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.
"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
Independent Psychological Evaluations
What an independent psychological evaluation is
If you're gathering documentation for a disability claim, 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, not someone assigned to your case by the agency or insurer reviewing it.
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.
What "independent" really means
It means no one paying for this evaluation gets to decide how it turns out. You're hiring us to take an honest, careful look and to report what we actually find. That's the whole point — and it's what gives the report credibility with the people reviewing it.
It's also worth saying clearly: this isn't therapy. There's no ongoing treatment relationship, and the goal isn't care — it's documentation. The report is written for a third party to read and understand.
What the process usually involves
Every evaluation is shaped around your situation and the specific question your claim raises. Most include:
A review of your relevant records
A thorough diagnostic interview using DSM-5-TR criteria
Psychological testing chosen specifically for your referral question
A written report prepared to the standard the reviewing body expects
What we don't do
So you can tell quickly whether we're the right fit, we don't take on agency-contracted examinations, court-ordered evaluations, criminal matters, parenting or custody evaluations, or fitness-for-duty examinations.
These are private-pay services. We don't bill insurance for disability documentation evaluations.
Types of Evaluations
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Privately retained evaluations for VA disability claims, including DBQs and nexus opinions when supported by the full evaluation. Learn more →
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Independent evaluations connecting mental health symptoms to the essential duties and functional demands of a specific federal position. Learn more →
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Privately retained psychological evaluations addressing diagnosis and the functional criteria used in Social Security disability determinations. Learn more →
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Independent evaluations for ERISA and private long-term disability claims, including medically complex and invisible conditions. Learn more →
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Evaluations of psychological readiness, eating patterns, substance use history, and support factors required by bariatric surgery programs. Fees start at $900. Learn more →
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In-depth diagnostic clarification incorporating personality assessment, clinical history, testing, and treatment recommendations. Learn more →
Evaluation 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.
Written report:
A comprehensive, clearly written report is delivered within the agreed-upon timeframe. It addresses diagnosis, functional findings, and specific recommendations personalized to your situation.