Warning Signs of Workplace Stress: What Warrants a Workers’ Comp Stress Claim in California?

The California Division of Workers’ Compensation has specific requirements for what constitutes a workers’ comp claim related to mental health problems. The state requires medical evidence of “injury” to a worker’s mental health (for example, symptoms or a diagnosis of a mental health disorder verified by a psychologist), as well as evidence to support that the injury was caused by events that happened at work, which can be gathered through interviews, depositions, work records, or medical records.

As a psychologist and Qualified Medical Evaluator (QME) in Los Angeles and Orange County, Dr. Reger often assesses workers with mental health stress claims.  This is not legal advice, but from a mental health perspective, here are a few warning signs that stress is becoming unmanageable. If you notice these symptoms after a stressful event or series of events at work, and you are having difficulty recovering, it might be appropriate for you to file a stress claim.

Physical Symptoms of Occupational Stress

Because our minds and bodies are connected, stress can have a major impact on physical health.  It can affect every body system and can cause:

• Headaches

• Muscle tension

• Gastrointestinal/stomach problems

• Chest pain

• Fatigue

• Poor sleep

Emotional Stress Symptoms Related to Workplace Stress

Workplace stressors, such as a traumatic event at work, or sometimes lower severity, but chronic, stress can also cause emotional symptoms.  For example:

• Anxiety and worry

• Irritability

• Anger or a short fuse

• Sadness

• Hopelessness

• Difficulty concentrating

Stress-Related Behavior and Performance Changes

When workers experience chronic stress at work, it can cause problems with work responsibilities, which may seem obvious, but it can also cause other unhealthy changes in behavior.

• Impact on appetite

• Increased use of alcohol or other substances

• Lower productivity at work

• More frequent errors in work

• Difficulty meeting deadlines

Possible Relationship Impacts of Stress

It may seem obvious that chronic stress at work would impact professional relationships.  In fact, conflict in an important work relationship, like with a supervisor, can sometimes be the reason an employee files a workers’ comp stress claim in the first place. But stress can impact relationships across a person’s life, potentially leading to:

• Conflict or withdrawal from co-workers

• Problems interacting with supervisors

• Irritability or withdrawal from partner and other family members

• Social isolation or withdrawal from friends

What You Can Do if You Are Experiencing Significant Workplace Stress

If you have experienced mental health symptoms related to something that occurred at work, you can:

• Seek mental health support.  Many workplaces have an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) as a benefit, and you can get a few covered sessions of supportive psychotherapy through that program.  You can also seek therapy through your insurance, or private pay.

• Inform your supervisor (or if that person is not safe for you, their supervisor or HR).  Often, a supervisor or HR staff at work can help you with the steps of filing an initial workers’ comp stress claim, if you decide to do that.

• Decide whether you want to file a workers’ comp claim for psychological injury. 

• Consult with a workers’ compensation applicant attorney if you want legal advice.

Where a Psychological Qme Evaluation Comes Into a Stress Claim

If you have psychological symptoms that interfere with your life after a stressful workplace event (or series of events), and you decide to file a workers’ comp claim, it’s likely you will need to have a psychological evaluation with a psychologist, like Dr. Reger, who is available as a QME or AME (Agreed Medical Evaluator). This evaluation is designed to be neutral - not biased for or against either side of the claim -  and based on medical evidence. It will involve:

• An interview with a psychologist about yourself and what happened at work.

• Psychological testing, either on a computer or on paper, to evaluate symptoms.

• The psychologist’s review of medical records provided by the attorneys involved.  These could be related to an incident that happened at work, a visit to occupational health where you reported stress or other symptoms related to work, or even your regular medical records prior to the workplace stress.

• A report that will go to the attorneys (if there are attorneys for both the worker and the company) and the Workers’ Comp judge evaluating the case. The report will document the results of the evaluation and the psychologist will provide an opinion about any mental health diagnosis or injury, what factor or factors caused that injury, and any recommended treatments (like psychotherapy).

