Dr. Willoughby & Associates, LLC

03/17/2026

If you’re a veteran who left a VA mental health exam feeling like the results didn’t reflect your reality, you’re not alone.

Many veterans unintentionally minimize their symptoms during C&P exams, not because they’re being dishonest, but because of military culture, the way trauma works, and the limits of a brief structured evaluation.

Dr. Crystal Willoughby breaks down exactly why this happens and what it means for your VA disability rating. This is a must-read for any veteran navigating the claims process.

Read the full article below.

Written by: Dr. Crystal Willoughby, PsyD, Licensed Clinical PsychologistProfessionally reviewed by: Dr. Amanda Barrow, PhD, Director of Veteran Services

02/25/2026

VA Mental Health “Nexus Letters” Explained

Understanding how medical nexus opinions are evaluated is central to VA mental health disability claims. This guide explains what a nexus letter is, how it differs from a DBQ, and when a full psychological IME may be appropriate.

Don't risk your VA claim with a weak nexus letter. Dr. Willoughby provides comprehensive psychological IMEs that include the medical nexus and diagnostic evidence.

02/04/2026

VA Compensation & Pension (C&P) exams provide important information, but they often capture only a limited snapshot of a veteran’s mental health.

Our latest blog post explains the difference between a standard C&P exam and a Psychological Independent Medical Examination (IME), and why sometimes a more thorough evaluation can provide a clearer picture of mental health symptoms and their impact on daily life.

https://drwilloughbyandassociates.com/psychological-ime-vs-cp-exam-why-strong-evidence-requires-more-than-a-20-minute-interview/

02/03/2026

Many veterans aren’t sure what to expect during a VA Compensation & Pension (C&P) exam.

Our latest blog post explains the process, how examiners assess mental health, and why some veterans choose an independent psychological evaluation (IME) to ensure their symptoms are thoroughly documented.

Read the full post here:

What Actually Happens in a VA C&P Exam

02/26/2025

Helping Veterans with Psychological Independent Medical Evaluations (IMEs) for VA Disability Claims

At Dr. Willoughby & Associates, we provide expert psychological evaluations to support veterans' VA disability claims. Our goal is to ensure accurate, fair, and timely assessments for those who have served.

📌 Our Services Include:

- PTSD & trauma-related evaluations
- Evaluations for depression, anxiety, and other mental health
conditions
- Evaluations for mental health concerns related to service-
connected medical conditions

✅ Why Choose Us?

- Nationwide Availability – Over 15 PSYPACT-certified
psychologists serving most states
- Fast & Flexible Scheduling – Many appointments available
within days
- Quick Report Turnaround – Receive your detailed report in
about one week
- Unbiased and thorough interviews and reports that accurately
capture your experience

📌 How It Works:

- Schedule Your Examination – Visit our website at
drwilloughbyandassociates.com or Call (443) 379-0447
- Submit Your Documents – VA letter (if applicable), DD214, and
mental health records
- Complete a 60-Minute Telehealth Session – Secure video
consultation with our specialists
- Receive Your Report – Typically available within one week
- Submit Your Claim – Use our report to support your VA
disability case

We are here to help veterans take the next step in their VA claims process. If you or someone you know needs an expert psychological IME, contact us today!

Call: (443) 379-0447
website: drwilloughbyandassociates.com

11/27/2023

This past weekend, we participated in the Kennedy Krieger Festival of Trees! Our tree was inspired by our love for Star Wars AND the holidays.

Check out "The Mind Strikes Back"!

07/04/2023

🇺🇸 Happy Independence Day!

Please take a moment today to reflect on the courage, sacrifices, and the principles that define us as a nation: liberty, equality, and justice for all. We are proud to be a diverse and inclusive country, where people from all walks of life come together to pursue their dreams and build a better future.

Please note that our office will be closed today. We will return all emails and phone call tomorrow, July 5th!

Wishing you all a safe, joyful, and memorable Fourth of July! 🎇🎉🇺🇸

01/31/2023

This past Friday, we had the honor of attending a mental health meet & greet event where we were able to connect with other providers and school psychologists in the area. We loved sharing about our practice and learning about the different services provided by others in our area!

We would like to extend a HUGE thank you to the Association of Independent Maryland and DC Schools for hosting this wonderful event!

11/30/2022

Dr. Willoughby & Associates sponsored a tree at Kennedy Krieger's Festival of Trees this past weekend!