We believe evaluations should be as human as they are professional.
Meet the Team Behind Every Evaluation
We are a nationwide group of licensed clinical psychologists who specialize in comprehensive psychological IMEs and psychological testing.
Our Clinical and Operations Team
Since launching our practice, we’ve helped thousands of veterans nationwide pursue the disability benefits they’ve earned through comprehensive psychological Independent Medical Examinations (IMEs).
Dr. Crystal Willoughby, PsyD
Founder
Licensed Psychologist, PSYPACT Certified | Authorized for telehealth in most U.S. states and territories
Crystal Willoughby, PsyD, is a licensed clinical psychologist and the founder of Dr. Willoughby & Associates. She holds a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology and has over a decade of experience conducting comprehensive psychological evaluations. Her clinical work includes both psychological testing and Independent Medical Examinations (IMEs), and she remains actively involved in direct evaluation work across both areas.
Dr. Willoughby conducts psychological testing for a wide range of referral questions, including diagnostic clarification, assessment of cognitive and emotional functioning, and complex mental health presentations. She also completes IMEs for Veterans, evaluating conditions such as PTSD, depressive disorders, anxiety disorders, trauma-related conditions, and co-occurring mental health concerns. She is known for her structured, thoughtful approach and for producing evaluations that are thorough, objective, and clinically sound.
In addition to her clinical practice, Dr. Willoughby has served in teaching and supervisory roles, training graduate-level students and early-career clinicians in psychological assessment, diagnostic formulation, and ethical practice. As the owner of Dr. Willoughby & Associates, she oversees a team of licensed psychologists while maintaining consistent standards of clinical quality, integrity, and professionalism across the practice.
When she is not working, Dr. Willoughby can usually be found spending time with her husband, son, and Great Dane. She enjoys traveling, going to concerts, hosting get-togethers with friends, and planning elaborate holiday light displays that have become a favorite tradition for her family and neighbors.
Dr. Amanda Barrow, PhD
Director of Veteran Services
Licensed Psychologist, PSYPACT Certified | Authorized for telehealth in most U.S. states and territories
Amanda Barrow, PhD, serves as the Director of Veteran Services at Dr. Willoughby & Associates and oversees the team of licensed psychologists conducting Independent Medical Examinations (IMEs) for Veterans. In this role, she is responsible for maintaining clinical standards, supporting psychologists through consultation and training, and ensuring consistency, quality, and integrity across IME evaluations.
Dr. Barrow earned her PhD in Counseling Psychology from the University of Texas at Austin in 2007. She also completed a double major in Psychology and Spanish, which informs her culturally responsive approach to clinical work. With more than 15 years of clinical experience, she brings extensive expertise in assessment, diagnostic formulation, and evidence-based practice to her leadership role.
Dr. Barrow is known for her thoughtful, collaborative leadership style and her commitment to supporting clinicians while upholding high professional and ethical standards. Her depth of experience and steady guidance play a critical role in the quality and reliability of the IMEs completed by the practice.
Outside of work, Dr. Barrow is a proud Texas Longhorn who enjoys running on Houston’s trails and reading contemporary fiction in her free time
Jordan Abrams
Managing Director
Jordan serves as Managing Director of Dr. Willoughby & Associates, overseeing the firm’s operations, strategic planning, and administrative infrastructure.
He works directly with the founder, Dr. Crystal Willoughby, and the Director of Veteran Services, Dr. Amanda Barrow, to support referral coordination, internal processes, compliance systems, and organizational development.
Prior to joining the practice, Jordan founded and led growth focused organizations, building operational systems, digital infrastructure, and compliance frameworks designed for scale. His background centers on creating structured, process driven environments within regulated service industries.
His role is strictly administrative. All clinical services, evaluations, and opinions are provided exclusively by licensed psychologists within the practice.
Outside of work, Jordan spends time with his wife, son, and dog. He is a longtime Baltimore Ravens fan, and values live music and gatherings with friends and extended family.
