Understanding Financial Abuse and the Role of Psychologists in Prevention

Unfortunately, older adults and disabled or dependent adults are at risk of financial abuse. 

Financial abuse happens when someone exploits another person’s financial resources for personal gain, causing harm or distress.  This can happen in many different ways and often happens when a family member or caregiver misuses or takes money that belongs to someone they’re supposed to help care for.  Older adults can also be vulnerable to scams that trick them into giving their money to a stranger.  Victims often feel ashamed or fear retaliation, making it challenging to detect and address financial abuse. Psychologists play a crucial role in recognizing and addressing financial abuse through capacity testing and assessing for undue influence.

Capacity or Undue Influence Assessment With a Psychologist

Psychologists conduct capacity testing to evaluate an older adult's ability to make informed decisions regarding their finances. Using standardized assessments and interviews, psychologists assess cognitive functioning, memory, judgment, and understanding of financial matters. This evaluation helps determine whether the individual has the capacity to manage their financial affairs independently. Identifying cognitive impairments or vulnerabilities can aid in safeguarding vulnerable older adults from financial exploitation.

Undue influence happens when someone manipulates an older adult to influence their decision-making related to finances, property, a will, or other resources. Psychologists play a vital role in assessing for signs of undue influence by examining the dynamics between the older adult and those around them. They look for signs of control, isolation, intimidation, or dependency. By assessing the presence of undue influence, psychologists can identify cases where an older adult's decisions may not be entirely voluntary or in their best interest.

Capacity testing and assessing for undue influence are crucial steps in protecting older adults from financial abuse. These evaluations:

1. Identify Cognitive Changes:

Capacity testing includes an evaluation of cognitive function, so it can detect any decline that may impact a person’s financial decision-making. Recognizing cognitive impairments helps determine the appropriate level of support someone needs to manage and protect their finances.

2. Preserve Autonomy:

Capacity testing provides information about a person’s ability to make sound financial decisions independently. It helps protect their autonomy, ensuring they have control over their finances and are not subjected to undue influence.  If someone has problems with financial capacity, a psychologist can also offer recommendations about what supports would allow them to maintain as much independence as possible.  For example, if someone is having trouble paying bills on time because of a memory problem, something as simple as setting up autopay could give them the support they need, and allow them to remain in control of their finances with help from a trusted family member.

3. Uncover Manipulation:

When there is a question of undue influence, testing with a psychologist can shed light on situations where a vulnerable older adult may be under the control of others. This helps protect older adults from exploitation by recognizing signs of emotional manipulation, isolation, or threats.

4. Provide Intervention and Support:

Psychologists offer interventions such as therapy or referrals to appropriate legal and social services to address the impact of financial abuse.  In California, Adult Protective Services investigates financial abuse, and each county has its own APS program.  Anyone can make a report to APS if financial abuse is suspected.

WARNING SIGNS FOR FINANCIAL ABUSE: WHEN A PSYCHOLOGICAL EVALUATION MAY BE HELPFUL

It can be tough to spot financial abuse because victims often feel embarrassed or scared to ask for help. However, there are some signs that might suggest that someone is being financially abused:

• Suddenly having money problems, like not being able to pay bills or strange activity in bank accounts.

• Major changes in important documents like wills or power of attorney, especially when another person is encouraging these changes.

• Feeling isolated or controlled by a caregiver or family member.

• Losing valuable things without any good explanation.

• Unusual purchases or money transactions that don't make sense.

Begin A Capacity Assessment In Los Angeles, CA

If you have concerns about an older adult in your life, or if you are an older adult and worry you may be in a financially abusive situation, a capacity or undue influence assessment may help bring clarity to the situation and stop further abuse. Dr. Reger is equipped to offer testing and assessment services across California. You can schedule an appointment by following these steps:

1. Contact (424) 262-1925 to schedule your appointment

2. Meet with a Los Angeles Psychologist for a capacity assessment

3. Start receiving protection from financial abuse!

OTHER SERVICES OFFERED WITH DR. REGER IN LOS ANGELES, CA

I am happy to offer capacity testing and a variety of other assessments. Other assessments include psych evaluations, cognitive and dementia testing, pre-surgical assessments, and med-legal evaluations. I also provide mental health services including individual therapy, counseling for older adults, and mental health consultations and presentations.

