Stephen R. Brewer, PsyD | Clinical, Forensic, Police, and Multicultural Psychology

I am a licensed psychologist based in San Diego, California, providing psychotherapy, forensic, and second-opinion services in complex mental health matters. My background includes over two decades of clinical practice, psychological assessment, graduate and undergraduate teaching, and consultation in cases involving diagnostic complexity, treatment concerns, and institutional decision-making. For many of the people I see, psychotherapy takes the shape of a mythic journey. I think of the great Arthurian knight named Percival, who learns to fight long before he learns what else his courage is for. You can come home and find that part of you is still standing watch. After years of defending your right to live as a human being, you may wonder what you want from the life you fought to have. We could begin by sitting down together and talking about what happened along the way. There's room to rest your mind while we take stock of what kept you going and what it cost you. My role is to help you decide what you want to carry forward as you improve your quality of life, and look with you for people you can turn to beyond our sessions. My approach to forensic work is begins with a thorough review of the available information. I scrutinize records and other sources, examine and interrogate discrepancies, and pursue relevant leads as far as the assignment and applicable rules permit. In my second opinion work, I examine in detail how the original conclusions and diagnoses were reached and test competing explanations against the available evidence. My reviews of clinician conduct apply relevant professional standards to questions such as informed consent or the use and disclosure of protected health information. In my behavioral threat assessment work for university communities, I examine the reported subject's behavior in context and assess what it indicates about risk and possible responses. I pursue relevant leads within the scope of my assignment and contribute to coordination of appropriate law enforcement responses where needed. My reports in all contexts are concise and address the specific questions posed while explaining how the available evidence informs my opinions. So ethical boundaries are maintained, as near the outset of our interaction as possible, we will discuss which professional role you would like me to take. B.S. in Psychology - Revelle College at University of California, San Diego (2006) M.A. in Clinical Psychology - California School of Professional Psychology at Alliant International University, San Diego (2008) Psy.D in Clinical Psychology - California School of Professional Psychology at Alliant International University, San Diego (2012)