Dr. Andrea Battle, PhD
Clinical Psychologist
Licensed Psychologist, PSYPACT Certified | Authorized for telehealth in most U.S. states and territories
Dr. Battle earned her doctorate in Clinical Psychology from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and her BA in Psychology from Duke University. She has 19 years of extensive experience in veteran psychological evaluations.
She served 11 years as an Active Duty psychologist with the U.S. Public Health Service, supporting the National Guard, NOAA, and other agencies, and has deployed for major public health emergencies, including earthquakes, hurricanes, and COVID. Prior to commissioning, she worked as a Mental Health Policy Specialist, Staff Psychologist, and Adjunct Professor.
Her expertise includes crisis response, deployment psychology, policy development, and providing individual, group, and couples counseling.
Dr. Amanda Bourg, PhD
Clinical Psychologist
Licensed Psychologist, PSYPACT Certified | Authorized for telehealth in most U.S. states and territories
Dr.Bourg is a clinical psychologist specializing in veteran evaluations. She holds a PhD in Counseling Psychology from Oklahoma State University and a Post-Doctoral Master’s in Psychopharmacology from Alliant International University. Licensed in Louisiana and Tennessee, Dr. Bourg has over 24 years of experience, including 16 years specializing in PTSD treatment for veterans. She has completed over 2,000 independent medical evaluations for veterans.
She enjoys gardening, food fermentation, and spending time with her family and pets.
Dr. Chelsea Howe, PsyD
Clinical Psychologist
Licensed Psychologist, PSYPACT Certified | Authorized for telehealth in most U.S. states and territories
Dr. Chelsea is a clinical psychologist specializing in veteran evaluations. With over 15 years of experience, she earned her Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from Loyola University Maryland and is a professor at Johns Hopkins University, having previously taught at Loyola University. She specializes in conducting independent medical evaluations for veterans nationwide. Dr. Howe has completed over 1,000 independent medical evaluations for veterans.
A dedicated Ravens fan—Steelers fans, you’ve been warned!
Dr. Erica Hunt., PsyD
Clinical Psychologist
Licensed Psychologist, PSYPACT Certified | Authorized for telehealth in most U.S. states and territories
Dr. Hunt is a clinical psychologist specializing in trauma-related disorders, focusing on veterans. She graduated from Pacific University in 2007 with a degree in Clinical Psychology and has additional training in military culture and evidence-based treatments. Erica also volunteers with a local veteran’s non-profit, connecting veterans to behavioral health services. She has conducted several hundred veteran independent medical evaluations.
When not working, Erica can be found hiking through the stunning Columbia River Gorge, embracing nature’s beauty.
Dr. Kelsie Foster, PhD
Clinical Psychologist
Licensed Psychologist, PSYPACT Certified | Authorized for telehealth in most U.S. states and territories
Kelsie N. Foster, Ph.D. CRC is a licensed psychologist in Virginia and Rhode Island and a PSYPACT provider. She earned her B.A. from Hampton University, M.A. from New York University, and Ph.D. from New Mexico State University.
Dr. Foster has extensive experience in college counseling centers across the U.S., supporting student-athletes and consulting with coaches at NCAA Division I and III programs. She also has a background in vocational rehabilitation and currently maintains a private counseling and consulting practice. Dr. Foster has extensive experience in independent medical evaluations for veterans.
Outside of work, she enjoys music, theatre, travel, cooking, and spending time with loved ones.
Dr. Keri Taratino, PsyD
Clinical Psychologist
Licensed Psychologist, PSYPACT Certified | Authorized for telehealth in most U.S. states and territories
Dr. Tarantino earned her Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from Rosemead School of Psychology in La Mirada, California. She completed her internship at Eisenhower Army Medical Center in Georgia and her residency at Madigan Army Medical Center in Washington. She began her career as a psychologist and officer in the U.S. Army, serving in Iraq from 2008–2009 with a Combat Stress Control Detachment based out of Ft. Bragg, North Carolina
Following her military service, Dr. Tarantino has worked with children and adults across the lifespan, providing therapy and psychological assessments. She has also held various teaching and clinical roles. Dr. Tarantino has extensive experience in psychological evaluations.
