A Psychological Fitness for Duty Evaluation is a structured psychological assessment designed to determine whether an individual is mentally and emotionally capable of performing the essential functions of their job. These evaluations are especially critical in high-risk, safety-sensitive environments such as healthcare, law enforcement, aviation, and emergency response.
Dr. Savana Howe, a licensed clinical psychologist, specializes in high-stakes occupational assessments. Her evaluations are evidence-based, objective, and legally defensible, helping organizations and individuals navigate complex return-to-work decisions with clarity and professionalism. With deep experience in workplace mental health, Dr. Howe provides comprehensive support while prioritizing fairness, accuracy, and confidentiality.
A Fitness for Duty Evaluation (FFDE) is a formal assessment process used to determine whether an employee is capable of performing their job duties safely and effectively. These evaluations may include medical, physical, or psychological components depending on the nature of the job and the concerns involved. They are often initiated by employers, unions, HR departments, or legal counsel in response to observed changes in performance, behavior, or safety risk.
Dr. Howe specializes in psychological fitness for duty evaluations. Unlike therapeutic sessions, these assessments are non-treatment based and evaluative in nature, focusing on emotional stability, cognitive functioning, and behavioral factors that may impact job performance. Evaluations are conducted using clinical interviews, standardized psychological testing, behavioral history review, and collateral information when appropriate. Each assessment is tailored to match the psychological demands of the specific job and the concerns that prompted the referral. The goal is to provide a clear, objective opinion on whether the individual is psychologically fit to work in the role or continue in their current role—while also outlining next steps or support options when appropriate.
Fitness for Duty Assessments are used by employers to ensure that an individual is mentally and emotionally prepared to perform essential job duties safely and effectively.
Dr. Howe’s fitness for duty evaluation process is structured to ensure fairness, accuracy, and relevance to each individual’s occupational context. Every step is designed to gather meaningful data, clarify mental readiness, and support informed return-to-work decisions.
The process begins with a consultation between Dr. Howe and the referred employee or employer. This meeting clarifies the referral question, outlines job responsibilities, and reviews any relevant background information or documentation.
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A comprehensive psychological interview is conducted, along with standardized testing to assess cognitive abilities, emotional regulation, behavioral patterns, and overall psychological functioning as it relates to workplace demands.
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To provide full context, Dr. Howe reviews supporting materials such as HR documentation, performance evaluations, medical or mental health records, and incident reports when available.
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A written report is delivered, summarizing findings and diagnostic impressions (if applicable). It includes a professional opinion on fitness for duty and recommendations regarding accommodations, treatment, or follow-up monitoring as needed.
Dr. Savana Howe is a licensed clinical psychologist specializing in psychological testing and evaluation. She offers in-depth assessments for a wide range of needs, including ADHD, Autism, learning challenges, giftedness, cognitive functioning, court-ordered evaluations, and fitness-for-duty exams.
Her reports are known for being clear, thorough, and practical—helping clients, families, and professionals better understand their situation. Whether it’s for diagnosis, school or job accommodations, or legal questions, Dr. Howe tailors every evaluation to the person and situation. She has experience working in courts, aviation, healthcare settings, and schools, and always brings cultural awareness and clinical care to the process.
Alongside testing, Dr. Howe also provides therapy for people dealing with anxiety, depression, trauma, or life changes. Her approach is warm and collaborative, focused on helping people feel heard, understood, and supported.
Once the evaluation process is complete, Dr. Howe will provide a clear and professionally informed determination of the employee’s psychological readiness to return to or continue in their role. Based on clinical findings and workplace demands, individuals are categorized as either:
The individual is cleared to return to work without restrictions. No significant psychological concerns were identified that would impact job performance or safety.
The individual can perform their role but may require temporary accommodations, such as modified duties, reduced hours, or regular mental health follow-up to ensure continued safety and effectiveness.
The individual is currently not able to safely fulfill their job responsibilities. Treatment or rehabilitation is recommended, with re-evaluation suggested after appropriate progress is made.
The decision is based on objective data and tailored to the individual’s job responsibilities, emotional functioning, and cognitive capacity.
A comprehensive written report is then delivered to the authorized referring party—such as the employer, HR department, or legal counsel. This report includes diagnostic impressions (if applicable), a summary of test results, and actionable recommendations. These may include suggestions for workplace accommodations, therapeutic interventions, further monitoring, or referrals to employee assistance programs (EAPs).
In cases where coordination with other professionals is needed, Dr. Howe is available for follow-up consultation, clarification of findings, or expert input during case reviews, HR meetings, or legal proceedings. Her goal is to support both organizational safety and employee well-being through thoughtful, ethical evaluation.
Contact Dr. Howe today to schedule your free 15-minute consultation and begin your journey toward better mental health.
A fitness for duty evaluation typically includes several key components to ensure a thorough and fair assessment. Dr. Howe conducts a detailed clinical interview to gather information about the individual’s psychological functioning, medical and mental health history, and job responsibilities. Standardized psychological testing is administered to objectively assess cognitive, emotional, and behavioral functioning. In addition, relevant records such as previous evaluations, medical reports, workplace performance documentation, and incident reports are reviewed. The goal is to form a complete, evidence-based opinion regarding the individual’s ability to safely and effectively perform essential job duties.
Yes. A written report summarizing the findings and conclusions of the evaluation is typically shared with the referring employer, human resources department, or legal representative, depending on the initial referral agreement. This report outlines whether the individual is fit for duty, conditionally fit (with recommended accommodations), or not fit at the current time. While every effort is made to protect sensitive information, it is important to understand that the evaluation is not considered a confidential therapeutic relationship but a professional assessment intended to inform employment-related decisions.
The full evaluation process usually requires one to two appointments, depending on the complexity of the referral and the amount of psychological testing needed. Each session typically lasts between 2 to 4 hours. After the evaluation is completed, Dr. Howe carefully scores and interprets the results, integrates collateral information, and prepares a comprehensive written report. In most cases, reports are finalized and delivered within 7 to 10 business days. Expedited reporting may be available in certain cases if needed and arranged in advance.
Confidentiality in fitness for duty evaluations follows specific legal and ethical guidelines. Dr. Howe takes every measure to protect private health information and only shares findings with the designated referral source. Information disclosed during the evaluation is summarized in the report but is limited to what is necessary to answer the referral question regarding fitness for duty.
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