Business Details
Expert Trauma & PTSD Treatment and Forensic Psychology Services
With over 25 years of experience as a licensed clinical and forensic psychologist in Oregon and Washington, I specialize in trauma and PTSD treatment alongside comprehensive forensic services. My career began with a decade of research and leadership at the University of California, San Francisco, and the San Francisco VA Medical Center, where I developed groundbreaking studies on trauma in veterans, first responders, and civilian survivors. Relocating to Portland, Oregon, I continue to focus on trauma evaluation and treatment while maintaining an active role in research, education, and professional training. My forensic practice provides in-depth psychological evaluations, expert witness testimony, and attorney consultation across criminal, civil, immigration, employment, and disability cases.As a scientist-practitioner, I integrate rigorous research methodologies with clinical expertise to deliver evidence-based assessments and interventions. My cognitive-behavioral therapy approach for PTSD and related conditions is grounded in decades of clinical practice and teaching, emphasizing collaboration, education, and client empowerment. I prioritize confidentiality, cultural competence, and accessibility, offering tailored services to veterans, first responders, and trauma survivors while conducting workshops for legal and mental health professionals nationwide.
Services
Forensic Evaluations
Expert Testimony
PTSD Treatment
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy
Veterans Services
First Responder Support
Workshops & Trainings
Disability Assessments
Immigration Consultation
Trauma Counseling
Highlights and features
- We offer 25+ years of specialized trauma research and clinical experience
- Our scientist-practitioner approach combines research rigor with clinical insight
- We provide culturally competent care for veterans and first responders
- Our HIPAA-compliant communication ensures secure client interactions
- We deliver tailored professional training programs for mental health and legal fields
Services
Forensic Evaluations
Conducting comprehensive forensic evaluations for legal cases using gold-standard assessment tools tailored to referral questions. Services include diagnostic analysis, expert reports, and court testimony in criminal, civil, and immigration matters. Maintains scientific rigor through customized assessment batteries developed during 25+ years of trauma research.
Expert Testimony
Providing expert witness services in federal/state courts, immigration hearings, and arbitration proceedings. Combines extensive deposition experience with clear communication of complex psychological concepts. Specializes in trauma-related testimony for sentencing mitigation, personal injury, and employment discrimination cases.
PTSD Treatment
Delivering evidence-based cognitive-behavioral therapy for PTSD and trauma-related conditions. Treatment focuses on identifying negative thought patterns, developing coping strategies, and addressing biological/psychological factors. Services include individual therapy sessions for adults with trauma histories from combat, emergencies, or personal crises.
Professional Workshops
Conducting customized workshops for legal professionals, mental health providers, and first responder agencies. Training topics include PTSD neurobiology, trauma prevention strategies, and stress management techniques. Offers 2-hour, half-day, and full-day formats with interactive and didactic learning options.
Veterans Support
Providing specialized care for veterans through individual therapy, research participation, and organizational partnerships. Services address combat-related PTSD, deployment impacts, and family adjustment challenges. Collaborates with VA medical centers and veteran support organizations to deliver comprehensive care solutions.
People
Suzanne Best
Clinical and Forensic Psychologist
Licensed psychologist with 25+ years experience in trauma research and treatment. Former UCSF/VA researcher specializing in combat veterans and first responders. Author of peer-reviewed studies and books on trauma recovery. Provides forensic evaluations and professional training nationwide.
Questions
What forensic services do you offer?
I provide psychological evaluations, expert witness testimony, and attorney consultation for criminal, civil, immigration, employment, and disability cases.
Do you treat conditions other than PTSD?
Yes, I treat anxiety, depression, panic disorders, work-related stress, and trauma-related grief using evidence-based cognitive-behavioral techniques.
How do you support veterans and first responders?
I offer specialized evaluations, debriefings, treatment programs, and organizational training tailored to military veterans and emergency service professionals.
What payment options are available?
I provide invoices for insurance reimbursement and bill workers compensation/disability agencies directly. Payment methods include cash, check, and credit card.
Are your services confidential?
Yes, all sessions are confidential with legal exceptions for imminent safety risks. Your participation status cannot be disclosed without authorization.