In her free time, Dr. Tarantino enjoys spending time with her husband and children on their family farm. She loves hiking and kayaking in state parks, crocheting, gardening, and running with their spoiled Labrador retrievers.
Dr. Lauren Nguyen, PhD
Clinical Psychologist
Licensed Psychologist, PSYPACT Certified | Authorized for telehealth in most U.S. states and territories
Dr. Nguyen earned her Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from the University of North Dakota and completed her clinical internship at the Topeka VA Medical Center. She went on to complete postdoctoral fellowships at Truman Medical Centers and in neuropsychology at DR Associates of North Texas.
She has experience in a wide range of settings, including VA hospitals, private practice, college counseling centers, and rehabilitation facilities. Dr. Nguyen is also PSYPACT authorized to provide teletherapy across participating states. She has extensive experience in independent medical evaluations for veterans.
In her free time, she enjoys running and hiking with her husband and family.
Dr. Lauren Schumacher, PsyD
Clinical Psychologist
Licensed Psychologist, PSYPACT Certified | Authorized for telehealth in most U.S. states and territories
Dr. Schumacher is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist, earning her Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from Nova Southeastern University. She completed her internship at a Federal Medical Center and her postdoctoral residency at a forensic psychiatric hospital. Dr. Schumacher has a wide range of experience conducting court-ordered psychological evaluations and providing psychotherapy in a variety of settings. She oversees a predoctoral clinical training program and holds teaching roles. She has extensive experience in independent medical evaluations for veterans.
Outside of work, she enjoys traveling and spending time with family, their bernedoodle, and friends.
Dr. Megan Schmidt, PhD
Clinical Psychologist
Licensed Psychologist, PSYPACT Certified | Authorized for telehealth in most U.S. states and territories
Dr. Megan Schmidt is a clinical psychologist who has extensive experience in independent medical evaluations for veterans. Alongside her work as a testing psychologist, she also provides therapy to individuals, including veterans coping with trauma-related disorders and other complaints. She earned her PhD from the University of Tennessee in 2020 and went on to complete her post-doctoral residency at Emory University School of Medicine.
Outside of work, Dr. Schmidt enjoys hiking and gardening, and spending as much time as she can outdoors.
Dr. Rebeccah Costa., PsyD
Clinical Psychologist
Licensed Psychologist, PSYPACT Certified | Authorized for telehealth in most U.S. states and territories
Dr. Rebeccah Costa is a clinical psychologist specializing in veteran evaluations. She earned her PsyD from William James College in 2019, focusing on children, families, and global mental health. She completed postdoctoral training with Autism Care Partners before becoming licensed. Dr. Costa has extensive experience in independent medical evaluations for veterans.
Passionate about serving vulnerable populations, Dr. Costa works with veterans and children with developmental disorders. She also enjoys teaching and supervising. Outside of work, she loves spending time with family and friends—and catching a Broadway show whenever she can!
Riannon Hazell, MS
Psych Associate
Riannon is a psych associate specializing in veteran evaluations. With over five years of experience working with veterans, Riannon earned a BS in Psychology from Towson University and an MS in Clinical Psychology from Loyola University Maryland.
As a military spouse, Riannon has a deep understanding of the unique challenges veterans face. She is also a former student of Dr. Willoughby and has experience conducting psychological testing in Maryland. In her free time, Riannon enjoys reading and has read over 50 books each year for the past few years.
Dr. Sallie Richards, PsyD
Clinical Psychologist
Licensed Psychologist, PSYPACT Certified | Authorized for telehealth in most U.S. states and territories
Dr. Richards is a licensed clinical psychologist with over a decade of experience providing therapy and psychological evaluations for children, adolescents, and adults. She earned her Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from Marshall University in 2010 and is licensed in Pennsylvania and West Virginia, with PSYPACT authorization for teletherapy.
Dr. Richards has worked in private practice and nonprofits, with a focus on rural communities. She is honored to now support veterans in her current role. She has extensive experience in independent medical evaluations for veterans.