Start Your Claim for Workers Comp Stress in Los Angeles, CA

Dr. Reger can offer QME reports in Los Angeles, CA, and other services to support you at and beyond the workplace. As a therapist, I would be happy to support you from my LA-based practice. You can start receiving the support you deserve 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 MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES IN LOS ANGELES, CA

There are multiple neuropsychological and psychological assessments that you can receive from Dr. Reger. Other assessments include cognitive and dementia testing, pre-surgical assessments, and med-legal evaluations. In addition to evaluations, she also provides individual therapy, counseling for older adults, and provides mental health consultations and presentations.

The Benefits of Therapy for Older Adults

Therapy is a general term for a variety of interventions that can help people improve their mental, emotional, and behavioral health. There are several types of mental health professionals who provide psychotherapy, including psychologists (who have doctorate degrees), and masters-level providers like Marriage and Family Therapists (MFTs) or Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSWs). Psychotherapy can be beneficial for people of all ages, including older adults. Therapy can be a valuable resource for older adults who are facing challenges in their lives, or who want to explore patterns, deal with emotions, or improve relationships.

Common Reasons Older Adults Seek Therapy

Older adults face a few unique challenges that can lead them to consider therapy.  Some of these include:

• Coping with physical and mental health changes. As we age, our bodies and minds change in many ways. These changes can sometimes lead to problems, such as chronic pain, depression, anxiety, and dementia. Therapy can help older adults cope with these changes and improve their quality of life.

• Dealing with life transitions. Older adults often face a number of major life transitions, such as retirement, the death of a spouse, downsizing from a larger home, becoming a caregiver to a partner, financial stress, or moving to a care facility. These transitions can be difficult to adjust to, and therapy can help older adults cope with the emotional and practical challenges of these changes.

• Improving relationships. As we age, our relationships with our family, friends, and loved ones can change. Therapy can help older adults improve their communication skills, resolve conflict, and build stronger relationships.

• Promoting self-care. As we age, it's important to take care of our physical and mental health. Therapy can help older adults develop healthy coping strategies, identify needs, and make changes to improve overall well-being.

WHAT YOU CAN GAIN FROM PSYCHOTHERAPY

There can be a wide array of helpful things that result from therapy with the right therapist.  Psychotherapy can help older adults:

• Reduce stress and anxiety

• Improve sleep quality

• Increase self-esteem

• Enhance cognitive function

• Build social support

• Find meaning and purpose in life

If you are an older adult who is struggling with any of the issues mentioned above, therapy may be a helpful option for you. There are many different types of therapy available, and many mental health providers, so you can find the person and approach that is right for you. Therapy can be a valuable tool for exploring behavior patterns, processing emotions, and navigating changes with support from a psychologist along the way.

TIPS FOR OLDER ADULTS CONSIDERING PSYCHOTHERAPY

If you are an older adult who is considering therapy, there are a few things you should keep in mind. 

• First, it's important to find a psychologist or other mental health provider who is experienced in working with older adults. Just like not all psychologists specialize in working with kids, not everyone is well-versed in aging or the unique challenges that older adults may face.  A geropsychologist, like Dr. Reger, is someone with specialty training in aging and age-related concerns.

• You should feel comfortable with your therapist and be able to talk to them openly and honestly.  There is nothing more important than fit when it comes to how successful therapy is, so don’t be afraid to take advantage of a free brief consultation with a potential therapist, to get a feel for the match.

• Finally, try to be patient with the process of therapy. It takes time to see results because change is difficult. Often in therapy, we are exploring and changing patterns we’ve been in for decades, and that can’t happen overnight.  Therapy can be painful, joyful, funny, frustrating, and bring up many emotions along the way, so try to embrace the process as you go!

