Dr. Linda Nelson - Ph.D., ABPN, Board Certified Clinical Neuropsychologist

Administration of a psychological test is followed by test feedback.

INSURANCE INFORMATION

FORMAT...

Treatment is usually conducted on a regular weekly basis with tailor-made goals that patients wish to work on.

Telehealth is the current format for all patients. Otherwise, adult patients, age 18 and over, are seen individually in my Santa Monica office. Sessions are 60 minutes, weekly. Treatment goals are set and patients are encouraged to meet them within agreed-upon timelines. Currently I am in-network provider for three major insurance companies, including Medicare (Northern and Southern California provider), Anthem Blue Cross, and Blue Shield. I also see patients out of network and on an out-of-pocket sliding fee schedule. Patients first undergo intake, which includes a history-gathering interview and psychological assessment.

MY TRAINING AS A THERAPIST… At the Ohio State University, where I received my doctorate in clinical psychology, I was influenced in three ways: Glasser’s Reality therapy, Beck’s Cognitive Behavioral therapy, and by my mentors Philip Marks, Alex Caldwell, and James Butcher who taught me principles of personality theory and psychological assessment. The combination of these techniques concentrates on the present and moves the person ahead in a dedicated path towards recovery. This approach is practical, pragmatic, and steeped in our current realities.

JUDGING PROGRESS...

PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT

Progress towards reaching treatment goals is discussed and re-adjusted as necessary. Success and improvement are judged by the patient and can occur in a matter of months to one year. Overcoming and adapting to self-injurious behavior, hoarding, or severe mental illness may not always result in a fast or easy fix. There is no magic-bullet cure. Therapy takes commitment, treatment compliance, and motivation. I work with people age 18 and older with personality disorders, psychosis, and Axis I diagnoses, like clinical depression or anxiety disorders. Post-traumatic stress disorder treatment that I provide has proven efficacy.

WHAT TO EXPECT

TREATMENT

In her private practice offices Dr. Nelson accepts Anthem Blue Cross, Blue Shield of California and Medicare of Northern and Southern California. Co-pays and deductibles are payable in checks only; credit cards are not accepted.

WHAT TO EXPECT FROM ME...

PRIVATE PRACTICE

INTAKE

PHILOSOPHICAL APPROACH...

READY TO BEGIN?

My philosophy involves helping folks learn how to protect themselves against internal and outside threats to their mental health. Patients are challenged to try, what we refer to as, experiments where they act in ways that are counter to repetitive unproductive behavior. They learn how to think out of the box. To set realistic goals. I encourage regular exercise, including cardio, to relieve tension. Patients are empowered when they see that they can positively affect their own well-being as well as that of others. I accept what patients stand for, believe, and tell me as their perception and their truth. HIPAA privacy practices are encouraged and maintained with all my patients.

Your first two sessions with Dr. Nelson will begin with an in-depth interview to begin planning for treatment.

Patients may expect empathy, respect, and fair and unbiased treatment from me, regardless of their gender orientation, cultural background, severity of disability, values, opinions, or religious beliefs. Cultural sensitivity is very important in my practice. I love helping people. I am always open to feedback and will encourage patients to let me know if I am helping them, or not. I am flexible and willing to modify my approach whenever asked. Our office suite is well maintained, safe, and healthy in this current environment.

From the first session to your path to recovery, the journey begins in the psychotherapeutic process.

JUDGING PROGRESS... Progress towards reaching treatment goals is discussed and re-adjusted as necessary. Success and improvement are judged by the patient and can occur in a matter of months to one year. Overcoming and adapting to self-injurious behavior, hoarding, or severe mental illness may not always result in a fast or easy fix. There is no magic-bullet cure. Therapy takes commitment, treatment compliance, and motivation. I work with people age 18 and older with personality disorders, psychosis, and Axis I diagnoses, like clinical depression or anxiety disorders. Post-traumatic stress disorder treatment that I provide has proven efficacy.

