Defense Base Act psychological evaluation in Texas,for contractors whose injuries came home with them.

Psychological evaluation in DBA claims

The Defense Base Act extends workers’ compensation-style protections to many civilian contractors working overseas under U.S. government-related contracts. Psychological injuries, including post-traumatic stress after exposure to hostile environments, are a frequent part of these claims. Because the work happened abroad and the claimant now lives in the U.S., virtual evaluation removes significant travel and scheduling barriers.

A DBA psychological evaluation assesses trauma exposure, symptom history, diagnosis, functional impact, and treatment needs. It considers the unique stressors of deployment-like environments, the timeline of symptoms after returning home, and how symptoms affect work capacity and daily life. Reports are structured for review in the claim process.

DBA evaluations are listed among our specialty evaluation and IME services.

How DBA referrals are handled

Attorneys, carriers, and case managers submit the referral, questions, and authorized records. Our coordination team schedules the evaluation by secure video for the claimant’s location in Texas. The evaluator conducts the interview and testing, reviews records, and prepares a clear report. When treatment is recommended, care can begin within Virtually CALM.

The National Center for PTSD provides information on trauma related to hazardous and combat-adjacent environments.

1. ReferralClaim questions and records submitted.
2. EvaluationInterview, trauma measures, and testing.
3. Record reviewContract, medical, and treatment history.
4. ReportStructured findings for claim review.

What progress can look like

For DBA claimants, a clear evaluation can bring order to a claim that spans continents and years. The report organizes exposure history, symptom development, diagnosis, functional impact, and treatment needs in one place. When treatment is recommended, trauma-focused therapy and psychiatric care can begin within Virtually CALM by secure video, which matters for claimants living far from specialists. Follow-up evaluation can document change if the claim requires it.

Between appointments

Before an evaluation, the most helpful thing a client can do is rest, eat normally, and set up a private, quiet space with a stable connection. Bring glasses or hearing aids if you use them, and let the evaluator know about pain, medications, or anything else that could affect your performance on the day. Referral partners can help by sending authorized records early and flagging any deadlines, so the evaluation is scheduled with enough time for a thorough report.

What DBA evaluations examine

These are patterns clinicians commonly hear from people in Texas looking into Defense Base Act psychological evaluation. Any one of them is a reasonable reason to reach out.

• Exposure historyEvents and environments during the contract.
• Symptom timelineWhen symptoms started and how they progressed.
• DiagnosisCriteria-based assessment of PTSD and related conditions.
• Work capacityHow symptoms affect the ability to work.
• Daily functionSleep, relationships, and routine activities.
• Treatment needsCare recommended going forward.

Who provides your care

Specialty evaluations at Virtually CALM are led by Chief Psychologist Dr. Melissa Bailey and a multidisciplinary forensic clinical team. Evaluations typically combine a structured clinical interview, standardized testing, validated symptom measures, and record review when appropriate. The goal is clear, defensible findings grounded in clinical and neurobehavioral expertise, written so that treating providers, attorneys, adjusters, and courts can follow the reasoning.

An evaluation is most useful when it connects to care. Findings can inform a treatment plan with our therapists and psychiatric providers, and recommendations are written to be actionable. For referral partners, our team coordinates scheduling, authorized records, and report delivery through secure, HIPAA-compliant channels.

Why virtual care fits this work

Many psychological evaluation components, including structured interviews, validated symptom measures, and a range of standardized tests, can be administered by secure video under appropriate conditions. Evaluators choose measures that remain valid in a virtual format and confirm the setting before testing begins. When a referral question needs a different format, that decision is made on clinical grounds and explained in advance.

The National Institute of Mental Health explains PTSD, depression, and anxiety.

For attorneys, case managers, and treating providers

Referral partners use our evaluation team when they need clinical clarity that stands up to review. Our coordination team confirms the referral question, deadlines, and authorized records before scheduling, keeps the referring party informed, and delivers reports through secure channels. Because treatment and evaluation live in the same coordinated system but are handled by different clinicians, recommendations can move into care without a new referral while the evaluator’s role stays objective.

Referral partners can expect a few things from every Virtually CALM evaluation. The referral question is confirmed in writing before scheduling, so the scope is clear. Records are requested and transmitted through secure channels, and the evaluator notes which records were reviewed. The report separates objective findings from self-report, explains the measures used, and states recommendations in plain language. Questions after delivery go through our coordination team, which keeps communication organized and documented.

Is this the right fit?

This service fits civilian contractors who worked overseas and now live in Texas, along with the attorneys, carriers, and case managers handling their Defense Base Act claims.

Many contractors share experiences with veterans, as our article on behavioral health that understands service describes.

Telehealth.HHS.gov explains how behavioral health care can be delivered remotely.

Three paths, one coordinated team

Your first appointment, start to finish

The first visit is designed to feel supportive and paced to your comfort. The goal is to understand what you’re carrying, how it’s affecting daily life in Texas, and what kind of support will help most.

1. Scope confirmedOur team confirms the referral question, authorization, and records before scheduling.
2. Join securelyThe evaluation takes place on a HIPAA-secure video platform from a private, quiet space.
3. Interview and measuresThe evaluator conducts a structured interview and standardized assessments.
4. Report deliveredFindings are delivered securely to authorized parties with clear recommendations.

Getting started in Texas

Getting started in Texas works the same way whether you’re in Houston or a town of a few hundred people. A referral partner can submit our secure form, or you can schedule directly or call (407) 550-7755. Our team confirms the service, checks any claim-specific requirements, matches you with a provider licensed for your location in Texas, and sends a secure link for your first session.