Dr. Monique M. Chouraeshkenazi, PhD, PsyD, MSCP, stands at the forefront of mental health and neuropsychometrics. As the Founder, CEO, and Chief Clinical Neuropsychometrician of The Chouraeshkenazi Group (TCG), she leads a veteran-owned business that excels in mental health evaluation, consulting, research, and education services. TCG is dedicated to developing tailored treatment plans and interventions for children, adolescents, and adults, addressing their unique needs and transforming lives with personalized care. CEO Scoop is delighted to feature Dr. Monique M. Chouraeshkenazi in this edition’s Spotlight on the Most Prestigious Female Leaders of 2024.

Monique, please tell us about The Chouraeshkenazi Group (TCG).

At TCG, we pride ourselves on our expertise in neuropsychology, which allows us to provide comprehensive evaluations for neurodevelopmental and neurocognitive disorders. Our meticulous examinations and advanced diagnostic tools help us understand the underlying neurological factors contributing to these conditions, supporting accurate diagnosis through cutting-edge medical research.

In terms of psychological evaluations, we offer psychoeducational assessments and evaluations for children and teens, developing treatment plans that identify their strengths and weaknesses. Our goal is to enhance their academic performance and prepare them for future professional careers. We also deliver services for specific psychiatric conditions, including anxiety, depressive, mood, bipolar, dissociative, obsessive-compulsive, personality, somatic symptom, trauma, and stress-related disorders, as well as disruptive, impulse-control, and conduct disorders.

Our treatment plans are tailored to meet each patient’s unique needs, helping them navigate their mental health challenges with effective interventions and support that promote overall well-being and enhance their quality of life.

In addition to our core services, TCG has developed comprehensive offerings in forensic psychology tailored to the legal and judicial systems. We conduct forensic neuropsychopathological assessments, competency evaluations, and legal insanity cases, providing accurate and insightful evaluations that assist the legal system in making informed decisions for adults.

We also perform independent medical evaluations, offering objective and unbiased assessments of individuals’ medical conditions, functional abilities, and potential limitations. These evaluations are crucial in legal, insurance, and disability-related cases, providing expert opinions. Our medical record review services analyze documentation to extract pertinent information and provide comprehensive reports, particularly for military service members and veterans.

Beyond evaluations, we offer expert opinions and recommendations in medical and mental healthcare, assisting patients, attorneys, insurance providers, and other stakeholders. Our consultation services include in-depth case reviews, providing valuable insights and recommendations for complex cases.

Additionally, TCG is an esteemed source for expert opinions and interviews in legal, media, and academic settings. We contribute to medical education through course and curriculum development, and we provide instruction and mentorship to aspiring healthcare professionals, aiding their professional development.

Our consultation services are highly sought after by individuals, organizations, and institutions. We combine extensive expertise with a compassionate approach, ensuring optimal outcomes for those seeking guidance in the medical and mental healthcare domains.

Exceptional Impact

Dr. Monique M. Chouraeshkenazi and The Chouraeshkenazi Group (TCG) have achieved a remarkable array of recognitions and accreditations, reflecting their outstanding contributions to mental health, neuropsychology, and forensic psychology. Among their notable achievements, Dr. Chouraeshkenazi was named an International Bestselling Author by the Best-Selling Authors Association in 2024 and featured on the Cover of Top Industry Professionals Magazine, Special Edition the same year.

She was honored as one of the Top 50 Fearless Leaders by the International Association of Top Professionals in 2024 and received accolades from The National Society of Leadership and Success in 2023. Her dedication to her field is further evidenced by her receipt of a Full Scholarship from California Southern University in 2022 and a Graduate Fellow Scholarship from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology in 2021.

