Aviation Psychiatric Evaluations
When the FAA raises questions about your psychiatric history, the quality of your evaluation matters. A routine psychiatric consultation may be appropriate for treatment purposes but may not address the specific clinical and aeromedical questions the FAA needs answered. I specialize in aviation psychiatric evaluations, combining board-certified psychiatric expertise with an understanding of FAA medical certification requirements. My reports go beyond diagnostic labels and brief statements about current symptoms to examine your clinical history, review relevant records, explain diagnostic reasoning, and address the specific aeromedical issues involved. I also work with pilots to identify potential obstacles to certification, understand what additional information or follow-up may be needed, and develop a practical plan to address those issues. I recognize that your career and livelihood may depend on a careful assessment, and I take that responsibility seriously. My goal is to provide an objective, evidence-based evaluation while helping you understand your options and work toward the best possible outcome. The FAA retains authority over certification decisions.
HIMS Evaluations
A HIMS evaluation can have significant consequences for your aviation career, and it deserves more than a checklist or superficial review of your history. I conduct comprehensive psychiatric evaluations addressing substance use, recovery, psychiatric diagnoses, treatment, and other issues relevant to FAA medical certification. I examine the available records, explore the circumstances and course of the condition, assess current functioning, and explain the clinical reasoning behind my conclusions. My reports are tailored to the individual case and address the specific questions raised by the FAA or aviation medical examiner, with appropriate clinical detail and aeromedical analysis. I also work with pilots to identify unresolved issues, clarify what documentation or further assessment may be necessary, and develop a realistic plan for addressing those concerns. My role is to provide an independent, evidence-based assessment and help you understand the steps that may strengthen your case, without promising certification or compromising the objectivity of my conclusions. The FAA makes the final certification decision.
Student Pilots
If you are beginning flight training, a history of depression, anxiety, ADHD, psychiatric medication, or mental health treatment can raise questions about FAA medical certification before your aviation career has even begun. A diagnosis alone does not tell the whole story; the nature and severity of the original symptoms, the circumstances in which they occurred, treatment history, and subsequent functioning may all be relevant. I specialize in aviation psychiatric evaluations and understand the importance of addressing these questions in the context of FAA requirements, rather than relying on a general psychiatric letter that may not answer the questions the FAA is asking. I work with aspiring pilots to identify potential certification obstacles, understand what the FAA may need to know, and develop a practical plan for addressing outstanding concerns. My goal is to provide a careful assessment, explain the relevant clinical and aeromedical issues, and prepare a detailed report grounded in the available evidence. Although no evaluator can guarantee certification, a properly focused evaluation can help clarify your circumstances and establish a constructive path forward.
Women Aviators
Women in aviation deserve psychiatric care and evaluation that take both their individual circumstances and the demands of their profession seriously. Concerns about mental health treatment, disclosure, and the possible implications for an aviation career can make it difficult to know where to turn. My approach is individualized, respectful, and evidence-based: a history of psychiatric treatment should neither be assumed to disqualify someone nor dismissed without careful examination. I assess the clinical history, treatment, recovery, and current functioning in relation to the specific question being asked, with attention to applicable aeromedical requirements where relevant. I also work collaboratively with women aviators to identify potential obstacles, clarify the questions that need to be addressed, and develop a plan for managing those concerns while pursuing their professional goals. As a psychiatrist specializing in aviation, I understand the importance of distinguishing a past episode or diagnosis from evidence of a current condition that may affect medical certification or occupational fitness. My commitment is to provide a thorough, objective assessment and practical guidance grounded in the evidence.
Air Traffic Controllers
Air traffic controllers work in a safety-critical environment that demands sustained attention, sound judgment, rapid decision-making, and reliable performance under pressure. When psychiatric symptoms, treatment, or a past diagnosis raises questions about fitness for duty, a general psychiatric assessment may not address the functional and occupational issues that matter most. My evaluations consider the nature and course of the condition, treatment response, current stability, potential medication effects, and the specific concerns identified by the referring authority. I bring specialized psychiatric expertise and an understanding of aviation-related safety considerations to these assessments, providing clear clinical reasoning rather than assuming that a diagnosis automatically establishes impairment—or that an absence of current symptoms resolves every concern. Where appropriate, I also help individuals identify issues requiring further attention and understand what steps may help address them. The objective is a thorough, evidence-based assessment that helps the relevant decision-makers understand the individual’s clinical status and its implications for the requirements of the position.
Veterans
For veterans pursuing or maintaining an aviation career, questions about military medical records, psychiatric diagnoses, or VA disability benefits can create uncertainty about FAA medical certification. Receiving VA disability benefits does not automatically disqualify you from flying, but the FAA may scrutinize your medical history and request additional documentation, particularly when the conditions underlying those benefits involve mental health or other aeromedically relevant concerns. I specialize in aviation psychiatric evaluations and understand how to examine these issues in the context of FAA requirements. I work with veterans to review their records, clarify the clinical and aeromedical questions that need to be addressed, identify potential obstacles, and develop a practical plan for moving forward. In many cases, it is possible to address the FAA’s concerns while continuing to receive legitimate VA benefits, provided the medical evidence supports the necessary conclusions and all applicable requirements are met. My goal is to replace uncertainty with a clear, objective assessment of your circumstances and a realistic path toward resolving certification issues while protecting your interests as both a veteran and an aviator.