We recently connected with Dr. Yadira Baez-Lockard and have shared our conversation below.
Dr. Yadira, appreciate you joining us today. We’d love to hear about how you went about setting up your own practice and if you have any advice for professionals who might be considering starting their own?
Starting my own practice was both an intentional decision and, in many ways, a natural progression in my professional path. Early on, I realized that I wanted the autonomy to approach cases in a way that prioritized thorough evaluation, ethical integrity, and individualized attention to each client. Establishing my own practice gave me the flexibility to do that while also allowing me to focus on the types of cases and work that I felt were most meaningful.
In the early days, the process involved much more than simply opening an office. There were several foundational steps: establishing the legal and business structure of the practice, developing referral networks with attorneys and other professionals, securing appropriate office space, and ensuring that all professional and legal requirements were met. At the same time, I had to think carefully about how I wanted my practice to operate from the types of services offered to the systems for documentation, scheduling, and case management.
One of the biggest challenges was balancing the clinical or professional side of the work with the realities of running a business. As professionals, we are often trained extensively in our field but not necessarily in business management. Learning to handle administrative responsibilities, financial planning, and operational logistics while maintaining the quality of professional work was a significant learning curve.
Looking back, I would say the most valuable lesson was the importance of building strong professional relationships early on. Many opportunities come through collaboration and trust within professional networks. I also learned the value of patience, building a practice takes time, consistency, and a commitment to maintaining high standards even when things are still growing.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I am a psychologist whose work sits at the intersection of mental health and the legal system. Over the course of my career, I have developed a practice focused on psychological evaluations, forensic consultation, and expert witness work in complex legal matters. My role often involves helping courts, attorneys, and families better understand the psychological factors that influence behavior, decision-making, and family dynamics.
My path into this field developed from a long-standing interest in understanding human behavior, particularly in situations where emotions, trauma, and interpersonal conflict intersect with legal questions. As I progressed through my training and professional experience, I became increasingly drawn to forensic and evaluative work because it requires both scientific rigor and the ability to translate complex psychological concepts into information that courts and decision-makers can clearly understand. That intersection between psychology and law ultimately shaped the direction of my career.
In my practice, I provide a range of services that include psychological evaluations, forensic assessments, custody-related evaluations, consultation with legal professionals, and expert testimony in court. Much of my work involves evaluating complex family situations, assessing psychological functioning, and helping the court understand how mental health factors may influence behavior, parenting, or decision-making. In other cases, I am asked to evaluate issues related to mental state, personality functioning, trauma, or other psychological conditions that may be relevant to legal proceedings.
At its core, my work is about bringing clarity to complicated situations. Legal cases often involve highly emotional narratives, conflicting perspectives, and significant consequences for the individuals involved. My role is to approach these matters through an objective, research-informed lens and provide the court with information that is grounded in psychological science. I take that responsibility very seriously, because the opinions provided in forensic work can have a profound impact on legal outcomes and on people’s lives.
One thing that sets my practice apart is the emphasis I place on thoroughness and integration. Psychological evaluations should not rely on a single source of information. Instead, they require a comprehensive approach that integrates interviews, psychological testing, records review, collateral information, and behavioral observations. By examining multiple sources of data, I aim to provide opinions that are balanced, well-supported, and clinically sound.
If you could go back in time, do you think you would have chosen a different profession or specialty?
Yes, I would absolutely choose the same profession again. Psychology, particularly forensic and evaluative work, allows me to engage with some of the most complex aspects of human behavior while also contributing to meaningful decisions that affect people’s lives. The work is intellectually challenging, but it is also deeply purposeful.
What continues to draw me to this field is the opportunity to bridge two very different worlds—mental health and the legal system. Courts often face situations involving trauma, conflict, personality dynamics, and complicated family histories. Being able to apply psychological science to help clarify those issues and present them in a way that judges, attorneys, and other decision-makers can understand is both challenging and rewarding.
Over time, I’ve come to appreciate how impactful careful psychological evaluation can be. In many cases, the information provided through a comprehensive assessment can help courts better understand the needs of children, the functioning of parents, or the psychological factors influencing behavior. Knowing that my work can contribute to more informed decisions is something I take very seriously.
If anything, the experience of building a practice and working in this field has only reinforced my decision. While the path has certainly included challenges, the ability to conduct meaningful work, maintain professional independence, and contribute expertise in complex legal matters is incredibly fulfilling. Looking back, I would choose this profession again without hesitation.
Training and knowledge matter of course, but beyond that what do you think matters most in terms of succeeding in your field?
Beyond training and knowledge, one of the most important qualities for succeeding in this field is intellectual humility. Psychology—and particularly forensic work, requires the ability to approach complex situations without assuming you already know the answer. Each case involves unique histories, perspectives, and psychological dynamics, so maintaining an open, curious, and methodical mindset is essential.
Equally important is the ability to think critically and remain objective. In forensic settings, professionals are often working within highly adversarial environments where different parties may strongly advocate for a particular narrative. Being able to evaluate information carefully, consider multiple sources of data, and remain grounded in evidence-based reasoning is critical to maintaining professional integrity.
Communication is another key factor. Much of the work involves translating complex psychological concepts into language that judges, attorneys, and juries can understand. The ability to explain findings clearly—without losing scientific accuracy, is an essential skill in this field.
Resilience is also important. Many cases involve difficult subject matter such as trauma, conflict, or high-stakes legal disputes. Maintaining professionalism and emotional balance while working through those situations is necessary for long-term success.
Ultimately, what helps someone succeed in this field is a combination of curiosity, objectivity, strong ethical grounding, and the ability to communicate psychological insight in a way that is both clear and responsible. When those qualities are present alongside strong training, professionals are better equipped to navigate the complexities of both psychology and the legal system.
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