Independent Psychological Evaluations
Clarity is its own form of relief.
A thorough psychological evaluation gives you language for what you have been experiencing, documentation that reflects the full reality of it, and a clear direction forward.
Book Free Evaluation ConsultationTelehealth across Florida and PSYPACT-participating states, when appropriate for your evaluation.
“Many people spend years in treatment without ever having a clear, complete picture of their psychological functioning. A comprehensive health psychology evaluation changes that.”
Dr. Mariah
What is an 'Independent Psychological Evaluation'?
If you're gathering documentation for disability, you may have come across the term independent psychological evaluation, or IPE. It simply means the psychologist conducting your evaluation is someone you've hired directly, rather than someone assigned by an agency or insurer.
You'll also see the term independent medical evaluation, or IME. In everyday use the two get used interchangeably, though an IME is usually done by a physician. As psychologists, our focus is mental health: your diagnosis, your symptoms, and how your psychological functioning affects your daily life and ability to work.
An Objective Clinical Opinion
The findings reflect a careful, honest assessment. Paying for an evaluation does not determine its outcome. This independence helps give the findings credibility with those reviewing them.
An evaluation is separate from therapy and does not establish an ongoing treatment relationship. It documents findings and recommendations, and the resulting documentation may be shared with a third party when relevant.
What Your Evaluation Includes
Each evaluation is shaped around your situation and referral question. Most include:
- Review of relevant records
- A thorough diagnostic interview using DSM-5-TR criteria
- Psychological testing selected for your referral question
- Documentation tailored to your service, such as a psychological report, DBQ, supporting letter, or medical certification
Scope and Payment
These are privately retained, independent evaluations. We do not provide agency-contracted examinations, court-ordered evaluations, criminal or custody evaluations, or fitness-for-duty examinations.
Evaluation services are private pay. We do not bill insurance for disability documentation evaluations.
Types of Evaluations
VA Disability Evaluations & Nexus Letters
Privately retained evaluations for Veterans, including Mental Health DBQs and PTSD Review DBQs. A nexus letter is provided when clinically appropriate as part of a comprehensive evaluation.
Explore Veteran EvaluationsFERS Disability Retirement Evaluations
Independent evaluations connecting mental health symptoms to the essential duties and functional demands of a specific federal position.
Explore FERS EvaluationsSocial Security Disability Evaluations
Privately retained psychological evaluations addressing diagnosis and the functional criteria used in Social Security disability determinations.
Explore Social Security EvaluationsLong-Term Disability Insurance Evaluations
Privately retained evaluations for long-term disability documentation, including medically complex and invisible conditions that impact psychological wellbeing.
Explore Long-Term Disability EvaluationsPre-Bariatric Surgery Psychological Evaluations
Evaluations of psychological readiness, eating patterns, substance use history, and support factors required by bariatric surgery programs.
Explore Bariatric EvaluationsComprehensive & Differential Diagnostic Evaluations
In-depth diagnostic clarification incorporating personality assessment, clinical history, testing, and treatment recommendations.
Explore Diagnostic EvaluationsAdult ADHD Evaluations
Focused evaluations for adults seeking clarity about attention, organization, and follow-through. Includes a clinical interview, assessment of other possible explanations, written findings, and feedback.
Explore ADHD EvaluationsStudent Loan TPD Discharge Evaluation
Independent psychological evaluations for Total and Permanent Disability (TPD) student loan discharge. Documentation, supporting letters, and certification are provided when clinically appropriate.
Explore TPD EvaluationsEvaluation Process
Intake and records review
Before the evaluation, relevant medical and psychiatric records are reviewed so the assessment is grounded in your full history, not just what surfaces in a single session.
Evaluation session
A clinical interview and, depending on the type of evaluation, standardized psychological testing. Conducted in person in Miami, Florida or via telehealth.
Findings & Documentation
Your evaluation includes documentation tailored to the service and its purpose. This may include a psychological report, DBQ, supporting letter, or medical certification, as clinically appropriate. We confirm the documents included and expected turnaround before you book.
For evaluations that do not require a full psychological report, documentation is typically completed within 3–5 business days after the evaluation is complete and all necessary records and materials have been received.
Start With a Conversation
If you are not sure which type of evaluation applies to your situation, a free consultation is a good place to start. We can help you identify what makes the most sense given your specific needs.
Book Free Evaluation ConsultationTelehealth across Florida and PSYPACT-participating states.