Begin Counseling for Older Adults in Los Angeles, CA

If you are ready to receive the support you deserve, I would be happy to offer support. As a Los Angeles Psychologist, I would be honored to help provide the insight to help you better address the concerns affecting you most. You can learn more about what you can expect from counseling for older adults with Dr. Reger by doing the following:

1. Reach out for a free consultation.

2. Schedule your counseling appointment with Dr. Reger.

3. Start receiving the support you deserve!

Other Therapy and Testing Services Offered in Los Angeles, CA

I understand you may need more support in addition to counseling for older adults. This is why I’m happy to offer several types of assessments and services around Southern California. I also offer psychological evaluations for workers’ comp, preoperative assessments, individual therapy and neuropsychological testing. Visit my blog for more helpful information today!

My Parent Won’t Take a Capacity Assessment, What Do I Do?

If you have concerns about your older parent’s decision-making, ability to manage their own finances, or ability to live independently, chances are you have considered asking them to have a capacity assessment by a psychologist in California.  Sometimes, these types of requests are met with a lot of resistance.  Here’s some information that might help.

What Is a Capacity Assessment?

A capacity assessment is the process of determining whether an older adult has the ability to make their own decisions about their life. This can be important in a number of situations, such as when an older adult is considering making a change to their living arrangements, making medical decisions, or managing their finances.  

There are a number of different factors that can be considered in a capacity assessment, including older adults:

• Cognitive abilities, such as their ability to understand information, retain information, and make decisions

• Emotional abilities, such as their ability to manage their emotions and make rational decisions

• Physical abilities, such as their ability to communicate and interact with others

• Life experiences and values

The Goal of Capacity Assessment

Age alone, or even a diagnosis of dementia, does not automatically mean a person lacks capacity.  My goal in capacity assessment is always to preserve a person’s autonomy and ability to make their own decisions to the extent possible while also ensuring their safety and well-being. This is a balancing act, but the goal is NOT to automatically take away decision-making rights just because a person is older or has a dementia diagnosis.

The specific factors that are considered in an assessment will vary depending on the situation, and the concern. For example, if an older adult is considering making a change to their living arrangements, the assessment may focus on their cognitive abilities, practical safety skills, and their ability to manage their finances. If an older adult is deciding on a risky medical procedure, the assessment may focus on their understanding of the medical information and ability to make an informed decision.

The results of a capacity assessment can have a big impact on an older adult's life. If the psychologist determines that the older adult lacks capacity in an area, they may be unable to make their own decisions about their life in that area. In this case, a guardian or conservator may be appointed to make decisions on their behalf.

Explain Why You Want a Capacity Assessment With a Psychologist

Obviously, the results of a capacity assessment can have a big impact on your parent’s life, and it is understandable that they might be resistant to testing.

If you want your older adult parent to do a capacity assessment with a psychologist because you are concerned about their safety or decision-making, here are some thoughts on how to encourage their participation.

• Talk to your parent about your concerns at a calm moment when you have time and privacy to talk.

• Explain why you think they should take a capacity assessment and what you hope to achieve by doing so.  Be specific about what worries you, and give concrete examples.

• Be respectful and understanding, but also be clear in your belief that it is in their best interest.

• Reassure them that you will help and support them as best you can no matter what.

If They Still Decline a Capacity Assessment, Then What?

You cannot force your parent to take a capacity assessment. However, you can take steps to help protect your parent's interests.

• Gather evidence of your parent's declining mental capacity. This could include things like medical records, reports from doctors or other healthcare professionals, or even just observations of your parent's behavior. For example, if your parent has been the victim of a financial scam, document when and details of what happened, how much money they lost, and so on. This evidence will help to support your case if you need to take legal action.

• Consult with an attorney. An attorney can help you understand the legal options available to you and can represent you in court if necessary.

• Consider a consultation with a psychologist with expertise in capacity assessment, like Dr. Reger, who can offer her insight into your specific situation, and can explain the process of assessment.

