Psychological Evaluation & Assessment

Psychological evaluation and assessment can provide a deeper understanding of emotional, behavioral, interpersonal, cognitive, and personality-related concerns. Depending on the referral question, the assessment process may include a clinical interview, a review of relevant records, psychometric testing when indicated, and a comprehensive written report. All evaluations and assessments are tailored to the individual and may be conducted in English or Mandarin Chinese.

Forensic Specialization: Mental Health Diversion Evaluations

I offer formal Mental Health Diversion Evaluations under California Penal Code section 1001.36. These court-ordered or defense-retained evaluations are highly structured to address statutory legal criteria. The assessment focuses heavily on establishing a clear nexus between an individual's qualifying mental health diagnosis and the alleged behavioral incident, evaluating treatment suitability, and assessing public safety risk. This provides judges, prosecutors, and defense attorneys with the objective, clinical evidence required to determine diversion eligibility.

Areas of Evaluation and Assessment

• Mental Health Diversion Evaluations (PC § 1001.36)
  Comprehensive statutory assessments for individuals seeking pre-trial mental health diversion in the California court system.

• Court-Related Evaluations and Reports
  Objective forensic assessments, clinical record reviews, and psychological profiles tailored for legal proceedings and judicial review.

• Diagnostic Clarification and Differential Diagnosis
  In-depth testing to untangle complex, overlapping symptoms and establish an accurate clinical profile.

• Educational and Workplace Accommodation Evaluations
  Assessments designed to document functional impairments and recommend formal accommodations under the ADA or academic guidelines.

• ADHD and Attention-Related Concerns
  Targeted cognitive and behavioral testing to evaluate executive functioning and attention deficits.

• Personality and Psychological Assessment
  Standardized psychometric measuring to map out overarching personality traits and coping mechanisms.

Clinical Philosophy & Approach

Beyond identifying symptoms and diagnoses for court or administrative needs, my evaluations seek to understand the broader psychological context in which difficulties arise. I look closely at developmental experiences, personality functioning, attachment patterns, trauma history, cultural influences, and recurring emotional and relational themes.

Drawing from a psychodynamic understanding, I view symptoms not only as problems to be measured, but also as meaningful expressions of underlying psychological conflicts, adaptations, strengths, capacities for growth, and unmet needs. This integrative approach allows for a deeply comprehensive understanding of the individual, which fundamentally strengthens the utility of the final report—whether it is being used to inform diagnostic clarification, clinical treatment planning, or critical legal mitigation.

The scope, fee, and turnaround time vary depending on the nature and complexity of the evaluation. Please schedule a complimentary Zoom consultation to discuss your evaluation needs, the anticipated scope of work, and the appropriate evaluation process.