Review of denied or delayed claims
We’ll help you understand why your claim was held up and what additional information or documentation may be required.
Our Services
EDD: Support for Disability, Unemployment, and Paid Family Leave Claims
Professional guidance and documentation assistance—available in person in Oakland, CA, by phone
or online.
Navigating a California Employment Development Department
(EDD) claim can be confusing—especially when you’re balancing work, health, and
family responsibilities.
At Ability Psychological Services, Dr. Nicole Kirsch
provides non-clinical support to help you understand
eligibility, prepare documentation, and resolve issues with the EDD efficiently. We support
Disability Insurance (DI), Unemployment Insurance (UI), and Paid Family Leave (PFL) claims.
Request a Free Consultation
About EDD Support
The California Employment Development Department (EDD) oversees programs such as
Unemployment Insurance (UI), State Disability Insurance (SDI), and Paid Family Leave (PFL).
These programs provide essential financial and medical support for individuals who are unable
to work due to medical or mental health reasons—or those caring for family members in need.
Unfortunately, the process is not always straightforward. Claims may be delayed, denied, or
flagged for additional review. In many cases, EDD requests further documentation or
clarification from a licensed professional such as a psychologist to confirm eligibility.
That’s where our services come in. Dr. Nicole Kirsch helps clients navigate
these complexities by providing professional evaluations, clear and concise documentation, and,
when appropriate, communication with the EDD. Every case is approached with care,
confidentiality, and respect—so you feel supported, informed, and heard throughout the process.
How We Help
What Our EDD Support Services Include
Our EDD support services are designed to make each step of your claim smoother and less overwhelming. We provide:
Clarification of eligibility requirements
EDD criteria can be confusing. We’ll review your situation to determine what type of claim is most appropriate and what documentation will strengthen your case.
Preparation and support of documentation
Whether your claim requires psychological evaluation results, medical certification, or clarification of work limitations, we’ll help ensure your records meet EDD standards.
Clinical Intake, Psychoeducation and Clinical Recommendations
After we meet with you to understand your clinical history, we will discuss potential diagnoses while providing necessary clinical recommendations which we can review over time.
Our focus is on making the process less intimidating while protecting your rights and ensuring your voice is represented accurately in EDD communications.
Who We Help
Types of EDD Claims We Support
Process for Personalized Psychological Services
Every individual’s situation is unique, but most cases fall into one of the following
categories:
Unemployment Insurance Benefits
If you’ve lost your job and need to verify that your departure was due to medical or
mental health factors, we can provide evaluations or statements to support your claim.
Psychological stress, anxiety, depression, or trauma can sometimes interfere with your
ability to maintain employment, and we can help you document this in a clear,
professional way.
Disability Insurance Claims
For individuals unable to work due to a psychological condition or related health
concern, our evaluations help determine whether you meet EDD’s criteria for State
Disability Insurance (SDI). Dr. Kirsch conducts thorough assessments that align with EDD
documentation standards and help communicate how your symptoms impact daily functioning
and employability.
Paid Family Leave (PFL)
If you are taking time off work to care for a loved one with a qualifying condition—or
you need family bonding leave after the birth or adoption of a child—EDD may require
supporting documentation. We provide clear, compassionate verification and assistance to
ensure your paperwork is properly completed.
What to Expect
Our Process: Simple, Transparent, Effective
Seeking professional help with your EDD claim should bring clarity, not confusion.
Here’s how the process works at
Ability Psychological Services, so you always
know what to expect at each step.
-
Schedule Your Consultation
Contact our office to book an appointment with Dr. Kirsch. You can meet in person, online, or by phone—whichever option best fits your schedule and comfort. -
Initial Review of Your Situation
During your consultation, we review your claim details, discuss your concerns, and clarify what the EDD is requesting. You’ll receive personalized guidance on the most appropriate next steps. -
Evaluation & Documentation
If an evaluation or written report is needed, Dr. Kirsch completes this in line with EDD criteria and timelines. All documentation is clear, professional, and tailored to the specific requirements of your claim. -
Follow-Up & Ongoing Support
We remain available to answer questions, provide updates, and respond to additional EDD requests or clarifications—helping you stay informed and supported throughout the process.
This structured, transparent process ensures you always know where things stand and
how we’re working to support your EDD claim.
Appointment Options
We understand that flexibility matters. Appointments are available in three convenient formats:
- In-Person: Conducted at our office in a private, supportive environment.
- Virtual: Secure video appointments for clients anywhere in California.
- By Phone: A simple option for those who prefer a conversation-based approach.
Whichever format you choose, you’ll receive the same level of professionalism, confidentiality, and care.
About Dr. Nicole Kirsch
With years of experience and a deep understanding of the cultural components and
complexities that can impact psychological evaluation, Dr. Nicole Kirsch is a trusted
professional in the field of psychological assessment.
Her goal is to advocate for clients through clear communication, ethical practice, and
documentation that meets professional and legal standards. Dr. Kirsch works closely with
clients to ensure their needs are fully represented in the EDD process and that their voices
are heard with respect and accuracy.
Meet Dr. Kirsch
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who can benefit from EDD evaluation or support?
Individuals applying for or appealing EDD benefits (DI, UI, PFL) who need guidance, documentation, or clarification to support their claim.
Q: Can you help if my EDD claim was denied?
Yes. We review the denial, identify missing information, and help you prepare clearer documentation for an appeal or reconsideration.
Q: How long does the process take?
Most evaluations and documentation can be completed within 1–2 weeks after your consultation. EDD processing times may vary.
Q: Do you communicate directly with the EDD?
With your written consent, we may provide clarification or documentation directly to the EDD to help resolve questions efficiently.
Q: Are virtual or phone appointments accepted by EDD?
Yes. Properly documented virtual or phone assessments are generally accepted when completed by a qualified professional.
Ready to Get Started?
If you’re navigating the EDD process and need professional guidance, Dr. Nicole Kirsch and
Ability Psychological Services are here to help. We’ll make sure your documentation is accurate,
complete, and ready for submission—so you can move forward with confidence.
Schedule an Appointment
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