Forensic Services

People seek out or may be referred for psychological evaluations for many reasons including immigration proceedings, competency to stand trial, mitigation, mental health diversion, clarification of diagnosis, or to address challenges in a pending legal case.

All psychological evaluations typically include a detailed conversation about a person's history, psychological tests, review of any important records, and completion of a thorough report. In some circumstances, a brief discussion with the attorney of record may be indicated. From start to finish an evaluation process may take 6 to 8 hours to complete depending on the complexity of the evaluation, with more complex cases taking up to 20 hours. A comprehensive report will be issued approximately 3 weeks after all the components of the evaluation are completed. Dr. Guardado-Soto will work collaboratively with the client's attorney and the client’s identified support system in order to provide the best service possible.

Immigration Evaluations

The following types of immigration evaluations are offered at Guardado Psychological Services:

Hardship
- Waivers
- Provisional Waivers
- Cancellation of Removal
Violence Against Women Act (VAWA)
U Visa / T visa
Medical Certification for Disability Exceptions (N-648)

Comprehensive psychological evaluations are sought out for a variety of reasons including to better understand individual challenges and/or strengths, understand how trauma has impacted psychological health, refine diagnosis to guide treatment, and provide information about one's functioning. Psychological evaluations are strength based and client centered. Dr. Guardado conducts evaluations for mental health diversion, mitigation, and competency to stand trial.

Comprehensive Psychological Evaluations

Dr. Guardado-Soto is a bilingual (Spanish/English) speaking Qualified Medical Evaluator (QME) certified in the State of California and can serve as an Agreed Medical Evaluator (AME). A QME is certified by the Medical Unit of the Division of Workers’ Compensation to serve as objective evaluator in active workers’ compensation cases to resolve medical disputes. The process for obtaining a QME varies on whether the injured worker is represented by an attorney or not. An AME evaluation is only available to an injured worker who is represented by an attorney. The face-to-face time for a typical QME evaluation lasts between 3 and 4 hours depending on the complexity of the case. The evaluation includes a clinical interview, administration of psychological tests and review of medical records. The evaluation will result in Dr. Guardado-Soto issuing a detailed psychological report which will be sent to all parties involved in the claim management.

Qualified Medical Evaluator
(QME)

Consultation services includes a one-to-one consult with Dr. Guardado-Soto to discuss client centered general psychological challenges, the impact that trauma experiences may have had on a specific client, or how symptoms are presenting in a client’s current daily functioning. Additionally, Dr. Guardado-Soto is available to provide a thorough review of records without face-to-face time if need be.