PHILOSOPHICAL APPROACH... My philosophy involves helping folks learn how to protect themselves against internal and outside threats to their mental health. Patients are challenged to try, what we refer to as, experiments where they act in ways that are counter to repetitive unproductive behavior. They learn how to think out of the box. To set realistic goals. I encourage regular exercise, including cardio, to relieve tension. Patients are empowered when they see that they can positively affect their own well-being as well as that of others. I accept what patients stand for, believe, and tell me as their perception and their truth. HIPAA privacy practices are encouraged and maintained with all my patients.

WHAT TO EXPECT FROM ME... Patients may expect empathy, respect, and fair and unbiased treatment from me, regardless of their gender orientation, cultural background, severity of disability, values, opinions, or religious beliefs. Cultural sensitivity is very important in my practice. I love helping people. I am always open to feedback and will encourage patients to let me know if I am helping them, or not. I am flexible and willing to modify my approach whenever asked. Our office suite is well maintained, safe, and healthy in this current environment.

Your first two sessions with Dr. Nelson will begin with an in-depth interview to begin planning for treatment.

FORMAT... Telehealth is the current format for all patients. Otherwise, adult patients, age 18 and over, are seen individually in my Santa Monica office. Sessions are 60 minutes, weekly. Treatment goals are set and patients are encouraged to meet them within agreed-upon timelines. Currently I am in-network provider for three major insurance companies, including Medicare (Northern and Southern California provider), Anthem Blue Cross, and Blue Shield. I also see patients out of network and on an out-of-pocket sliding fee schedule. Patients first undergo intake, which includes a history-gathering interview and psychological assessment.

From the first session to your path to recovery, the journey begins in the psychotherapeutic process.

PSYCHOTHERAPY TELEHEALTH

WHY DS/AD?

Cheryl White, LMFT Associate Executive Director T: 415.526.1352 cheryl@cedarslife.org PO Box 947, Ross, CA 94957

HELPFUL HINTS FOR FAMILIES AND CAREGIVERS OF ALZHEIMER’S PATIENTS, WITH AND WITHOUT DOWN SYNDROME

- Alzheimer's Association: www.alz.org - American Academy of Developmental Medicine and Dentistry: www.aadmd.org - Bet Tzedek - Justice for all (L.A. county only): www.bettzedek.org - Department of Developmental Services: www.dds.ca.gov - Dr. Linda D. Nelson - Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center: www.iddrc.ucla.edu - Local Regional Center information: www.dds.ca.gov/RC/RCLookup.cfm - Medicare: www.medicare.gov - National Down Syndrome Society: www.ndss.org

Early detection and treatment can improve the quality of life for the person diagnosed with Down syndrome and Alzheimer's disease. It can set the stage for good planning for the future.

There are agencies serving Los Angeles County's 88 cities and unincorporated areas. The City of Los Angeles is served by the Los Angeles Department of Aging. All others are served by the County of Los Angeles Department of Community and Senior Services. Both Departments are designated Area Agencies on Aging. Los Angeles-based agencies, like these, work with local community-based organizations to provide a wide array of social, health promotion/prevention services such as health screenings, dining centers providing lunch, home delivered meals also known as “Meals on Wheels”, transportation services, sheltered workshops, and much more. We encourage those in need to call their number to navigate these community services. (800) 510-2020 is a statewide number for California's Area Agencies on Aging. You will automatically be routed to the nearest agency.

is here to help!

AREA AGENCY ON AGING

ARE YOU A CAREGIVER WHO SUSPECTS ALZHEIMER’S?

Recent research shows that a fair proportion of individuals with Down syndrome will have been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease at an earlier age than people from the general population. here to help you understand the impact of this diagnosis and to help you connect to the most current resources, information, and available supports.

