California Psychological Assessment & Consultation
A Bit About Me
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I specialize in conducting comprehensive, evidence-based mental health and substance use assessments to help individuals, families, and legal professionals make informed decisions. My expertise is rooted in nearly two decades of experience in clinical psychology, working across diverse settings, including hospitals, outpatient programs, and private practice.
My career began in 2007 at a non-profit intensive outpatient program, where I developed a passion for helping individuals navigate complex behavioral health challenges. That passion led me to pursue a Ph.D. in clinical psychology, training extensively in research-supported approaches such as Motivational Interviewing, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and risk assessment methodologies.
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Throughout my career, I’ve worked with adolescents and adults in both clinical and forensic contexts. In 2010, I trained at the VA Puget Sound Addiction Treatment Program, providing therapy for Veterans facing co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders. Since 2014, I’ve continued working within the VA San Diego Healthcare System, offering assessment, consultation, and treatment services in addiction treatment, primary care, and specialty medical settings. I also provide training and supervision for mental health professionals through the VA and UC San Diego.
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Beyond clinical work, I am committed to advancing the field through research. I have published 10 peer-reviewed articles on topics including PTSD, addiction, psycho-oncology, and harm reduction strategies. My recent work has focused on improving assessment and intervention strategies for individuals with opioid and stimulant use disorders.
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Since 2017, I have maintained a private practice, offering independent psychological evaluations, consultation, and therapy. My approach is tailored to meet the unique needs of each client, whether they are seeking clarity in legal proceedings, support for behavioral health concerns, or guidance on the path to recovery. My goal is to provide clear, objective, and evidence-based assessments to support informed decision-making in legal, medical, and personal contexts.
Professional Experience
2016-Present
Staff Psychologist
VA San Diego Healthcare System
Motivational Interviewing & Motivational Enhancement Therapy (MI/MET) National Consultant
Assistant Clinical Professor (Volunteer)
UC San Diego
Dept. of Psychiatry
Volunteer Experience
2017-Present
Board Member
Veterans Village of San Diego (VVSD)
Professional Experience
2016-Present
Staff Psychologist
VA San Diego Healthcare System
Motivational Interviewing & Motivational Enhancement Therapy (MI/MET) National Consultant
Assistant Clinical Professor (Volunteer)
UC San Diego
Dept. of Psychiatry
Select Publications
Veterans and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder
Felleman, B., Stewart, D., Simpson, T.L, Heppner, P., Kearney, D.J. (2016). Predictors of depression and PTSD treatment response among veterans participating in Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction. Mindfulness, 7(4), 886-895. doi: 10.1007/s12671-016-0527-7.
Kearney, D.J., Simpson, T.L., Malte, C., Felleman, B., Martinez, M., Hunt, S.C. (2016). Mindfulness-based stress reduction in addition to usual care is associated with improvements in pain, fatigue and cognitive failures among veterans with gulf war illness. American Journal of Medicine, 129 (2), 204-214. doi:10.1016/j.amjmed.2015.09.015.
Martinez, M., Kearney, D., Simpson, T., Felleman, B., Bernardi, N., Sayre, G., (2015). Challenges to enrollment and participation in Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction among veterans: A qualitative study. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 21(7), 1-13. doi: 10.1089/acm.2014.0324
Kearney, D., McManus C., Malte, C., Martinez, M., Felleman, B., Simpson, T. (2014). Loving-kindness meditation and the Broaden and Build theory of positive emotions: Initial results for veterans with Posttraumatic Stress Disorder. Medical Care, 51, S32-S38.
Substance Use
Felleman, B., Athenour, D., Ta, D. et al. (2013). Behavioral Health Services Influence Medical Treatment Utilization Among Primary Care Patients with Comorbid Substance Use and Depression. J Clin Psychol Med Settings 20, 415–426.
Stewart, D.G., Arlt, V.K., Felleman, B. et al. (2015). Mechanisms of Alcohol Use Disorder Severity in Adolescents with Co-occurring Depressive Symptoms: Findings from a School-Based Substance Use Intervention. School Mental Health 7, 147–159
Stewart, D. , Felleman, B. , & Arger, C.. (2015). Effectiveness of motivational incentives for adolescent marijuana users in a school-based intervention. Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment, 58, 43-50.
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