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Dr. Karen McDowell Licensed Psychologist IMEs For referrers Therapy & more About Get in touch Send records

Independent medical exams for VA claims · Telehealth

Mental health IMEs that give a Veteran’s claim the full picture.

I’m a licensed psychologist who has completed more than 1,500 C&P and disability evaluations. I provide thorough, independent mental health exams, opinions, and nexus letters for Veterans and the attorneys and advocates who represent them. Services available by telehealth across PSYPACT states.

Dr. Karen McDowell, smiling, in a black blazer in a bright office
1,500+ C&P and disability evaluations completed
$450 flat Full IME with record review and written report
PSYPACT Telehealth across participating states

Independent medical exams

Independent evaluations that capture the full picture.

VA-ordered C&P exams are often brief. An independent medical exam offers a thorough, neutral assessment you can submit as supporting evidence for service connection, increased ratings, or appeals.

Most Veterans tell me they were nervous beforehand. Most also tell me it was easier than they expected.

IME services include

  • Full IME: telehealth evaluation, record review, and a written report in VA format
  • Independent medical opinions (IMOs): record-review-only opinions when an interview isn’t needed
  • Nexus letters and supplemental medical opinions
  • Clear diagnostic impressions, rationale, and functional impact
  • Consultation with your attorney or Veterans advocate when helpful
  • Secure, HIPAA-compliant telehealth, with no software to download
Request a free consultation
Fees
Start with a free consultationYou may not need a full IME. Let’s chat first and figure out what actually helps your claim. A private evaluation isn’t required to file a VA claim.
$450Full IME: evaluation, record review, and a written report in VA format. No hidden fees.
$225Nexus letter: a clear, well-supported letter describing service connection.
$50–$225Disability paperwork. Sliding scale available, and fees waived for significant financial hardship.

Record-review-only IMOs and therapy are priced individually.

How it works

No couch, no clipboard staring contest. Just a real conversation, never rushed.

  1. 1Free consultationWe talk through your claim and whether an IME fits.
  2. 2SchedulingUsually within a few days.
  3. 3Record reviewService records, prior exams, medical records, lay statements.
  4. 4Telehealth evaluationA thorough interview from wherever you are.
  5. 5Written reportDelivered within three business days.
  6. 6DeliverySent to you, to your attorney or advocate if you have one, or directly to the VA if you’d like.

For attorneys, claims agents & VSOs

Referring a Veteran? Here’s what you can count on.

I’ve sat on the examiner’s side of more than 1,500 C&P and disability evaluations. I know what a well-supported mental health opinion looks like, and what tends to get a claim sent back.

Written for raters

Opinions framed in the VA’s “at least as likely as not” standard, with clear medical rationale tied to specific evidence in the record.

Independent means credible

I can’t promise a particular conclusion. I can promise a careful, well-reasoned one, which is what carries weight.

Fast and predictable

Consultations within days, reports within three business days, and a $450 flat fee for a full IME. No surprise invoices.

Easy on your clients

Telehealth from home, and a warm, unhurried approach. Veterans often tell me it was easier than they expected.

How to refer

  1. Send me your client’s name and contact details, or have them reach out directly.
  2. Share records through my secure upload. Please put the Veteran’s name in each file name.
  3. I evaluate, write the report, and send it to you and your client.
Send records securely

HIPAA-compliant upload. You won’t need an account, and only I can see what you send.

Not sure an IME will help a particular case? I’m happy to do a quick call first.

Referrals Send a referral

Also available

Many Veterans want support beyond the evaluation itself. These services can be added on, or stand on their own.

Therapy

Telehealth therapy, particularly for Veterans, drawing on multicultural, relational, and cognitive-behavioral approaches. Self-pay, with documentation for insurance reimbursement requests.

Ask about therapy →

Psychological assessment

Cognitive, personality, and academic assessment, including ADHD, mood and anxiety disorders, and PTSD.

Disability accommodations

Documentation for work, school, and housing accommodations, including ESA letters, each evaluated individually.

Speaking & consultation

Workshops, CE seminars, and keynotes, plus clinical consultation and practice guidance for fellow clinicians.

About me

“It has been my honor to share space with people during the most difficult times in their lives, and to walk alongside them as they move toward healing.”

My work over the last thirty years has spanned many disciplines, beginning with my first ASL interpreter certification in 1997. I’ve worked as a teacher, interpreter, professor, psychologist, educator, and consultant, and I continue to be inspired by the depth, power, and resiliency of the human experience.

My clinical background includes assessment and disability evaluation, work with Veterans and service members, and clinical supervision. I hold a PhD in Clinical Psychology from Texas Woman’s University with an emphasis in multiculturalism, and I serve adults across diverse identities.

I’m currently completing a postdoctoral master’s degree in clinical psychopharmacology, deepening my understanding of how medication and psychological care work together.

Get in touch

Reaching out is the hardest part. You’ve got this.

Tell me a little about what you’re looking for and I’ll respond as soon as I can. Please don’t include private health details in this form.

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Thank you for your response. ✨

Dr. Karen McDowell sitting cross-legged on a leather couch in front of a bookshelf, holding Bennie, a fluffy cream-colored dog in a floral collar

Staff directory

Meet Bennie, wannabe therapy dog

Bennie’s therapy dog training was going great until COVID, when he discovered the couch and never looked back. He has since retired from formal duties and now serves as Rufferral Coordinator, chief morale officer, professional napper, and my most dedicated colleague.

Credentials pending. Enthusiasm fully licensed.

Dr. Karen McDowell Licensed Psychologist in Texas and Washington · Independent medical exams · Telehealth across PSYPACT states
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