Andrew was one of our participants in my research studies. His artistic ability is outstanding. Andrew’s family has allowed me to show his work to you. I hope you see his ability like we do: As awesome as it was to all of us Alzheimer’s investigators at UCLA. For more information, or to purchase Andrew’s art, contact Dr. Linda Nelson at 1-310-458-4581 and she may put you in touch with his parents.

- Long-Distance Caregiving: How to Ensure Your Loved Ones are Safe at Home - A Guide to Alzheimer’s Caregiving - Understanding How Alzheimer’s Disease Changes People - Challenges and Coping Strategies - Communicating with Alzheimer’s - 8 Practical Tips to Help someone with Dementia to Eat More

Look for these signs:

Compiled by Millie in Wheaton, IL

COUNTY REGIONAL CENTERS

- Changes in behavior - Changes in communication - Agitation - Social withdrawal - Changes in mood or personality - Late onset seizures - Getting stuck in familiar routines - Changes in gait and coordination - Heightened irritability and frustration - Difficulty performing routine tasks

RESOURCES FOR FAMILIES AND INDIVIDUALS WITH DOWN SYNDROME

GREAT RESOURCES FOR INTELLECTUALLY DISABLED INDIVIDUALS IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

Individuals with trisomy 21 Down syndrome are living much longer than ever before. This is unprecedented and, because of this, new discoveries have been, and are continuing to be made, about how individuals with Down syndrome age. One very important, yet disheartening discovery, is that trisomy 21 Down syndrome is a genetic condition that places individuals at a very high risk for early-onset Alzheimer's disease. People with Down syndrome are born with an extra copy of Chromosome 21, that puts them at increased risk for early development of Alzheimer's disease. Clinical symptoms tend to manifest differently among those with Down syndrome compared to the non-disabled population.

Cedars Life is a Northern California-based organization that serves people with Down syndrome as they age. Their Textile Arts Center is based in a scenic area of San Rafael, CA where adults with Down syndrome and other intellectual and developmental disabilities produce textile art. Cedars’ Fine Arts Studio includes clients, like Andrew, above, whose artistic skills are honed. Many of their works are showcased and sold in the City galleries and stores. The artistic works of these individuals are phenomenal. Their athletic abilities in the Special Olympics are beyond belief. I am proud of their accomplishments and wish to let the world know how truly incredible people with Down syndrome are. I welcome your contributions to this page to add more resources of benefit to aging adults with Down syndrome. I am also a resource. As a neuropsychologist and Medicare provider in Northern and Southern California, I conduct assessments of people with Down syndrome. Referrals for consultation or assessment are accepted by calling 310-458-4581. Your physician’s order (written prescription) is required.

PLEASE CONTACT DR. NELSON FOR MORE INFORMATION

I have worked with Cheryl White of Cedars Life since 2005. In Cedars, I found one of the most incredible models of living, training, and care for adults with Down syndrome. Cedars coordinates all of the these resources. Visit their website for more on this great organization. Their emphasis is on bringing out the best in adults who are developmentally, physically, and intellectually challenged.

MISSION STATEMENT

Arc stands for Activities, Recreation, Care. The Arc's Center for Human Rights is a free service available to assist all families with challenging situations. Their focus is on families with a son or daughter with a developmental disability. Their team will sit down and discuss the obstacles a family faces and then uncover resources that are available to them. The end result is a plan to go forward. The Arc believes that these family need extra support and we are there to provide it. The Arc through the Center for Human Rights also collaborates with a number of agencies including IHSS and the Human Services Association to provide overall care. The Arc's Senior Services provides day services to Seniors with developmental disabilities. We have lowered the acceptance age to this program to 45 years old to adjust for the need of people with early onset of Alzheimer's. This is an active "on the go" program with the purpose of giving individuals a true early retirement experience. Located at 6456 Whitsett Ave., North Hollywood, CA 91606. 818.762.4365. Fifty years strong! Anyone looking for information on The Arc can visit their website at www.arcandadults.org.

