What is a Disability Psychological Evaluation?

 

A disability psychological evaluation provides professional documentation to support applications for Social Security Disability (SSI or SSDI) and other disability-related benefits. This type of assessment helps determine how mental health symptoms or cognitive limitations affect a person’s ability to work, function independently, and manage daily life.

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Whether you are applying for disability benefits, appealing a denial, or working with an attorney or agency that requires psychological documentation, these evaluations offer clear, evidence-based insight into your emotional, cognitive, and functional capacities. Conducted by a licensed psychologist, the assessment provides objective clinical findings that align with Social Security Administration (SSA) standards.

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The purpose of this evaluation is not to pass or fail, but to provide accurate, professional information that supports fair consideration of your claim and connects you with appropriate mental health resources.

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Purpose and Benefits of a Disability Psychological Evaluation

 

A psychological evaluation for disability helps both individuals and disability examiners understand how mental health symptoms impact daily life and employability. Key benefits include:

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• Objective Clinical Documentation: Provides evidence-based findings about psychological, emotional, or cognitive impairments that affect functioning.

• Support for SSI or SSDI Claims: Strengthens disability applications by clearly describing how symptoms limit work performance and daily activities.

• Treatment Recommendations: Offers individualized recommendations for therapy, psychiatric care, or supportive services to enhance coping and quality of life.

• Fair Assessment Process: Ensures your emotional, cognitive, and behavioral challenges are recognized within a professional, compassionate framework.

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These evaluations help ensure your mental health and functional limitations are fully represented in your disability application or appeal.

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Steps and Process of the Psychological Evaluation

 

Our disability and SSI psychological evaluations are thorough, efficient, and structured to meet the requirements of the Social Security Administration (SSA) and other disability programs. The process typically includes:

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• Referral and Scheduling: You may be referred by your disability attorney, case manager, or request an evaluation directly. Appointments are available statewide through secure telehealth or in person.

• Clinical Interview: During your session, a licensed psychologist will review your mental health history, current symptoms, daily challenges, and how these impact your ability to work and function independently.

• Standardized Psychological Testing: You may complete brief assessments that measure cognitive ability, memory, attention, mood, and personality functioning.

• Review and Interpretation: The psychologist integrates interview and test data to form a clear understanding of your mental and functional capacities.

• Report and Feedback: A detailed psychological report is prepared for your attorney, agency, or SSA examiner, summarizing diagnostic impressions, functional limitations, and treatment recommendations. Most reports are completed within one to two weeks.

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Types of Disability Evaluations

 

We provide psychological evaluations for a wide range of disability-related needs, including:

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• Social Security Disability (SSI / SSDI) Psychological Evaluation

• Cognitive and Functional Capacity Assessment

• Mental Health and Emotional Impairment Evaluation

• Psychological Evaluation for Disability Accommodations or Support Services

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Each evaluation is personalized to meet your specific referral questions, agency requirements, and emotional needs.

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What to Expect and How to Schedule

 

A psychological disability evaluation is designed to be supportive and straightforward. You do not need to study or prepare; just be ready to discuss your mental health history, current challenges, and how your symptoms affect your daily life.

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To schedule your appointment, complete the contact form on our website or email our office directly. If your attorney or agency has already submitted a referral, we will contact you within a few business days to arrange your appointment.

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Evaluations are available throughout California via secure telehealth and in person for local clients. Our goal is to make the process efficient, respectful, and clinically sound, helping you present strong psychological documentation that supports your disability claim and ensures your experiences are fully understood.

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Fee Statement – U-Visa & T-Visa Psychological Evaluations

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The fee for a Disability Psychological Assessment ranges from $900 to $1,400, depending on the complexity of the case, documentation requirements, and evaluation scope.

• Standard Assessments ($900–$1,000):
  This rate applies to cases involving a single 2 hour clinical interview and a focused assessment of mental health symptoms that affect daily functioning and ability to work. The report includes a psychosocial history, diagnostic impressions, and a clinical summary describing how mental health symptoms contribute to functional limitations consistent with disability criteria.

• Comprehensive Assessments ($1,100–$1,400):
  This range applies to cases involving complex presentations, such as multiple mental health diagnoses, cognitive impairment, trauma history, or co-occurring medical and psychiatric conditions—and may require multiple sessions, collateral interviews, or formal psychological testing. These assessments provide an in-depth analysis of psychological, emotional, and cognitive factors impacting the individual’s ability to maintain employment or daily functioning.

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All disability assessments include:

• One or more clinical interviews conducted via secure telehealth.

• Administration of standardized psychological measures (as indicated).

• Review of relevant medical, mental health, or vocational records (as applicable).

• A comprehensive written report describing clinical findings, functional limitations, and diagnostic impressions.

• One follow-up consultation to review results and clarify findings.