Psychological Evaluations for Personal Injury Cases on Lien

Psych Assessments provides psychological evaluations and written reports for personal injury clients in California. Evaluations are billed on a lien basis, so your client can obtain an evaluation without paying up front. Our role is limited to evaluation and reporting. We do not provide ongoing treatment.

The practice is led by Elazar Tehrani, Psy.D., a licensed psychologist (California license PSY28780), with an office in Sherman Oaks.

Who We Evaluate

We evaluate adults and minors who have been referred by a personal injury attorney or case manager after an incident that may have affected their emotional or psychological functioning. Common referral circumstances include:

• Motor vehicle and motorcycle collisions
• Dog bites and animal attacks
• Premises liability, including slip and fall incidents
• Product liability
• Medical malpractice
• Other incidents involving physical injury, trauma or significant stress

What the Evaluation Addresses

Each evaluation is tailored to the referral question. Depending on the client, the assessment may look at:

• Post-traumatic stress symptoms
• Depression and anxiety
• Panic attacks and phobias, including driving-related fears
• Sleep disturbance, irritability and changes in daily functioning
• The relationship between reported symptoms and the incident
• Pre-existing conditions and other contributing factors

The evaluation typically combines a clinical interview, review of available records, and standardized psychological testing where appropriate. The resulting report is written to be clear and organized, so that it can be understood by readers who are not clinicians.

How the Lien Arrangement Works

Under a lien arrangement, payment for the evaluation and report is deferred and handled through the attorney's case rather than collected from the client at the time of service. Specific terms are confirmed with the referring office before the evaluation is scheduled. Payment arrangements do not determine the clinical findings. Findings are based on the clinical assessment of the individual.

Free Pre-Screening of Each Client

Before an evaluation is scheduled, we offer a no-charge pre-screening to help determine whether a formal psychological evaluation is appropriate for your client. This helps referring offices avoid scheduling evaluations that are unlikely to be useful and lets us confirm that the referral question fits our evaluation-only services.

Telehealth and In-Office Options

Evaluations can be conducted in person at our Sherman Oaks office or by telehealth, depending on the client's circumstances and the nature of the assessment. This can help clients who have limited mobility, transportation challenges or distance from the office. Dr. Tehrani is also licensed in Texas and Colorado; see our pages for those states.

Minors and Spanish-Speaking Clients

We welcome minors, with parent or guardian involvement as appropriate, and Spanish-speaking clients. Se habla español. Please let us know the client's language preference when you refer so that the visit can be arranged accordingly.

Evaluation and Report Only

Because we do not provide ongoing therapy, we can approach each case as an independent evaluator. If a client would benefit from treatment, we can discuss that need and the client may be referred to appropriate community providers.

What We Need From Your Office

• Client name, contact information and preferred language
• Date and type of incident
• Relevant records available, such as medical records or police reports
• The specific questions the report should address
• Any scheduling or deadline considerations

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the report guarantee a particular outcome?

No. A psychological report documents clinical findings. It does not predict or guarantee the outcome of any claim or settlement.

How quickly can a client be seen?

Availability varies. Contact our office with the client's situation and any deadlines, and we will advise on scheduling.

Can you accept referrals from case managers?

Yes. Attorneys and case managers may both refer clients.