VA Disability Mental Health Second Opinion
Independent psychological review for veterans who need clarity, documentation, or a second look.
If you are a veteran seeking VA disability benefits for a mental health condition, it can be difficult to know whether your existing records clearly explain the full picture. Sometimes important symptoms, trauma history, functional impairment, or service connection concerns are not fully captured in prior evaluations.
Dr. Elaine Foster provides independent psychological second opinions for veterans who want a careful, experienced review of their mental health concerns and the documentation related to their VA disability claim.
This service may be helpful if:
• You believe your prior mental health evaluation did not fully capture your symptoms
• You need an independent psychological opinion related to PTSD, depression, anxiety, trauma, or another mental health condition
• Your claim involves military sexual trauma, combat exposure, service-related stress, or cumulative military experiences
• You need help understanding whether your records clearly describe functional impairment
• You want an experienced psychologist to review your situation before deciding next steps
What this service is
A VA disability mental health second opinion is an independent psychological review. Depending on your situation, it may include a clinical interview, review of relevant records, psychological testing when appropriate, and a written professional opinion.
The purpose is to provide a careful, clinically grounded explanation of your mental health condition, symptoms, functional limitations, and the relationship between your military service and current concerns when that question is appropriate.
What this service is not
This is not legal representation. I do not work for the VA, and I do not decide your claim. I also cannot guarantee a disability rating, claim approval, or any specific outcome.
My role is to provide an independent psychological opinion based on the information available, my clinical judgment, and applicable professional standards.
Types of concerns reviewed
• PTSD and trauma-related symptoms
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Military sexual trauma
• Adjustment difficulties after service
• Functional impairment related to mental health symptoms
• Questions about whether existing documentation fully explains the veteran’s condition
How the process works
1. Request a conversation
You contact me with a brief description of what you need.
2. Initial fit review
We clarify the type of opinion you are seeking, your state, your deadline, and whether the request is appropriate for my practice.
3. Records and forms
If we decide to move forward, I let you know what records or forms I need to review.
4. Clinical interview and testing, if appropriate
Depending on the question, the evaluation may include a clinical interview and selected psychological screening measures.
5. Written opinion
If appropriate, I prepare a written independent psychological opinion based on the available information.
I am a veteran so I will always respect your history. I’ll listen to why you think you need a second opinion. If I think I can help you, I will tell you, but I will be honest and not waste your money if the history doesn’t support this type of intensive evaluation. I have a sliding scale fee to help those who can’t afford to pay for a second independent medical opinion.
Before you contact me, please be ready to share:
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I am licensed in NM and Texas
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e.g., inadequate rating.
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Description text goes here
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For example, are you meeting an appeal board by a certain date.
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Why Choose PsyConOps
Experienced
25 years as a U.S. Air Force psychologist.
Board certified (ABPP) for expert skill and recognized trust.
New Mexico license #1197, Texas License #40743
Thousands of evaluations done where the paperwork mattered.
Telehealth
Done from home over secure video.
No driving.
No time off work for travel.
New Mexico and Texas rules allow virtual (internet-based) evaluations by a licensed psychologist.
Done Right
The signed state form goes directly from me to the New Mexico Private Investigations Advisory Board.
For Texas applicants the form is sent to Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) Private Security Bureau.
No paperwork for you to chase.
Schedule
Request an appointment by phone or email. Most people get scheduled quickly.
3. Testing and Interview
A secure video appointment. Includes the MMPI-2-RF (a personality test the state requires), other short questionnaires, and a clinical interview. Plan for about 2 hours.
2. Fill Out Forms
A short intake form arrives in your email. About 15 minutes.
4. Form Filed
The signed state form is sent directly to the New Mexico Private Investigations Advisory Board or for Texas applicants to Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) Private Security Bureau.
About Dr. Elaine Orabona Foster, Ph.D., ABPP
Dr. Elaine Foster is a board-certified (ABPP) clinical andprescribing psychologist with over 30 years of experience evaluating security professionals, military service members, and veterans.
She served 25 years as a U.S. Air Force psychologist (Lt. Col., retired), conducting security clearance evaluations and thousands of psychological assessments where decisions had to be made and the paperwork mattered.
She is licensed in New Mexico (License #1197) and Texas (License #40743), and holds prescribing authority in New Mexico (PS-RXP #0021). Her approach is direct and respectful. She knows you came to get back to work, and her job is to give you a fair, thorough, and timely evaluation.
Hiring Armed Guards? Let's Build a Pipeline.
If your company hires Level 3 security guards in New Mexico or Texas, I offer dedicated scheduling for partner accounts.
Your candidates get appointments quickly, which means new hires reach their post sooner and your contracts fill faster.
I work with private patrol operators, in-house security teams, and staffing firms.
Or email psyconops@gmail.com to talk about volume needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Yes. Under New Mexico Administrative Code 16.48.2.19, every Level 3 (armed) security guard applicant must be evaluated by a licensed psychologist before initial certification. The evaluation is about whether the applicant is mentally suited to carry a firearm.
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Yes. New Mexico allows any psychologist licensed and in good standing in New Mexico to do the evaluation. The whole process can be done by secure video.
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Plan for about 2 hours on the day of your appointment. The signed state form is usually sent in within 24-48 hours.
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Please call or email for current pricing. The fee covers the clinical interview, all testing the state requires, the official New Mexico form, and direct submission to the board.
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New Mexico requires the MMPI-2-RF, MMPI-2, or PAI, plus two additional brief measures of emotional functioning (such as the Beck Depression Inventory-II, Beck Anxiety Inventory, or PTSD Checklist). The full battery is selected to meet the state requirements.
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If the evaluation does not result in a recommendation to carry a firearm, I will explain the reasons before anything is filed. Per state rules, you cannot redo the evaluation for at least 90 days from the date of the original.
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You will need a valid photo ID, the intake paperwork I send by email, and a quiet private space with reliable internet. You will need a laptop or desktop computer (not a phone). Be well-rested. Avoid alcohol for at least 24 hours beforehand.
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The evaluation is confidential within the limits of the law. The official form goes to the New Mexico Private Investigations Advisory Board, as the state requires. Detailed clinical findings are not shared with your employer unless you say it is okay.
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Yes, that is common. If your employer has agreed to pay for your evaluation, send me your employer's contact and billing information when you book and I will work with them directly.
Ready to schedule your evaluation?
Same-day appointments when available. New Mexico licensed psychologist. The form is filed for you.
Questions first? Call (575) 323-0341 or email psyconops@gmail.com.