Early detection and treatment can improve the quality of life for the person diagnosed with Down syndrome and Alzheimer's disease. It can set the stage for good planning for the future.

is here to help!

- Changes in gait and coordination - Heightened irritability and frustration - Difficulty performing routine tasks

HELPFUL HINTS FOR FAMILIES AND CAREGIVERS OF ALZHEIMER’S PATIENTS, WITH AND WITHOUT DOWN SYNDROME

The mission of is to educate, inform, and be advocates for families and providers associated with the care and treatment of aging adults with Down syndrome. Our aim is to provide resources available for aging adults with Down syndrome and Alzheimer's disease in California. Together, we will work towards a goal of expanding programs, services, and supports. Recent research shows that a fair proportion of individuals with Down syndrome will have been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease at an earlier age than people from the general population. here to help you understand the impact of this diagnosis and to help you connect to the most current resources, information, and available supports.

Look for these signs:

- Changes in behavior - Changes in communication - Agitation - Social withdrawal

Compiled by Millie in Wheaton, IL

- Changes in mood or personality - Late onset seizures - Getting stuck in familiar routines

The Arc's Senior Services provides day services to Seniors with developmental disabilities. We have lowered the acceptance age to this program to 45 years old to adjust for the need of people with early onset of Alzheimer's. This is an active "on the go" program with the purpose of giving individuals a true early retirement experience. Located at 6456 Whitsett Ave., North Hollywood, CA 91606. 818.762.4365. Fifty years strong! Anyone looking for information on The Arc can visit their website at www.arcandadults.org.

LDN@laneuropsych.com

LEARN MORE & FIND RESOURCES

310.458.4581

SERVICES

EVALUATIONS

I’d like to give you a brief synopsis of what I do, then, please, visit my different pages to find out more. I am an experienced psychotherapist, trained at The Ohio State University in Glasser’s Reality Therapy and Beck’s Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. I learned how to evaluate for PTSD and apply Desensitization Therapy to treat this disorder, through my work with veterans at the West LA VAMC. I take most major insurances and see adults of all ages. After completing my post-doctoral fellowship at UCLA, I became board certified in the area of Clinical Neuropsychology. Much of the neuropsychological assessments I do are with brain injured adults with neurological conditions, such as traumatic brain injury, concussions, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s dementia, epilepsy, and stroke. I’ve published numerous peer-reviewed scientific papers in research fields of interest and a book, Using the MMPI-2 in Forensic Assessment (2015), Wash DC: American Psychological Association Press. I believe I provide fair and objective forensic neuropsychological evaluations. I realize the importance of cultural sensitivity and the effects of different upbringings on both treatment and assessment outcome. When I entered the field, it was with the hope and belief that I could help people. You will find me empathic, protective, and pragmatic in my approach to your life goals. Thank you for visiting my website.

Through the organization, Dr. Nelson seeks to educate, inform, and be an advocate for families and providers associated with the care and treatment of aging adults with Down syndrome. Dr. Nelson works with patients with Down syndrome aged 21 and over. She performs neuropsychological evaluations and provides treatment plans for patients residing in family homes, independent and assisted living residences.

WELCOME TO MY WEBSITE…

DISCOVERING THE DOWN SYNDROME - ALZHEIMER’S CONNECTION

PSYCHOTHERAPY TELEHEALTH

Psychotherapy, Psychology Panel Qualified Medical Evaluations, Clinical Neuropsychological Examinations, and Independent Medical Examinations. Serving Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, and San Francisco counties. Medicare Provider (Northern and Southern California), Anthem Blue Cross, and Blue Shield. Primary practice location, Santa Monica, CA.