How to Make the Most of a Psych Eval, Part II: Testing Day

A psychodiagnostic or neuropsychological evaluation is an investment of time and money, and if you are seeking a psych eval, you want to make the most of your investment.  In this series, I’ll share some tips for how to do that.

How to Prepare Before Your Neuropsych Testing Day

Testing makes a lot of folks nervous.  That is totally normal.  Even if you are worried about testing, there are a few things you can do before your testing day to make things as easy on yourself as possible.

• Clear your schedule on testing day.  You don’t want to be rushing from something else to testing, or worrying about when you will finish.  Get someone to cover for your usual responsibilities (like school drop off, cooking dinner, etc) and take the day off of work.

• Plan ahead for food.  No one thinks clearly when they’re hungry!  Bring water, small snacks, and a packed lunch, or check out the area near the office ahead of time and figure out a place for a very quick bite at lunch time.  Testing lunch breaks are usually short, because there is a lot to get through.

• Bring anything you need to hear, see, write, or get around.  Testing can involve writing, reading, and listening, so bring glasses, hearing aids, and any other adaptive equipment you use regularly.

• Take any usual medications.  If you take prescribed medications daily, or as needed, take whatever you would normally take on the day of testing.  The exception would be anything that makes you drowsy or clouds your thinking (e.g., a pain medication you rarely take).

• Don’t use substances or alcohol in the days before testing.  Avoid any substances that could impact your thinking, and consequently, your test results.  Don’t use cannabis or alcohol, or other recreational drugs, before testing.  In a perfect world, you would avoid cannabis for at least one month before testing, and alcohol for at least one day.

• Get a good night’s sleep.  Do your best to get to bed early and rest, because that will help you give your best on testing.

What to Expect on Neuropsych Testing Day

People often show up for testing very unsure what they are in for.  Here are some general ideas of what to expect from psych testing.

• A lengthy interview.  Psychologists need information about your personal history, including your social history, medical history, mental health history, educational background, and work history.  This helps us understand whether any of these factors play a role in the symptoms you’re experiencing.

• Paper and pencil testing.  Some testing requires you to write or draw on paper.

• Computer or tablet testing.  Some tests are automated or presented digitally or require you to do a task on a computer.

• A few short breaks.  Typically, the evaluator will offer breaks when there is a good point in testing (meaning, the break won’t interfere with any timed tasks or memory tasks).  You are also welcome to ask for a break if you need one!

• No immediate results.  This is tough for folks, especially after a long day of testing, when you really just want to know the results.  But scoring, interpreting, and writing up a report from testing takes quite a lot of time. In fact, for many types of reports, the time spent working on things apart from the patient is actually more than the hours spent with the patient in direct testing.  So, you will need your patience.

What to Expect After Neuropsych Testing

After testing, here’s what to expect.

• A few weeks of waiting.  It takes usually anywhere from two to six weeks for the testing report.  As I mentioned above, there is a lot of work that goes into the process after your part of the testing is complete, and this takes time.

• A feedback session. After your report is done, you’ll meet with your psychologist to discuss the testing results.  This is usually a half hour or less, and gives you the opportunity to ask questions about your results, diagnosis, recommendations, and anything else in the report.

• Recommendations.  You probably sought testing because you wanted to insight and guidance about where to go next.  The recommendations in your psychological eval report are tailored to you, and you should read them carefully and follow up on each one.  This is how you get the most value out of your investment in testing.

• A copy of your report for your own use.  Your psychologist will give you a paper or digital copy of your testing report.  Treat these like gold, especially if you are using them for accommodations at school or work.  Regardless, you may need or want the report in the future, for example, if you have cognitive changes for any reason, a previous report can serve as a baseline.  It is always a good idea to save your report so you can access it if you ever need it again.

Neuropsychological testing is a big investment of time, money, and effort.  These are some ways you can make the most of a psych eval!

