Dr. Judy Ho

Dr. Judy specializes in evidence-based, comprehensive neuropsychological evaluations. A neuropsychological evaluation is a systematic and in-depth assessment designed to evaluate the functioning of the brain and its impact on an individual's cognitive, emotional, and behavioral processes. It involves the use of standardized tests and procedures to measure a range of cognitive abilities, including memory, attention, language, problem-solving, and executive functions; and also includes a thorough evaluation of clinical symptoms and personality traits. The evaluation includes a thorough clinical interview to gather information about the individual's medical history, psychological history, and current concerns. This information helps the neuropsychologist tailor the assessment to the specific needs and questions posed by the individual and/or their referring physician, psychologist, or other healthcare professionals. Dr. Judy has served as an expert witness on over 300 legal cases in the past decade. As an expert witness, Dr. Judy conducts comprehensive neuropsychological and psychodiagnostic forensic evaluations (sometimes referred to as an IME or DME) and provides expert testimony regarding her psychological testing methods, results, and conclusions for both civil and criminal proceedings. She is also sometimes called on to serve as a rebuttal witness to opine on the work of other experts. Dr. Judy often works on 1) personal injury cases (including psychological/emotional injury and traumatic brain injury claims), 2) fitness for duty evaluations, 3) employment/discrimination/wrongful termination cases, 4) sexual assault, harassment, and other trauma cases, 5) professional licensing disputes, and 6) assessment of competency to testify, risk assessment, and psychological state/functioning at time of criminal offense. For more information on the above services, go to https://www.drjudyho.com.

Active as a tenure-track professor in the Graduate School of Psychology at Pepperdine University. Designed curriculum, lecture/lesson plans, exams, assignments, and evaluation/grading criteria for masters level psychopathology and social psychology courses. Spearheaded development of social psychology course across the department, involved in committee work dedicated to refining the doctoral (PsyD) program curriculum and selecting doctoral program students.

Developing national grants to support two research investigations. The first longitudinal research investigation is currently in the baseline data collection phase, with the purpose of examining how visual arts programs as part of the regular school curriculum can improve psychological measures and outcomes for children, including self-efficacy, self-esteem, social skills, and emotional/behavioral issues. The second longitudinal research investigation is in the planning and pilot phase, with the purpose of examining an adjunctive engagement program to increase motivation and reduce treatment dropout of youth and families in mental health services. Leading research lab with graduate student research associates to implement the above studies, develop publications, and presentations in the above research areas.

Provide commentary on current events as it relates to mental health and human behavior on shows including CNN Tonight, CNN Newsroom, and CNN Piers Morgan.

Partners: Santa Monica Unified School District, Edgemar Center for the Arts Spearheaded the development of a non-profit youth Theater/Performing Arts program to foster creativity, promote artistic exploration, and develop positive communication in children aged 9-12. Designed curriculum, syllabus, and individual lesson plans using novel techniques involving media, experiential activities, games, and demonstrations. Coordinated program conceptualization, administration, and roll-out with Santa Monica Unified School District personnel, Edgemar Center staff, and other community partners. Designed adjunctive research and assessment component to evaluate youth academic, social, and health outcomes of participating in this program. Wrote grants to obtain funding for future program expansion. Anticipated launch of pilot program in March 2010.

Co-Host of the Emmy Award winning syndicated daytime TV Show.

Co-Host on CBS Syndicated Daytime Talk Show Face the Truth by Stage 29 Productions (home of "The Doctors" and "DailyMailTV." It is Executive Produced by Jay McGraw’s, Carla Pennington, Patricia Ciano, and Phil McGraw. The show is hosted by actress Vivica A. Fox, and co-hosted by Dr. Judy Ho, Areva Martin, Rosie Mercado, and Judge Scary Mary. It is In each episode, real people will present their problems to the panel, who will then offer their opinions. Once the studio and at-home audiences have heard the whole story, they can vote on who is right and who is wrong.

Provide comprehensive clinical assessment services to Center for Professional Recovery for drug/alcohol addiction and dual diagnoses patients at the Santa Monica, California center. Design and implement individualized assessment batteries for each patient based on clinical intake, records review, and presenting complaints. Complete neuropsychological and psychodiagnostic reports for treatment planning, reviewed pertinent case files and medical records, conducted interviews with collaterals, and provide feedback sessions to client and client’s clinical care team. Work in interdisciplinary treatment teams which include nurses, therapists, psychologists, psychiatrists, and administrative staff and provide reports at treatment team meetings.

Provide comprehensive clinical assessment services and conduct neuropsychological testing to residential treatment patients at Bel Air, Pacific Palisades, and Santa Monica, California centers. Design and implement individualized assessment batteries for each patient based on clinical intake, records review, and presenting complaints. Complete neuropsychological and psychodiagnostic reports for treatment planning, and provide feedback sessions to client and client’s clinical care team. Work in interdisciplinary treatment teams which include nurses, therapists, psychologists, psychiatrists, and administrative staff and provide reports at treatment team meetings.

Provide comprehensive clinical assessment services to Professional Treatments at Promises and Direct Admit residential treatment for drug/alcohol addiction and dual diagnoses patients at the Santa Monica, California center. Design and implement individualized assessment batteries for each patient based on clinical intake, records review, and presenting complaints. Complete neuropsychological and psychodiagnostic reports for treatment planning, reviewed pertinent case files and medical records, conducted interviews with collaterals, and provide feedback sessions to client and client’s clinical care team. Work in interdisciplinary treatment teams which include nurses, therapists, psychologists, psychiatrists, and administrative staff and provide reports at treatment team meetings.

Spearheaded cognitive behavioral therapy training to provide evidence-based resources to mental health professionals in Los Angeles. Implemented training/consultation system including in-person seminars, web conferences, and video-assisted telephone training to over 50 clinicians and therapy providers in the Los Angeles community. Standardized assessment procedures for clients with depressive symptoms. Wrote and disseminated "CPIC Therapist Handbook" to streamline development of treatment plan for community mental health providers.

Recipient of an Institutional Training Grant "The Science of Child Mental Health." Published one first-authored review chapter on innovative evidence-based treatments for ethnic minority youth with conduct disorders. Produced three research manuscripts regarding how parental beliefs, knowledge, and attitudes towards child mental health care affect actual service use for low-income Latino, African American, and immigrant Chinese families. Expanded on research methodologies and software knowledge, including multivariate techniques, mixed methods analyses, multiple and logistic regression analyses, and syntax programming in SPSS, SAS, and STATA software.

Honors Thesis: Are Role Models Important?