MAKE AN APPOINTMENT

CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY NEUROPSYCHOLOGY

LEARN MORE ABOUT DR. NELSON

DISCOVERING THE DOWN SYNDROME - ALZHEIMER’S CONNECTION

LEARN MORE & FIND RESOURCES

DISCOVERING THE DOWN SYNDROME - ALZHEIMER’S CONNECTION

LEARN MORE ABOUT DR. NELSON

EVALUATIONS

CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGYNEUROPSYCHOLOGY

[Fig. 2] This longitudinal study© was presented at the Annual Meeting of the International Neuropsychological Society (INS), San Diego, California, February 4, 2021.

VIEW THE BOOK

[Fig. 1] Nelson LD, Siddarth P, Kepe V, Scheibel KE, Huang S-C, Barrio JR, Small GW © 2011 PET of brain amyloid and tau in adults with Down syndrome. Archives of Neurology, 68(6), 768-774: Strong age effects on [ F]FDDNP binding levels by brain region were demonstrated in DS subjects: frontal, rs = .46, p = .04; parietal, rs = .57, p = .009; medial temporal, rs = .43. p = .05; and lateral temporal, rs = .72, p = .0003. [ F]FDDNP binding levels in posterior cingulate were not significantly associated with age.

The Neuropsychology Behavior and Affect Profile-Dementia (NBAP-D) is a measure of functions typically affected when a person suffers brain trauma due to neurological conditions, such as traumatic brain injury (TBI) or Alzheimer’s Disease (AD). The test is unique because it assesses how a person was BEFORE brain impairment and how the person is doing CURRENTLY. Thus, changes in emotional and language functioning are determined. Norms include TBI cases, AD patients, and aging adults with Down syndrome. For more information and to obtain copies of the test manual and scoring and response sheets, contact Dr. Linda Nelson at LPDNelson@outlook.com. Beginning in 2005, I began investigating the links between Down syndrome and Alzheimer’s disease. Two major studies were performed. NIH funding supported both. The first scientific study showed that people with Down syndrome performed at a level showing that, as they age, on into their 40s and 50s, some begin to develop signs of Alzheimer’s disease in their brain. (1) In my second study (2), I re-examined patients with Down syndrome. This was a cohort of 19 adults. Over the course of three years, we followed them, assessing their cognitive and emotional functioning over time. Individuals from this sample also underwent PET FDG (brain function measure) and [ F]FDDNP (measure of beta-amyloid and tau). Some of the people died from this disease during the course of the study and families donated their brains to science. We found that [ F]FDDNP, the brain imaging procedure designed to detect signs of Alzheimer’s disease, produced results that matched what was found post-mortem. That finding supported [ F]FDDNP as a potential diagnostic measure of Alzheimer’s disease. This is a story of adults who, as they age, showed signs of this deadly disease as early as 45 years. Their contribution is invaluable in terms of their selfless giving of time and effort as they underwent rigorous study procedures. Results of the longitudinal study (2) support that [ F]FDDNP may be a reliable measure of Alzheimer’s disease signs. Why is this research important? Because, ultimately, the patented FDDNP imaging procedure developed by UCLA researchers, Jorge Barrio, Henry Huang, and Gary Small gives us the potential to diagnose this disease. In its earliest stages. As Professor, emerita, UCI, and Professor and principal investigator of studies at UCLA from 2005 to 2018, our research helped bridge the connection between Down syndrome and Alzheimer’s disease. We opened the door to new approaches of diagnosis for one of the world’s deadliest diseases. At UCI I was lead author on several peer-reviewed, published studies in which the focus was on examining and developing tests designed to measure cognition and emotional levels in people with Down syndrome. From this body of research we were able to produce reliable methods of assessing for symptoms of dementia in intellectually disabled adults. Studies using beta amyloid biomarkers are now being carried out by others, at UCI, the University of Pittsburgh, and Cambridge University in the UK. I learned that people with Down syndrome are brave, and courageous, and giving. I dedicate this page to adults with Down syndrome, who furthered scientific endeavors concerning Alzheimer’s disease in ways that were unexpected and that broke new ground for us all.

