Alisha R. Johnson, Psy.D.
Owner and Lead Forensic Psychologist
Dr. Alisha Johnson is the new proprietor and lead forensic psychologist at Bernatz Experts. Dr. Johnson received her doctorate at Pepperdine University and has flourished at Metropolitan State Hospital and Bernatz Experts. She was awarded for redeveloping the competency to stand trial program at Metropolitan State Hospital. She is on a small panel of experts responsible for training psychologists on violence risk assessment. With Bernatz Experts, Dr. Johnson has handled numerous cases involving undue influence, capacity, and conservatorship, delivering thorough written reports and expert testimony. She was also the premier forensic psychologist at the Los Angeles County Elder Abuse Forensic Center from 2012 - 2023.
Founded by Dr. Susan Bernatz
Our History
Our founder, Dr. Susan Bernatz, was an expert in legal matters involving undue influence, capacity, and financial elder abuse for over twenty years. In a statement of decision, the court acknowledged her expertise, "career-long experience," "pioneering achievements," and "impeccable credentials."
She began her expert witness career in financial elder abuse in 1997.
By 2006, Dr. Bernatz had developed and published the undue influence model SCAM™ and the 4-bucket system™, which provides guidance on gathering and analyzing circumstantial evidence in undue influence matters.
A year later, in 2007, Dr. Bernatz became a founding member of the world-renowned Los Angeles County Elder Abuse Forensic Center (LACEAFC), and the psychologists at Bernatz Experts have been the primary consultants since its opening.
In 2008, Dr. Bernatz established a professional training program for her associate psychologists at the LACEAFC to educate them on undue influence, capacity, and financial elder abuse.
By 2014, Dr. Bernatz's SCAM™ model regarding undue influence was reflected in the new California Probate Code (PC § 86 and WIC 15610.70).
Dr. Bernatz passed away in 2021, but her associates continue to be the expert witness team you can count on to assist you in all matters regarding financial elder abuse.