Originally from Western Pennsylvania, she now lives with her husband and two dogs. Outside of work, she enjoys community theater, both on stage and behind the scenes.
Dr. Steve Andrews, PhD
Clinical Psychologist
Licensed Psychologist, PSYPACT Certified | Authorized for telehealth in most U.S. states and territories
Dr. Andrews is a clinical psychologist specializing in veteran evaluations. He holds a Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from Southern Illinois University-Carbondale. Dr. Andrews previously worked in college mental health centers, where he periodically provided psychotherapy services for student veterans. During this time, he also learned about campus and community resources to support student veterans’ achievement in higher education. Before transitioning into independent practice, Dr. Andrews most recently oversaw the training program for future psychologists at Northwestern University Counseling & Psychological Services.
He has specialized experience in the interdisciplinary treatment of disordered eating concerns and the provision of culturally-responsive psychotherapy services. He also has extensive experience in independent medical evaluations for veterans.
In his free time, Dr. Andrews is an avid songwriter and concertgoer.
Dr. Thuy Pham, PsyD
Clinical Psychologist
Licensed Psychologist, PSYPACT Certified | Authorized for telehealth in most U.S. states and territories
Dr. Pham is a clinical psychologist specializing in veteran evaluations. She holds a PsyD in Clinical Psychology with a Minor in Health Psychology from the Illinois School of Professional Psychology. Licensed in IN, IL, and TN, Dr. Pham has 24 years of experience and is trained in CBT. Born in Vietnam, she is fluent in conversational Vietnamese. Dr. Pham has completed over 500 veteran IMEs since 2024..
When she’s not working, Dr. Pham loves running outdoors—even in the snow—and working out at F45. A food enthusiast, she enjoys seeking out the best Korean and Vietnamese cuisine wherever she goes. She is married with two adult children and a dog.
Dr. Yesenia Castillo, PsyD
Clinical Psychologist
Licensed Psychologist, PSYPACT Certified | Authorized for telehealth in most U.S. states and territories
Dr. Yesenia Castillo is a clinical psychologist specializing in veteran evaluations. She has experience conducting disability exams and providing therapy to veterans in a prison setting. Dr. Castillo holds a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from Azusa Pacific University and completed an APA-accredited internship at the Federal Bureau of Prisons. Dr. Castillo has completed over 750 veteran IMEs.
She also has experience in various assessments, including pre-surgical and fitness-for-duty evaluations. In her free time, Dr. Castillo enjoys bodybuilding, learning Italian, and exploring European Christmas markets.
Dr. Eric Jacobson, PsyD
Clinical Psychologist
Licensed Psychologist, PSYPACT Certified | Authorized for telehealth in most U.S. states and territories
Dr. Jacobson is a clinical psychologist specializing in veteran evaluations. With nearly 20 years of experience across various care settings, he has extensive expertise in psychological testing and has helped connect many to the right resources. He has completed over 1,800 independent medical evaluations for veterans.
A baseball and college football fan (Go Huskies!), he also grew up in Seattle’s music scene and appears in Pearl Jam’s Even Flow video.
McKenzie Willoughby
Office Manager
McKenzie Willoughby is the foundation of Dr. Willoughby & Associates and often the first point of contact for individuals reaching out to the practice. As the primary voice behind phone calls and emails, she plays a key role in setting the tone for each interaction and ensuring clients feel welcomed, supported, and at ease from the very beginning.
McKenzie brings extensive experience in customer service and is known for her exceptional follow-through, attention to detail, and reliability. She manages a wide range of administrative processes and helps guide individuals through each step along the way, answering questions, coordinating logistics, and ensuring nothing falls through the cracks.
Her friendly, calm demeanor and ability to connect with people make her a trusted and reassuring presence for those navigating the evaluation process.
Outside of work, McKenzie enjoys spending time with her dog, boyfriend, and family. She loves attending concerts, going to the beach, and watching documentaries in her downtime.
Speak With Our Team
Need clarity before getting started? Give our team a call and we’ll be happy to answer any questions you have, no commitment required.