Professional Services

Dr. Worthen provides consultation about psychological matters to attorneys, other psychologists, veterans legal representatives, and—in select cases—conducts Independent Psychological Exams (IPE) directly with veterans.

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Consultation for Attorneys

I offer consultation and IPE (Independent Psychological Examination) services to attorneys in disability insurance, personal injury, guardianship, civil competency, and employment/labor law cases in North Carolina and in many other states if a telehealth evaluation would be appropriate. 

For example, I can provide consultations services if you live in a PSYPACT® state (40 states).

If you are not in a PSYPACT® state, we can check to see if your state permits temporary practice for psychologists from another jurisdiction (many do).

To ascertain if I might be of assistance, book a complimentary 15-minute call (or Zoom meeting) with me or call me.

Schedule Appointment

I offer consultation and IPE (Independent Psychological Examination) services for veterans and their legal representatives, i.e., veterans law attorneys and VA-accredited claims agents in most U.S. jurisdictions.

Specifically, if a veteran lives in a PSYPACT® state, I can conduct an Independent Psychological Exam (IPE) via teleconference (video). 

PSYPACT® is an interjurisdictional compact among 42 states, territories, and the District of Columbia.

In terms of consultation to you (veterans law attorney or VA-accredited claims agent), I can do so if you are in a PSYPACT® state, or if your state permits temporary practice for psychologists from another jurisdiction (many do).

To ascertain if I might be of assistance, book a complimentary 15-minute call (or Zoom meeting) with or call me.

Schedule Appointment

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You might like my newsletter, Psychological Insights for Veterans Law Attorneys.

If you subscribe to the newsletter, I will send you a specially-prepared article for veterans law attorneys and VA-accredited claims agents as a "thank you" for subscribing. That article is titled, How to Challenge the Presumption of Competency for VA Mental Health Examiners.

 

Consultation for Psychologists

I also provide consultation to other psychologists regarding C&P exams (VA disability evaluations), psychological assessment, and other topics.

To discuss if I might be of assistance, you can book a complimentary 15-minute call (or Zoom meeting) or call me.

Schedule Appointment

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Independent Psychological Exams with Veterans

I will conduct an IPE directly for a veteran, but only in select cases, which I explain on the Nexus Letters page.

For appeals cases, it is best (for the veteran) if the veteran is represented by an attorney or VA-accredited claims agent.

This is true because legal issues become increasingly important as you appeal up the ladder from Higher-Level Review (HLR), to Board of Veterans Appeals, to Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, etc.

I therefore encourage you to consult with your attorney or VA-accredited claims agent first about an IPE, and then you or your legal representative contact me.

I will conduct an IPE directly for a veteran, but only in select cases, and only if the veteran lives in a PSYPACT® state.

Go to → Nexus Letters for VA Claims to learn more.

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What is an Independent Medical Opinion?

In an article on another page (Independent Medical Opinion for Veterans), I define terms and explain that in the VA context, independent medical opinion can refer to:

  • 1151 Claims – claims based on alleged harm caused by VA require an independent opinion from the examiner.

  • VA-Requested Independent Medical Opinions – performed by non-VA experts affiliated with major medical schools or universities in particularly complex or contentious cases.

  • Private exams such as an Independent Medical Exam (psychiatrists) or an Independent Psychological Exam (psychologists).

  • Expert witness opinions embedded in psychological DBQs – although not labeled as such, examiners give more than one expert witness opinion (another name for an independent medical opinion). 

→ Visit Independent Medical Opinion for Veterans to learn more.

What is a Nexus Letter for Depression?

On another page on this website, Nexus Letter for Depression, I cover a lot of ground about nexus letters in general and for depression specifically. Here are the topics discussed on in that article:

  • What Constitutes a Nexus Letter for Depression?

  • » Letter Written by Your Doctor or Therapist
    » How should therapists wrote nexus letters for depression? – I suggest an approach that will avoid ethical dilemmas, while still helping veterans

  • Reliable Principles & Methods
    » Federal Rule of Evidence 702

  • Ethical Principles & Forensic Specialty Guidelines
    » APA Ethics Code (psychologists)
    » APA Specialty Guidelines for Forensic Psychology

  • Recommended Reading List: Dual Role Conflicts

→ Visit Nexus Letter for Depression to learn more.

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