Licensed Clinical Psychologist

Overview

We are seeking a skilled and collaborative Licensed Psychologist (PsyD or PhD) to join our multidisciplinary team on a contract basis to conduct psychological assessments.

This role is strictly assessment-focused and limited to diagnostic evaluations. The psychologist will not provide therapy and will focus exclusively on determining whether individuals meet DSM-5 diagnostic criteria, particularly for developmental and behavioral conditions.

This position is designed to address a critical access issue: families in our community are waiting 1–2 years for diagnostic evaluations, often through systems such as Regional Center, CHOC, and other local providers.

Research consistently shows that earlier diagnosis leads to more effective intervention outcomes, yet families are often forced to wait months to years just to receive a diagnosis. This role directly addresses that gap by increasing access to timely, high-quality assessments within a coordinated care model.

Bilingual clinicians (Spanish/English/others) are strongly encouraged to apply.

Role Structure

Contracted position (per-assessment compensation)

• Flat rate: $600–$800 per completed full diagnostic evaluation (based on experience level)
• Standardized diagnostic model (no variable scope)
• Flexible scheduling based on case availability
• Full administrative, intake, and coordination support provided

Scope of Evaluation (Standardized Battery)

All evaluations follow a structured diagnostic model to determine DSM-5 criteria.

Typical components include:

• Record review
• Clinical interview
• Standardized assessment measures (as applicable)
• DSM-5 diagnostic determination
• Written report with recommendations
• Feedback session (if applicable)

This is a standardized process designed to ensure efficiency, consistency, and clinical quality.

What You’ll Do

Core Responsibilities

• Conduct diagnostic evaluations to determine DSM-5 criteria
• Interpret assessment data and integrate findings into clear clinical conclusions
• Produce concise, high-quality diagnostic reports
• Provide recommendations aligned with treatment planning
• Deliver feedback to families/caregivers when appropriate

Operational Expectations

• Maintain consistent flexible availability to support assessment scheduling
• Assessments are expected to be scheduled by the end of each week and completed the following week
• Initiate assessment activities and begin diagnostic report writing immediately following patient contact
• Maintain steady progress toward report completion within established turnaround timelines

Multidisciplinary Collaboration

• Contribute to diagnostic clarity that informs treatment decisions and service planning

Documentation & Quality

• Complete reports using structured templates and standardized workflows
• Maintain documentation consistent with legal, ethical, and organizational standards

Clinical Model

You will operate within a multidisciplinary care model, where:

• Intake, scheduling, and coordination are handled by our administrative team
• Your role is focused on:
• Diagnostic interpretation
• Clinical decision-making
• Report generation

This model is designed to:

• Reduce administrative burden
• Maximize clinical efficiency
• Increase access to timely diagnoses

What We’re Looking For - Required

• Active California Psychologist License
• Doctoral degree (PhD or PsyD) in Clinical or Counseling Psychology
• Strong experience in diagnostic and psychological assessment
• High-quality report writing and DSM-5 diagnostic formulation skills
• Ability to work efficiently within structured workflows
• Experience collaborating within interdisciplinary teams
• Strong communication and clinical reasoning skills

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with pediatric and/or developmental populations
• Familiarity with tools such as ADOS-2, cognitive, and adaptive assessments
• Spanish-English bilingual fluency

Why Join Us

• Direct impact on reducing 1–2 year diagnostic wait times for families
• Assessment-only role (no therapy caseload)
• Standardized workflow with strong operational support
• Collaborative, team-based clinical environment
• Consistent referral pipeline

Compensation

• Flat rate: $600 – $800 per completed full diagnostic evaluation Compensation is based on experience level

Work Location

• Hybrid or onsite depending on assessment needs - case dependent
• Primary service area: Orange County and surrounding areas

Little Scholars Services is a multidisciplinary pediatric agency providing high-quality, evidence-based services to children and families across home, school, and community settings. Our services include Applied Behavior Analysis, Occupational Therapy, Speech and Language Therapy, and mental health services, all delivered through a collaborative, child-centered model. What sets Little Scholars Services apart is our commitment to individualized care, clinical integrity, and interdisciplinary collaboration. We prioritize functional outcomes that support independence, academic access, and social-emotional development, while ensuring services are ethical, data-driven, and aligned with best practices and regulatory standards. Our clinicians are supported by strong administrative systems, streamlined onboarding, and a leadership team with deep experience in both clinical practice and program development. We value transparency, flexibility, and professional growth, creating an environment where providers can focus on high-quality care without unnecessary administrative burden. At Little Scholars Services, we believe that supporting clinicians directly translates to better outcomes for children and families. Our mission is to build thoughtful, sustainable services that empower both the clients we serve and the professionals who serve them.