Begin A Neuropsychological Assessment in los angeles, ca

Psychological testing can sound like a trying experience, but the benefits are very much worth the work. Dr. Reger provides psychological assessments at multiple locations in Southern California. You can schedule an appointment by following these steps:

1. Contact (424) 262-1925 to schedule your appointment

2. Meet with a Los Angeles Psychologist for psychological testing

3. Gain a better understanding of yourself!

Other Services Offered with Dr. Reger in Los Angeles, CA

I am happy to offer psych evaluations and a variety of other assessments. Other assessments include cognitive and dementia testing, pre-surgical assessments, and med-legal evaluations. I also provide mental health services including individual therapy, counseling for older adults, and mental health consultations and presentations.

Financial Capacity Assessment for Adults in California

Financial capacity assessment can be confusing for older adults and their families, and finding a psychologist skilled in capacity evals is not always easy.  Here is some helpful information about financial capacity, and where a psychological capacity assessment comes into the picture.

Understanding Financial Capacity

Financial capacity is a person’s ability to manage money and make financial decisions.  This is a right that all adults have, but in some situations, questions about a person’s ability to manage their own money can arise. 

There are two typical types of cases when this happens:

• For older adults who are diagnosed with a neurodegenerative disorder, like dementia  

• When an adult becomes disabled in a way that impacts their brain and thinking, like after a traumatic brain injury or stroke

To be very clear, just because a person has a disability, dementia, or is of a certain age, does not mean they lack financial capacity.  Financial capacity usually comes into question when a person:

• Demonstrates difficulty making financial decisions

• Shows very poor judgment about their own finances

• Is financially manipulated by another person

• Can’t keep up with managing their money 

In addition to having a brain change that impacts overall judgment, these types of situations could raise questions about financial capacity. It’s very serious to consider limiting someone’s right to make their own decisions, so in cases that are not clear-cut, it is necessary to seek a financial capacity assessment with a clinical psychologist.

Financial Capacity Assessment With a Psychologist

A psychologist with expertise in the financial capacity assessment will do a few things as part of a comprehensive financial capacity evaluation:

• A thorough interview with the adult in question

• Testing to evaluate their 

• understanding of financial concepts

• judgment and decision-making

• practical money skills (like writing a check or counting change)

• Possibly also interviews with family members, partners, caregivers, or other people closely involved in the person’s life

• A review of financial and medical records

The psychologist will often write a report with the results and recommendations.  When there is a question about financial capacity, the psychologist’s aim is always to balance protection (recommending support and additional help when someone truly needs it) and autonomy (respecting and supporting the person’s right to make their own decisions).  This is a tightrope walk in some situations, and hiring a psychologist with expertise in this area can lead to the best possible outcome for the vulnerable adult being evaluated.

The Results of a Financial Capacity Assessment

After a financial capacity assessment is complete, the results may be used in a few different ways: 

• To aid in appointing a financial representative (sometimes called an agent, Power of Attorney, or POA)

• To make recommendations about what support a person might need to maintain as much financial autonomy as possible (e.g., help setting up autopay for monthly bills)

•  To appoint a conservator of a person’s estate (also called a limited conservatorship, in which the conservator only handles financial matters for the person)

• To do nothing (e.g., when someone demonstrates financial capacity, and no change is needed)

• To protect a vulnerable person from being exploited for their money or property

Receive A Capacity Assessment in Los Angeles, CA

Receiving a financial capacity assessment can help you better understand what is best for your family. Dr. Reger provides capacity assessments at several locations in Southern California. You can schedule an appointment by following these steps:

1. Contact (424) 262-1925 to schedule your appointment

2. Meet with a Los Angeles Psychologist for your financial capacity assessment

3. Balance protection and autonomy today

OTHER COUNSELING SERVICES OFFERED BY Dr. REGER in Los Angeles, ca

I know you may experience a number of mental health concerns. This is why I’m happy to offer multiple neuropsychological and psychological assessments. Other assessments include cognitive and dementia testing, pre-surgical assessments, and med-legal evaluations. In addition to evaluations, I also provide individual therapy, counseling for older adults, and mental health consultations and presentations.

How to Make the Most of a Psych Eval, Part I: Finding the Right Psychologist

A psychodiagnostic or neuropsychological evaluation is an investment of time and money, and if you are seeking a psych eval, you want to make the most of your investment.  In this series, I’ll share some tips for how to do that.

