Business Details
Your Trusted Clinical Psychologist for Trauma & PTSD Treatment in Portland
As a licensed clinical psychologist with over 25 years of experience, I specialize in trauma and PTSD treatment, forensic evaluations, and mental health workshops. My practice integrates extensive research and clinical expertise developed through a decade of directing studies at the University of California, San Francisco, and the San Francisco VA Medical Center. I provide evidence-based cognitive-behavioral therapy for adults struggling with trauma, anxiety, and depression, while maintaining a strong focus on collaboration and client education. My forensic services include psychological evaluations and expert testimony for criminal, civil, and immigration cases, informed by rigorous scientific inquiry and clinical acumen.I also offer specialized care for veterans and first responders, alongside tailored trainings for professionals in law enforcement, legal, and mental health fields. My commitment to confidentiality, ethical practice, and continuous professional development underscores all aspects of my work. I prioritize client autonomy and transparency, ensuring services meet the highest standards of care. With a career dedicated to advancing trauma research and treatment, I serve as a trusted resource for individuals and organizations seeking expertise in psychological trauma.
Services
Forensic Psychological Evaluations
PTSD Treatment
Veterans Services
Workshops & Trainings
Trauma Counseling
Highlights and features
- We offer 25+ years of specialized trauma research and clinical experience.
- Our forensic services provide expert evaluations for legal professionals.
- We use evidence-based cognitive-behavioral therapy for trauma treatment.
- Our practice offers culturally competent care for veterans and first responders.
- We design customized workshops for mental health and legal professionals.
Services
Forensic Evaluations
Comprehensive psychological evaluations for criminal, civil, immigration, and employment cases. Services include attorney consultation, expert witness testimony, and tailored assessment batteries using gold-standard instruments. Ideal for legal professionals requiring evidence-based psychological insights.
PTSD Treatment
Specialized cognitive-behavioral therapy for PTSD and trauma-related conditions. Focuses on identifying negative thought patterns, developing coping strategies, and addressing anxiety or depression through research-backed techniques. Designed for adults seeking lasting recovery.
Veterans Services
Tailored evaluations, treatment, and trainings for veterans and active-duty personnel. Combines two decades of research with clinical expertise to address combat-related PTSD, resilience factors, and family impacts. Collaborates with VA programs and veteran organizations.
Workshops & Trainings
Customized trainings for attorneys, mental health providers, and first responders on trauma, PTSD, and stress management. Formats include 2-hour sessions to full-day workshops, adaptable to organizational needs with both didactic and interactive elements.
First Responder Support
Post-incident debriefings, consultation, and treatment for law enforcement, corrections officers, and emergency personnel. Addresses critical incident stress and occupational trauma while avoiding fitness-for-duty evaluations to maintain supportive focus.
People
Suzanne Best, PhD
Clinical Psychologist
Licensed psychologist with 25+ years in trauma research and treatment. Specializes in PTSD, forensic evaluations, and veteran mental health. Developed research programs at UCSF and VA Medical Center. Provides evidence-based therapy and professional trainings nationwide.
Questions
What trauma treatment approaches do you use?
I specialize in cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), proven effective for trauma, anxiety, and depression. This approach focuses on identifying negative thought patterns and developing practical coping strategies tailored to individual needs.
Do you provide services for veterans and first responders?
Yes, I offer specialized evaluations, treatment, and trainings for veterans and first responders, addressing occupational trauma and stress. Services include post-incident debriefings and collaboration with veteran support organizations.
What forensic services are available?
I conduct psychological evaluations, attorney consultations, and expert witness testimony for criminal, civil, immigration, and employment cases using evidence-based assessment methods tailored to each case's specific requirements.
How are workshops structured?
Workshops range from 2-hour sessions to full-day trainings, customized for audiences like attorneys, mental health providers, and law enforcement. Formats include didactic presentations, Q&A sessions, and group process-based learning.
What areas do you serve?
Based in Portland, Oregon, I serve Oregon and Washington states. For veterans and first responder programs, I work nationwide through collaborations with VA hospitals, military organizations, and emergency service agencies.