ACADEMIC

The Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory–2 (MMPI–2) is one of the most widely researched and well-established assessment tools in psychology. Forensic psychologists often rely on it to evaluate clients involved in civil and criminal cases. Because the test results can have a significant influence on court decisions, psychologists need to understand how to make full use of the MMPI–2 in forensic settings.

Some of the people died from this disease during the course of the study and families donated their brains to science. We found that [ F]FDDNP, the brain imaging procedure designed to detect signs of Alzheimer’s disease, produced results that matched what was found post-mortem. That finding supported [ F]FDDNP as a potential diagnostic measure of Alzheimer’s disease. This is a story of adults who, as they age, showed signs of this deadly disease as early as 45 years. Their contribution is invaluable in terms of their selfless giving of time and effort as they underwent rigorous study procedures. Results of the longitudinal study (2) support that [ F]FDDNP may be a reliable measure of Alzheimer’s disease signs. Why is this research important? Because, ultimately, the patented FDDNP imaging procedure developed by UCLA researchers, Jorge Barrio, Henry Huang, and Gary Small gives us the potential to diagnose this disease. In its earliest stages.

Beginning in 2005, I began investigating the links between Down syndrome and Alzheimer’s disease. Two major studies were performed. NIH funding supported both. The first scientific study showed that people with Down syndrome performed at a level showing that, as they age, on into their 40s and 50s, some begin to develop signs of Alzheimer’s disease in their brain. (1) In my second study (2), I re-examined patients with Down syndrome. This was a cohort of 19 adults. Over the course of three years, we followed them, assessing their cognitive and emotional functioning over time. Individuals from this sample also underwent PET FDG (brain function measure) and [ F]FDDNP (measure of beta-amyloid and tau).

As Professor, emerita, UCI, and Professor and principal investigator of studies at UCLA from 2005 to 2018, our research helped bridge the connection between Down syndrome and Alzheimer’s disease. We opened the door to new approaches of diagnosis for one of the world’s deadliest diseases. At UCI I was lead author on several peer-reviewed, published studies in which the focus was on examining and developing tests designed to measure cognition and emotional levels in people with Down syndrome. From this body of research we were able to produce reliable methods of assessing for symptoms of dementia in intellectually disabled adults. Studies using beta amyloid biomarkers are now being carried out by others, at UCI, the University of Pittsburgh, and Cambridge University in the UK. I learned that people with Down syndrome are brave, and courageous, and giving. I dedicate this page to adults with Down syndrome, who furthered scientific endeavors concerning Alzheimer’s disease in ways that were unexpected and that broke new ground for us all.

QUALIFIED MEDICAL EVALUATION LOCATIONS WITH

PSYCHOTHERAPY TELEHEALTH OFFICE LOCATION

310-458-4581

To schedule a psych PQME or a QME Neuropsychological Consult with Dr. Nelson call

310.458.4581

1137 Second Street, Suite 204 Santa Monica, CA 90403

Prior to an on-site appointment, please request the building security code by calling 310-458-4581. Please enter through the secure rear entrance. Parking is available behind the building.

INLAND EMPIRE: - 1681 N. Waterman Ave., San Bernardino, CA 92404 - 5015 Canyon Crest Dr., Ste 109, Riverside, CA 92507 - 770 Magnolia Ave., Ste 2K, Corona, CA 29879

For PQME Call

DIRECTIONS TO NEAREST PARKING GARAGE

CALL TO MAKE A PRIVATE PRACTICE APPOINTMENT:

LOS ANGELES COUNTY: - 767 S. Sunset Ave, Ste 7, West Covina, CA 91790 - 4100 Long Beach Blvd., Ste 201, Long Beach, CA 90807 - 947 S. Anaheim Blvd., Ste 280, Anaheim, CA 92805-5584 - 323 N. Prairie Ave., Ste 208, Inglewood, CA 90301-4504 - 7136 Pacific Blvd., Ste 240, Huntington Park, CA 90255

800.458.1261

For Psychotherapy and IME Call

SAN DIEGO COUNTY: - 374 H Street, Suite 202, Chula Vista, CA 91910 - 10405 San Diego Mission Rd., Ste 106, San Diego, CA 92108

800-458-1261

DIRECTIONS TO OFFICE BUILDING

Prior to an on-site appointment, please request the building security code by calling 310-458-4581. Please enter through the secure rear entrance. Parking is available behind the building.

