessment experience across the lifespan. Her background includes personal-injury, disability, and cognitive and functional assessment. Request the current CV and discuss the experience most relevant to your particular matter.

Common attorney questions

Does every matter require neuropsychological testing?

No. The referral question and available information determine whether psychological testing, neuropsychological assessment, focused records review, or another approach is appropriate.

Can you review records before an examination is arranged?

Focused record review and attorney consultation are available within an agreed scope. Some questions require direct assessment; records-only work has limits that should be identified before retention.

Can this process replace a workers’ compensation QME?

Workers’ compensation medical-legal evaluations use a separate selection and communication process. Tell the office which pathway applies before scheduling.

What are the fees and turnaround time?

Request current availability and fee information. Timing depends on scope, records, examination needs, and scheduling. Discuss report, deposition, and trial deadlines before the engagement is accepted.

Discuss a personal-injury referral → · View qualifications and attorney FAQs

Professional reference: APA Specialty Guidelines for Forensic Psychology. This page describes evaluation services and does not provide legal advice.