"Our goal is to clarify the impact of mental health in legal matters by providing attorneys and courts with objective, defensible recommendations."

Dr. Simon Sams, PsyD

PSY34340

Dr. Simon Sams is a licensed clinical psychologist who provides forensic and immigration evaluations across California. His work is grounded in sound clinical methodology and relevant legal standards, yielding objective, well-supported opinions that help attorneys and courts make informed decisions. He believes forensic opinions must be comprehensive, methodical, and firmly rooted in evidence. Accordingly, his conclusions are based on extensive record review and careful clinical, forensic, and diagnostic assessment. Each evaluation is conducted with rigor, precision, and attention to detail to ensure that the resulting opinions are clear, defensible, and useful in legal proceedings. In Dr. Sams’s view, no opinion should be offered unless the evidence supports it.

Services

Criminal Forensic Evaluations:

Competency to Stand Trial (PC 1368)
Insanity (PC 1026/1027)
Mental Health Diversion (PC 1001.36)
Mitigation (PC 1385(c)(5))
Sex Offender (PC 288.1)

Immigration Evaluations:

Extreme Hardship Waivers (I-601, I601A)
U Visa for Victims of Criminal Activity (I-918)
T Visa for Victims of Human Trafficking (I-914)
Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) Petitions (I-360)
Asylum Evaluations (I-589)

Special Note for Public Agencies and Private Attorneys in practice less than five years:

Golden State Psychological Solutions provides reduced rates for public-sector agencies (such as Public Defenders), in recognition of their role in serving disadvantaged populations, and for private attorneys in practice for less than five years, as a means of supporting those entering the noble profession of law. This reflects our commitment to both equity in access to high quality services and to fostering the next generation of dedicated legal advocates.

Pricing:

Evaluations are priced at a flat fee, quoted in writing before work begins:

Competency to Stand Trial (PC 1368): $1,800 [consistent with the reimbursement fee offered by DSH].
Mitigation (PC 1385(c)(5)): $1,800.
All Immigration Evaluations: $1,800.
Sanity/Criminal Responsibility (PC 1026/1027): $3,500.
Mental Health Diversion (PC 1001.36): $3,500.
Sex Offender (PC 288.1): $3,500.

All evaluations include review of up to 150 pages of records/discovery free of charge (plus interview/testing when applicable under standard timeline (15 - 20 business days). If completion is requested in under 10 business days, an $800 expedited fee applies (subject to availability). For records over 150 pages: +$350 for each additional 100 pages (or portion of 100 pages) applies.

Examples:

151 - 250 pages: $1,800 + $350
151 -250 pages: $3500 + $350

Audio/video and large digital discovery: Page-count pricing applies to written records. Materials such as body-worn camera footage, recorded interviews, jail calls, surveillance, and large digital extractions are quoted separately in writing once the volume/runtime is known.

Court Appearances:

$2,000 - Up to 4 hours in court (includes waiting and testimony)
$3,500 - Up to a full day in court (includes waiting and testimony)

Time in court is measured from the scheduled appearance time and includes waiting time. Preparation and travel time are billed at $350 per hour. Required preparation time will be disclosed when a court appearance is requested.

All fees are quoted in writing prior to services being rendered.

Inquiry Process:

The most efficient way to inquire about an evaluation is by email. To help us respond quickly, please include the following information in your message:

Relevant Penal Code section
Whether your client is in custody or out of custody
City where the matter is located
Requested timeline (standard or expedited) and your needed-by date
Your phone number

Dr. Sams will review your request and respond as promptly as possible.

We accept Zelle and check only.

Contact Us

5060 California Avenue, Suite 1090

Bakersfield, CA 93309

(661) 549 - 9889

drsams@goldenstatepsych.com