• Reach out to a support group or advocacy organization. There are many organizations that can provide support and guidance to families dealing with issues of mental capacity. They can offer advice on how to talk to your parent, how to gather evidence, and how to navigate the legal system.

Here are some additional resources that you may find helpful:

• The National Council on Aging: https://www.ncoa.org/

• The Alzheimer's Association: https://www.alz.org/

• The American Bar Association: https://www.americanbar.org/

Receive a Capacity Assessment in Los Angeles, CA

If your loved one decides to receive support in the form of a capacity assessment, Dr. Reger would be honored to help. She 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 capacity assessment

3. Start receiving the support your loved one deserves

OTHER COUNSELING SERVICES OFFERED BY DR. REGER IN LOS ANGELES, CA

I know that you or your family can encounter more than one mental health concern at a time. 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.

Understanding the Science Behind Neuropsych Testing in Los Angeles, CA

Psychologists go to school for many years to learn how to administer and interpret neuropsych and other psychological evaluations.  Here’s a bit of background information to help non-psychologists understand the science behind a neuropsych assessment.

What Is Neuropsych Testing?

Neuropsychological testing is a scientific method of evaluating someone’s brain and behavioral functioning. It can help understand the impact of brain injury (like a TBI), medical problems (like a stroke or chemotherapy), or mental health concerns (like depression or ADHD) on a person's ability to think, learn, remember, and do everyday tasks.

The Science Behind Neuropsych Testing

The science behind neuropsych testing is based on the understanding that different areas of the brain are responsible for different cognitive functions. For example:

• Frontal lobes are responsible for executive functions such as planning, organizing, and problem-solving. 

• Temporal lobes are responsible for language processing

• Parietal lobes are responsible for spatial processing

These brain area/brain function connections have been studied for many decades by psychologists and neuroscientists, and researchers are constantly learning new information about how our brains work. 

What Can Neuropsych Tests Measure?

Neuropsychological tests are designed to measure specific brain functions. For example, there are common tests that measure:

• Attention

• Memory

• Processing speed

• Language

• Visual and spatial skills

• Executive functions

A comprehensive neuropsychological evaluation will include tests that measure these areas, and possibly more. The exact tests a psychologist chooses will depend on the question being asked.  

For example, I would choose one test battery to assess for dementia, and another to assess for ADHD.  In any case, a comprehensive approach is best, rather than going in with an assumption about what’s going on, and testing only that area. If we suspect a person has the beginnings of dementia and only test memory, we might miss other important information that would help with a specific diagnosis. Or, if we only test attention in ADHD, we could miss a learning disability or other problem that is causing difficulty with attention or behavior. Neuropsych testing is as much an art as a science in many ways, which is why it’s important to choose a psychologist with expertise in the issue you want to know about.

How Neuropsych Testing Is Interpreted

The results of neuropsychological testing are interpreted by a neuropsychologist or a psychologist with expertise in neuropsychology. The psychologist will compare the person's test scores to norms for people of the same age, education, and gender. Norms are average scores of a large group of people who have taken a test. This allows us to identify areas of cognitive weakness or impairment, in comparison to what is expected for someone of the same age and education level.

The Benefits of Neuropsych Testing

Neuropsychological testing can be used to diagnose a variety of brain-related disorders, including Alzheimer's disease, dementia, traumatic brain injury, learning disorders, ADHD, and autism. It can also be used to assess the effects of a brain injury or disease on a person's ability to function in everyday life.

Neuropsych testing can help:

• Identify brain problems that may not be apparent from a physical exam or medical history.

• Diagnose brain-related disorders.

• Assess the severity of a brain injury or disease.

• Plan treatment and rehabilitation.

• Monitor the progress of a brain injury or disease over time.

Begin Neuropsych Testing in Los Angeles, CA

Overall, neuropsych testing is a valuable and science-based tool for assessing the cognitive and behavioral functioning of people with concerns related to brain function. 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.