Social Security Disability (SSDI) Psychological Evaluations in Florida, New York & Virginia
Psychological Associates of Melbourne, led by Dr. Wende J. Anderson, Psy.D., provides independent psychological evaluations for Social Security Disability (SSDI) claims, including completed Mental Impairment Questionnaires and Medical Source Statements. In-person evaluations are conducted only at our Melbourne, Florida, office. Telehealth evaluations are available for claimants located in Florida, New York, and Virginia under PSYPACT. Telehealth is not currently available outside these three states.
Meet Your Evaluator
Evaluations are conducted by Dr. Wende J. Anderson, Psy.D., founder of Psychological Associates of Melbourne, with decades of experience and more than 6,800 forensic and disability evaluations completed. Dr. Anderson has extensive experience preparing evaluations that hold up under scrutiny in both VA and Social Security Administration reviews, are evidence-based, clearly documented, and are built to withstand appeal-level examination.
Where This Evaluation Is Available
| Location | In-Person | Telehealth |
| Melbourne, Florida | ✅ Available (primary office) | ✅ Available |
| New York | ❌ Not available | ✅ Available |
| Virginia | ❌ Not available | ✅ Available (PSYPACT) |
| All other states | ❌ Not available | ❌ Not currently available |
In-person evaluations are only conducted at our Melbourne, Florida office. If you are located in New York or Virginia, your evaluation will be conducted via secure telehealth by Dr. Wende J. Anderson, Psy.D. We are not currently able to offer evaluations in person or via telehealth to individuals located outside Florida, New York, and Virginia.
What Is an SSDI Psychological Evaluation?
An SSDI psychological evaluation is an independent clinical assessment that documents how a mental health condition affects a person’s ability to work. It typically includes a clinical interview, a review of medical records, standardized testing where needed, and a completed Mental Impairment Questionnaire submitted to the Social Security Administration.
The Social Security Administration evaluates functional capacity, concentration, persistence, pace, social functioning, and adaptation, not diagnosis alone. A treating provider’s notes are often insufficient because they are not structured around these specific SSA criteria. An independent evaluation is built to directly address what SSA reviewers and administrative law judges require.
What’s Included in the Evaluation
- Comprehensive clinical interview
- Review of medical, psychiatric, and treatment records
- Standardized psychological testing (where clinically indicated)
- Mental Impairment Questionnaire, completed to SSA documentation standards
- Medical Source Statement addressing functional limitations
- Written report suitable for submission with a claim or appeal
Who Qualifies for This Evaluation?
This evaluation is for adults applying for SSDI based on a mental health condition, including mood disorders, anxiety disorders, PTSD, and ADHD, as well as claimants appealing a prior denial or seeking stronger documentation for a hearing.
Expanded list:
- Individuals filing an initial SSDI claim for a mental health condition
- Claimants who were denied and need stronger evidence for an appeal or hearing
- Veterans pursuing SSDI alongside a VA disability claim for the same or related condition
- Individuals whose treating provider does not perform disability-specific evaluations
Can I Apply for Both SSDI and VA Disability?
Yes. SSDI and VA disability are separate systems with different standards of proof, and many veterans qualify for both simultaneously. Evaluations can often be structured to support both claims at once.
How the Process Works
- Screening call — confirms the evaluation fits your situation
- Evaluation appointment — in person (Melbourne, FL) or telehealth (FL, NY, VA)
- Report preparation — Mental Impairment Questionnaire and Medical Source Statement delivered
- Submission support — report sent directly to your attorney or SSA representative on request
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Claimants may submit evaluation evidence from any licensed psychologist. Evaluations here are prepared specifically to meet SSA documentation standards.
SSA evaluates depressive, bipolar, and anxiety-related disorders, PTSD, ADHD, and neurodevelopmental conditions based on functional impact, not diagnosis alone.
Yes. A well-documented independent evaluation is often the strongest evidence for a successful appeal or hearing after an initial denial.
Yes, for claimants located in Florida, New York, or Virginia (PSYPACT). Eligibility is confirmed during the screening call.
Treating records document ongoing care but are not structured around the SSA’s functional capacity criteria. An independent evaluation is built specifically around what SSA requires.