Forensic and Clinical Psychologist

Kristin Samuelson, PhD

Kristi Samuelson, Ph.D. is a clinical and forensic psychologist living in New Orleans, Louisiana.  She is a former professor who brings over 20 years of experience as an expert witness and forensic evaluator in litigation related to traumatic stress. Her research has specialized in the field of trauma psychology since 2001, with much of her work surrounding neuropsychological functioning in PTSD.  She continues to serve as a research consultant on federal grants related to PTSD. 

She is proud to have mentored, taught, or supervised hundreds of clinical psychologists during her previous academic positions, which included serving as the director of a trauma psychology Ph.D. program at the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs and as a professor at the California School of Professional Psychology.

As an expert in trauma, Dr. Samuelson has been retained as an expert witness or forensic evaluator for a diverse range of civil and criminal cases. She specializes in psychodiagnostic and neuropsychological assessment of both adults and children and she serves as an expert witness, forensic evaluator, and consultant on civil, criminal, and immigration cases involving trauma, and PTSD, traumatic brain injury, and neuropsychological concerns. In addition, with over 25 years experience as a research scientist specializing in trauma psychology, Dr. Samuelson is able to provide scientifically informed, firsthand knowledge of the relevant research as an expert witness.



  • • PTSD, Trauma, and Emotional Distress

    • Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI/Concussion)

    • Pain and Somatic Symptom Disorders

    • Neuropsychological Assessment

    • Personality Assessment

    • Malingering and Symptom Validity

    • Asylum Evaluations, Immigration Trauma

    • Sexual and Physical Assault

    • Child Maltreatment

    • Military Trauma

    • Intimate Partner Violence

    • Motor Vehicle Accidents

    • Trauma Intervention Development

  • Dr. Samuelson is frequently retained as a consultant in legal cases involving mental health issues. Dr. Samuelson is skilled at translating complex psychological and psychiatric concepts into understandable, layperson-friendly language for attorneys, juries, and judges.

    Consultation services include:

    • Case analysis and development

    • Review of records to identify relevant mental health issues or potential symptom validity concerns

    • Explaining psychological testing results, psychotherapy notes, and diagnoses

    • Preparation of reports providing opinions on mental health issues and independent interpretation of assessment results

    • Assisting in the development of direct and cross-examination strategies of mental health experts