INLAND EMPIRE: - 1681 N. Waterman Ave., San Bernardino, CA 92404- 5015 Canyon Crest Dr., Ste 109, Riverside, CA 92507- 770 Magnolia Ave., Ste 2K, Corona, CA 29879

1137 Second Street, Suite 204 Santa Monica, CA 90403

SAN DIEGO COUNTY: - 374 H Street, Suite 202, Chula Vista, CA 91910- 10405 San Diego Mission Rd., Ste 106, San Diego, CA 92108

310.458.4581

CALL TO MAKE AN IN-PERSON OR TELEHEALTH PSYCHOTHERAPY APPOINTMENT:

DIRECTIONS TO NEAREST METERED PUBLIC PARKING

1137 Second Street, Suite 204 Santa Monica, CA 90403

INDEPENDENT MEDICAL EVALUATIONS

My private practice is located at the cross-roads of Second Street and Wilshire Boulevard, where the statue of Saint Monica stands before the blue Pacific. It is here where I provide psychotherapy for adult patients. It is here where we focus on critical issues people face in their day to day lives. Helping people move forward with their lives is a primary objective of treatment.

Together with an organization [ExamWorks logo] I perform neuropsychology consults and serve as a paneled provider for the DWC. Psychology Panel Qualified Medical Evaluations (PQMEs) are med-legal evaluations conducted with injured workers who file claims for issues such as harassment, discrimination, criminal assault, and other forms of job stress. They consist of a comprehensive clinical interview, psychological testing, and examination of medical records. Reports have definitive parameters that address legal issues and offer expert opinions based on substantial medical evidence.

I grew up in the Midwest and earned my Baccalaureate from Bowling Green State University, where my majors were in fine arts and applied behavioral analysis. Early career was spent working with parents and their pre-school children, after completing a program under Burton White, language specialist, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA and training in the area of early childhood intervention, George Peabody Institute, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN. I graduated from the Ohio State University with a doctoral degree in clinical psychology and my psychology internship was completed at the West Los Angeles VAMC, Brentwood Psychiatric Division. This was followed by completing a two-year post-doctoral fellowship in clinical neuropsychology at UCLA. I worked as Assistant Professor, University of California, Irvine (UCI) in Psychiatry, then as Associate Professor and academic Vice-Chair of the Neurology Department, UCI. In 2005, I joined the faculty in the David Geffen School of Medicine/Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences/Intellectual Disabilities and Developmental Research Center (IDDRC) at UCLA, main campus. Currently, I have a primary practice located in Santa Monica, CA. I am a Qualified Medical Evaluator for the State of California across 10 locations in Southern California.

Contact us today to schedule Psychotherapy, a Psychology Panel Qualified Medical Evaluation (PQME), an Independent Medical Evaluation (IME), or a Clinical Neuropsychological Examination.

These types of examinations, and my reports, are derived from experience as a forensic expert. Work products are designed to provide reliable diagnoses and comprehensive treatment plans, if necessary. Neuropsychologists are usually experts in examining symptoms, such as malingering behavior, factitious syndrome, and other factors that complicate clinical interpretations. I also perform competency examinations, for example to determine one’s ability to understand medical or legal documents. Competency examinations are designed to test whether an individual can make life decisions, care for themselves, exercise sound judgement, or to rule-out dementia.

As a Board-certified clinical neuropsychologist, I provide objective assessment of medical and neurological conditions as well as treatment plans for cognitive neurorehabilitation and recovery.

