Noelle Lara, Ph.D.

Licensed Psychologist Lic. # PSY32893

Forensic & Psychological Assessment Services

Serving Marin and Solano Counties, CA

In high-stakes civil litigation and complex diagnostic cases, the clarity of the psychological profile is often the deciding factor. As a licensed clinical psychologist with a doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology and a specialization in Forensic Psychology from Palo Alto University, I provide objective, data-driven evaluations designed to withstand the rigors of judicial scrutiny.

Whether you are an attorney seeking an expert in a personal injury matter or a provider needing diagnostic clarification, I offer a sophisticated approach that integrates biological, psychological, and social factors to answer critical referral questions.

Specialist in Forensic Evaluations for Personal Injury

In personal injury cases, quantifying emotional distress and psychological trauma requires a transition from clinical intuition to forensic precision. My assessments focus on establishing the psychological nexus of an incident with an emphasis on objectivity and defensibility through the following components.

• Emotional Distress & Trauma: Evaluating the presence and severity of conditions such as PTSD or acute anxiety resulting from accidents or workplace injuries.

• Validity & Malingering Testing: Utilizing gold-standard psychometric tools to identify symptom exaggeration or feigning, ensuring that findings are credible and airtight for the court.

• Functional Impact Assessments: Documenting how psychological symptoms specifically impede an individual’s daily functioning, resilience, and vocational capacity.

• Detailed Expert Reporting: Translating complex psychological theory into clear, actionable findings for audiences unfamiliar with clinical terminology, such as judges and juries.

The Advantage of Experience

My assessment methodology has been refined across some of California’s most demanding clinical and forensic environments:

• DSH-Napa & Atascadero: Conducted hundreds of evaluations for competency-restoration and risk management involving acute distress and severe mental illness.

• UCSF Medical Center: Specialized in assessing surgical readiness and identifying psychosocial barriers to recovery.

• Court-Appointed Expert: Currently offers service as a subject-matter expert for the court in various forensic capacities, including criminal responsibility and competency to stand trial.

Service Areas: Marin & Solano County

I am proud to serve the community I consider home. I offer flexible assessment services across Marin County (San Rafael, Novato, Mill Valley) Solano County (Vacaville, Fairfield, Vallejo) and Napa County

Ready to discuss a case or referral?