In California’s workers’ compensation system, psychological stress claims—often referred to as “psychiatric injuries”—are complex, multifaceted, and frequently misunderstood. When an employee alleges that workplace conditions have led to significant emotional distress, anxiety, depression, or cognitive impairment, a multidisciplinary evaluation becomes essential. In some cases, a neuropsychological assessment is necessary.
As a clinical neuropsychologist in South Bay who frequently evaluates workers’ compensation cases, I’ve seen firsthand how neuropsychological assessments can clarify the nature and extent of an employee’s cognitive and emotional functioning. Neuropsychologists bring a unique lens to stress claims, especially when cognitive symptoms—such as memory loss, difficulty concentrating, or executive dysfunction—are part of the picture.
What Is a Neuropsychologist?
A neuropsychologist is a licensed psychologist with specialized training in brain-behavior relationships. We use standardized testing to assess cognitive domains such as attention, memory, processing speed, language, and problem-solving. In the context of workers’ compensation, a neuropsych evaluation helps determine whether a work injury has impacted brain function and whether there are other factors at play.
Why Neuropsychological Testing Matters in Workers’ Comp Claims
In California, for a psychiatric injury to be compensable under workers’ compensation, the employee must demonstrate that the injury is predominantly caused by actual events of employment. This includes showing objective evidence of impairment—not just subjective complaints. If a person suffered a head injury at work and experiences cognitive symptoms, that can be where neuropsychological testing becomes invaluable.
For example, an employee may report feeling “foggy,” forgetful, or unable to focus after experiencing a head injury or stroke related to work. While these symptoms are distressing, they must be substantiated through objective measures. A psychologist with expertise in neuropsychology can administer a battery of tests to evaluate whether these cognitive complaints reflect measurable deficits—and whether those deficits are consistent with a brain injury, stroke, or perhaps stress-related disorders such as PTSD, major depressive disorder, or anxiety.
Differentiating Between Causes
Another key role of the neuropsychologist is to differentiate between psychological stress and other neurological conditions. Sometimes, cognitive complaints may stem from unrelated medical issues such as sleep apnea, substance use, or early dementia. Neuropsychological testing helps rule out these possibilities, ensuring that the workers’ compensation claim is accurately attributed to workplace factors when appropriate.
This distinction is crucial not only for diagnosis but also for treatment planning. If the neuropsychologist finds that cognitive deficits are more likely due to depression than a neurological disorder, the treatment focus may shift toward psychotherapy and medication management rather than cognitive rehabilitation or another intervention.
Stress-related workers’ compensation claims are emotionally charged and legally intricate. Neuropsychological evaluation isn’t necessary in most cases, but when there is a question of cognitive impairment, a neuropsych assessment can offer a critical layer of objectivity and expertise, helping to validate claims, guide treatment, and support fair outcomes. The role of a neuropsych report is not just diagnostic—it’s integrative, bridging the gap between psychological distress and cognitive function.
FEELING OVERWHELMED BY STRESS AT WORK? CONSULT A NEUROPSYCHOLOGIST IN SOUTH BAY
Workplace stress can affect far more than morale—it can impact focus, memory, and overall cognitive functioning. In California workers’ compensation cases, understanding how psychological and cognitive factors contribute to workplace challenges is essential for fair assessment and treatment planning.
As an experienced neuropsychologist in South Bay, Dr. Stacy Reger provides comprehensive, evidence-based evaluations that clarify the connection between stress, cognition, and workplace functioning. Her assessments support injured workers, employers, and legal professionals in making informed decisions that prioritize mental health, recovery, and return-to-work readiness. Take the next step today:
Call (424) 262-1925 to schedule a private consultation
Meet with a licensed neuropsychologist for a detailed evaluation
Find clarity in complex workers’ comp stress cases—and ensure psychological factors are fully understood and represented.
MORE SUPPORT FROM DR. STACY REGER IN LOS ANGELES, CA
As a neuropsychologist in South Bay, Dr. Stacy Reger understands that workplace stress doesn’t just affect emotions—it can also impact cognitive performance, focus, and daily functioning. She offers comprehensive evaluations for workers’ comp for stress cases to clarify the psychological and neurocognitive factors contributing to stress-related challenges, helping individuals, employers, and legal professionals make informed decisions in workers’ compensation cases.
Her neuropsychological assessments identify how conditions such as anxiety, depression, trauma, or chronic stress influence memory, attention, and executive functioning. These evaluations provide a clear picture of an individual’s strengths and limitations, supporting fair case resolution, effective treatment planning, and return-to-work readiness. Beyond workers’ compensation, Dr. Reger also conducts med-legal assessments, workers’ compensation evaluations, and pre-surgical screenings—each rooted in evidence-based methods and clinical precision.
In addition to her clinical work, Dr. Reger serves as a trusted consultant and educator, offering training and presentations for attorneys, case managers, and medical professionals. Visit Dr. Reger’s blog to learn more about neuropsychology, workplace wellness, and the critical role of psychological evaluation in workers’ compensation stress cases.