For pilots and aviation professionals, maintaining optimal mental and physical health is crucial for ensuring flight safety and career longevity. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) mandates that individuals seeking or maintaining their aviation medical certification undergo rigorous evaluations, particularly when mental health or substance use concerns arise. Dr. Matthew Goldenberg, D.O., specializes in FAA and HIMS Psychiatric Evaluations, helping pilots navigate the complex certification process while prioritizing their well-being.
What Are FAA Evaluations?
FAA evaluations are specialized medical assessments required by the FAA for pilots, air traffic controllers, and other aviation professionals to ensure their fitness to perform safety-sensitive duties. These evaluations often focus on psychiatric conditions, substance use disorders, and neurodevelopmental disorders such as ADHD.
Dr. Goldenberg provides in-depth assessments that align with FAA standards, offering expert guidance and personalized support to help individuals obtain or maintain a medical certification.
Types of FAA Evaluations Provided by Dr. Goldenberg
1. FAA Substance Use Disorder Evaluations
Pilots who have had issues related to alcohol or drug use, whether through self-disclosure, a failed drug test, or a DUI, may be required to undergo a HIMS Psychiatric Evaluation. Dr. Goldenberg is a HIMS trained psychiatrist and conducts thorough assessments following FAA guidelines and to FAA standards, including:
- Comprehensive clinical interviews
- Review of medical and legal records
- Collateral phone calls
- Toxicology screenings (as required)
- Collaboration with HIMS (Human Intervention Motivation Study) aviation medical examiners (AMEs)
- Treatment and monitoring recommendations if necessary
2. FAA Psychiatric Evaluations
Mental health conditions can impact aviation careers, and the FAA requires psychiatric evaluations for pilots with a history of depression, anxiety, PTSD, ADHD or other mental health concerns. Dr. Goldenberg offers FAA psychiatric assessments that meet the high standards and expectations of the FAA, ensuring that:
- The pilot’s mental health is thoroughly evaluated
- Treatment history and medication use are reviewed
- FAA certification requirements are met with expert guidance
- Recommendations for ongoing treatment and/or follow up and monitoring, if needed, are provided
3. FAA ADHD Evaluations
The FAA has strict guidelines regarding a current and/or past diagnosis of ADHD and any history of stimulant medication use. Individuals with an ADHD diagnosis or history of stimulant use must undergo a psychiatric evaluation to determine eligibility for medical certification. Dr. Goldenberg’s ADHD evaluations include:
- A review of neuropsychological testing (co-screen) which assesses executive functioning, attention, and processing speed
- Review of school and medical records
- A complete FAA Psychiatric Evaluation
- Documentation and a report that meets FAA medical certification requirements
4. Other FAA-Mandated Mental Health Evaluations
Dr. Goldenberg also provides evaluations for situations such as a history of a service connection (disability rating) at the Veterans Administration (VA) or a history of legal issues (arrests and/or convictions) and other unique needs. These assessments ensure that aviation professionals receive the necessary evaluation and documentation to support and continue their careers safely and effectively.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who needs an FAA psychiatric or substance use disorder evaluation?
Pilots, air traffic controllers, and aviation professionals who have a history of mental health conditions, substance use, or legal incidents possibly related to alcohol or drug use may be required to undergo an FAA evaluation.
2. What is involved in an FAA substance use disorder evaluation?
The evaluation includes a detailed clinical interview, a review of medical and legal records, possible toxicology screenings, collateral phone calls and a report that meets the FAA’s standards for medical certification.
3. Can I receive FAA medical certification if I have a history of ADHD?
It depends. The FAA requires thorough neuropsychological (cognitive) testing and a psychiatric evaluation. If there are no active ADHD symptoms and no current medication treatment of ADHD, certification by the FAA is possible.
4. Will taking antidepressants disqualify me from flying?
Not necessarily. The FAA allows specific antidepressants under strict conditions. Pilots on antidepressants must undergo a thorough psychiatric evaluation and monitoring to ensure they meet FAA safety standards.
5. How long does the FAA evaluation process take?
The timeline varies depending on the complexity of the case and FAA processing times. After the evaluation, Dr. Goldenberg provides a detailed report that is submitted to the FAA for review.
6. What should I bring to my FAA evaluation?
Plan to share any relevant medical and psychiatric records, previous FAA correspondence, legal documents (if applicable), and a list of current and past medications.
7. What happens if my FAA evaluation finds concerns about my fitness to fly?
Dr. Goldenberg provides an objective and individualized assessment and recommendations and the FAA makes the final decision on every case. If you do not currently meet the FAA standards for a medical certificate, Dr. Goldenberg has the experience and training to suggest treatment options, monitoring plans, and/or alternative approaches to help pilots meet FAA standards.
Why Choose Dr. Matthew Goldenberg for FAA Evaluations?
Dr. Goldenberg is a highly experienced psychiatrist specializing in FAA psychiatric evaluations. He provides:
- Psychiatric and HIMS Psychiatric evaluations that meet the FAA’s standards
- Expertise in mental health and substance use disorder evaluations of safety sensitive workers
- Individualized, objective and professional consultations
- Support and guidance throughout the FAA medical certification process
Contact Information
For FAA psychiatric evaluations and expert guidance, contact:
Dr. Matthew Goldenberg, D.O.
2708 Wilshire Blvd
Santa Monica, CA 90403
Phone: (424) 276-0777
Business Hours:
Monday – Friday: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday, Sunday: Closed
Navigating the FAA medical certification process can be challenging, but with expert support from Dr. Goldenberg, pilots and aviation professionals can confidently meet the necessary requirements while prioritizing their mental and physical health.