The focus of my research as Professor, UCLA, has been studying the effects of trisomy 21 Down syndrome, aging, and Alzheimer’s disease on cognition and behavior. I also teach undergraduate level classes at UCLA.

Learn More

QUALIFIED MEDICAL EVALUATIONS

AREAS OF EXPERTISE

NEUROPSYCHOLOGICAL EVALUATIONS

QUALIFICATIONS

I worked as Assistant Professor, University of California, Irvine (UCI) in Psychiatry, then as Associate Professor and academic Vice-Chair of the Neurology Department, UCI. In 2005, I joined the faculty in the David Geffen School of Medicine/Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences/Intellectual Disabilities and Developmental Research Center (IDDRC) at UCLA, main campus. Currently, I have a primary practice located in Santa Monica, CA. I am a Qualified Medical Evaluator for the State of California across 10 locations in Southern California.

I began working in the field of Industrial Medicine as a Qualified Medical Evaluator in 2013. Admittedly, performing complex medical evaluations is a learning curve process. I like to say that my academic background as a research scientist really helped me apply scientific and objective evidence for my expert opinions in reports. Psychologists are unique in this field. We spend more time with applicants or injured workers than medical doctors because we need to know so much more about the claimant, in so many respects. The psych Panel Qualified Medical Evaluation or PQME starts with a comprehensive past history. It includes a detailed account of what applicants do or did in their line of work. It encompasses everything that they believe happened to them in the workplace of consequence to their case. Called their “History of Industrial Injury,” this history may go back several years if it is cumulative trauma. Learning what others wrote about a patient in medical, legal, and personnel records answers many questions. The answers to these questions, for psychologists, helps us understand credibility issues, accuracy of subjective reporting, and the influence of medical problems on their psyche. This experience may be emotional for applicants, who find that my manner is gentle and encouraging. Employers and applicants may expect a thorough review of all medical records, page by page. My reports address pertinent DWC issues according to Guides (5th edit.) standards, DSM criteria, and relevant court rulings that may bear on how I consider a case. I published a book that describes how I consider work as a QME so please, check it out on my Academic page.

WORKERS’ COMPENSATION PANEL QUALIFIED MEDICAL EVALUATIONS

There are four different types of Evaluations or Examinations that I perform: 1) Panel Qualified Medical Evaluations (PQME) and Neuropsychology Consults; 2) Forensic or Independent Medical Evaluations (IME) (Neuropsychological); 3) Clinical Neuropsychological Examinations (Brief; Comprehensive); and 4) Psychological Assessment. The PQME and Neuropsychology Consult are exams administered in conjunction with the California Department of Workers’ Compensation (DWC). They may be scheduled by calling 1.818.894.8171 ExamWorks. The IME forensic neuropsychological examination and psychological assessment are scheduled directly with Dr. Linda Nelson at 310.458.4581.

AFFILIATIONS

Learning what others wrote about a patient in medical, legal, and personnel records answers many questions. The answers to these questions, for psychologists, helps us understand credibility issues, accuracy of subjective reporting, and the influence of medical problems on their psyche. This experience may be emotional for applicants, who find that my manner is gentle and encouraging. Employers and applicants may expect a thorough review of all medical records, page by page. My reports address pertinent DWC issues according to Guides (5th edit.) standards, DSM criteria, and relevant court rulings that may bear on how I consider a case. I published a book that describes how I consider work as a QME so please, check it out on my Academic page.

ABOUT

DOWN SYNDROME

CONTACT

EVALUATIONS

1137 Second Street, Suite 204 Santa Monica, CA 90403 Phone: 310-458-4581 LDN@laneuropsych.com

About | Psychotherapy Telehealth Evaluations | Academic Down Syndrome | Contact

1137 Second Street, Suite 204 Santa Monica, CA 90403 Phone: 310-458-4581 LDN@laneuropsych.com