Expect to Share a Lot About Yourself During a Psych Eval

I encourage potential patients (both for therapy and neuropsych testing) to look for a good fit.  During a psych eval, you will be spending essentially an entire day with your psychologist, and telling them a lot of personal information.  A clinical interview includes questions about:

• Social history (family, relationships, partners, marriages, children)

• Medical history

• Any history of abuse

• Mental health symptoms, diagnoses, and treatment

• Drug and alcohol use, past and present

• Problems you are having in your day-to-day life

These interviews can feel very vulnerable, and working with a psychologist who you feel comfortable with makes the process easier.  During testing, it’s even more important to feel at ease, because anxiety can impact your test results!

Don’t Be Afraid to Ask Questions When Seeking a Psych Eval

In addition to feeling comfortable during your psych eval, it’s also important to find a psychologist who is qualified and experienced in the type of evaluation you need.  For example, some psychologists primarily do psych testing for children, others work only with adults.  There are also usually practical things to consider, like cost, location, and timeframe.  Here are some questions you can ask as you seek a psychologist for a psychodiagnostic evaluation:

• Where is your office?  (Some psychologists, like myself, see testing patients at several offices around Los Angeles and Orange County)

• How often do you test patients for (adult ADHD, dementia, autism, traumatic brain injury, capacity, or whatever else you specifically need from testing)?

• How much have you worked with (ADHD, dementia, capacity, TBI, cancer, etc)?

• What is your specialty?

• What do you charge for this type of psych eval?

• Are there ever additional costs beyond this?

• Do you have a wait for psych testing?  If so, how long is the wait?

• How do you accept payment for psychological assessments?

• When can I expect a report after psych testing is complete?

• Do you offer a feedback session after testing?  

These questions can help you learn practical things, but the psychologist’s answers should also give you an idea of their style and how you feel talking to them. 

Green and Red Flags to Keep In Mind When Finding a Psychologist for a Psych Eval

I would love to believe that anyone out there promoting him or herself as a qualified assessment psychologist is being honest.  But, the truth is that becoming competent in psychological assessment takes many years of education, supervised training, and experience, and not all psych evals are the same.  Here are some markers of quality in a psych eval, and some red flags to watch out for.

Green Flags (Signs that Point to a Quality Psych Eval):

• The psychologist is open about his or her experience, training, specialty, and other questions you ask.

• He or she seems knowledgeable about the concern you have

• They are able to explain what to expect from testing and a clear timeframe for receiving a report.

• They include recommendations in their report.

• A feedback session is included as part of testing (this means the psychologist will go over the report and results with you).

Red Flags (Signs that Raise Questions About Quality)

• The provider is not a psychologist.  Only psychologists are trained and licensed to provide psychological and neuropsychological assessments.  No one in mental health with a Master’s Degree (LMFT, LPCC, LCSW), or in another field (nursing, physician, occupational therapy) is qualified to do a comprehensive psychological assessment to diagnose a mental health or neurological disorder.  If they are advertising this way, move on!

• The psychologist is defensive or vague when you ask about their training, education, or specialty area.

• They won’t give you a clear idea of cost.  Sometimes the cost changes because of differences in time required, for example, if there are a lot of school and medical records to be reviewed, or because once testing starts, it becomes clear there is a need for additional tests. But in general, the psychologist should be able to tell you a specific number (e.g., $350 per hour, and about how many hours are expected, OR a flat rate, like $5,000 for the psych eval).  

• They do not offer a feedback session.  This is an essential part of psych testing and gives you both the opportunity to fully understand your results and to ask questions about anything you don’t understand in the report.

Begin Working With A Psychological Evaluator in Los Angeles, CA

Finding the right evaluator can take time, but it is vital in receiving the best support possible. Dr. Reger provides psychological evaluations at several locations in Southern California. You can schedule an appointment by following these steps:

1. Contact (424) 262-1925 to schedule your appointment

2. Meet with a Los Angeles Psychologist for your QME psychological evaluation

3. Get answers that you need to continue with your work comp claim

OTHER COUNSELING SERVICES OFFERED BY Dr. REGER in los angeles, ca

I know you may experience a number of mental health concerns. This is why I’m happy to offer multiple neuropsychological and psychological assessments. Other assessments include cognitive and dementia testing, pre-surgical assessments, and med-legal evaluations. In addition to evaluations, I also provide individual therapy, counseling for older adults, and mental health consultations and presentations.