In 2020, she was recognized as the Top Professor of The Year in National Security by the International Association of Top Professionals. Other significant honors include a Certificate of Appreciation from Governor Jim Justice of West Virginia in 2019 and the Oxford University Press Elite Magazine First Special Edition feature in 2017. Dr. Chouraeshkenazi’s exceptional career is also highlighted by a series of military distinctions, including the Joint Service Commendation Medal with One Oak Leaf Cluster, the Joint Meritorious Unit Award, and numerous Air Force medals and commendations. These accolades underscore her profound impact and unwavering commitment to advancing her field and improving lives.

Dr. Chouraeshkenazi, what have been some of the most challenging obstacles you’ve encountered in your career?

Dr. Monique M. Chouraeshkenazi: One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced in running a business is keeping up with the rapid technological advancements within the healthcare system. The pace of change can be overwhelming, and ensuring that our practices remain compliant with HIPAA and other privacy standards is crucial. Additionally, navigating the complexities of working with insurance companies has been a significant hurdle. Understanding their practices and how they impact hospitals, clinics, and private practices requires ongoing effort and adaptation.

Another unique challenge I encounter is contracting my services to two mental health practices in Northern Virginia as an independent contractor. While this arrangement offers flexibility and aligns well with my business model that spans education, research, and branding, it also means that, as an unlicensed professional, I am limited in the scope of what I can do. I work under the supervision of a clinical psychologist, which, while beneficial, imposes certain constraints. Despite this, my specialized training and experience as a neuropsychometrician provide me with a broad perspective in my field. I am currently studying for my licensure examination to become a licensed clinical neuropsychologist, specifically a neuropsychopathologist, to further expand my capabilities.

Balancing work and personal life has also been a struggle. My tendency to immerse myself in work—running a business, teaching, studying for licensure, and building a brand—often leaves little room for a social life. While I acknowledge that being a workaholic isn’t ideal, I make it a priority to practice self-care. This ensures that I remain active and engaged in my professional and academic endeavors while also maintaining my well-being.

Dr. Chouraeshkenazi, what are your long-term goals, and where do you envision yourself in the coming years?

Dr. Monique M. Chouraeshkenazi: My long-term goals are deeply rooted in my passion for research and the advancement of medical knowledge, particularly within the realm of forensic neuropsychopathology. Since developing the conceptual framework of forensic neuropsychopathology in 2021, I’ve been dedicated to pushing the boundaries of this emerging field. Forensic neuropsychopathology integrates clinical neuropsychological practices with the scientific study of mental disorders, focusing on how these disorders impact decision-making in both civilian and military legal systems.

This field aims to provide empirical data based on validated neuropsychological methodologies to explore how mental illnesses affect brain structures and how these impacts are interpreted within legal contexts. Advanced research in this area is crucial for understanding how long-term and short-term mental illnesses influence brain function and the nervous system. It addresses fundamental questions such as whether impairment is permanent or reversible, how severe mental illness impacts responsibility for actions, and how competency and insanity are treated in legal settings.

Looking ahead, I envision The Chouraeshkenazi Group becoming a leading provider of cutting-edge research and services in clinical, forensic, and medical neuropsychopathology. Over the next five to ten years, I aim to position the company as a premier resource for active duty service members, veterans, and their families. This will involve continuing to advance research, exploring the complexities of the brain and nervous system, and improving how this data is applied within legal frameworks to enhance decision-making in civil and military court systems.

Dr. Chouraeshkenazi, who have been the most significant sources of inspiration in your life?

Dr. Monique M. Chouraeshkenazi: My daughter, Araceli J. Maldonado, is a profound source of inspiration for me. Her ability to adapt and overcome challenges due to my career has been remarkable. I’ve witnessed her resilience and strength in the face of adversity, and her achievements motivate me and others to pursue our goals with similar determination. Araceli’s empathy, kindness, and courage to challenge societal norms and question limiting beliefs exemplify the power of the human spirit to endure and thrive. Her confidence and accomplishments are a testament to what can be achieved with perseverance and self-belief.

Another significant source of inspiration was the late Dr. Ashton B. Carter. Dr. Carter was a great mentor and a true leader who played a pivotal role in my career development. He was the first to believe in my potential to become a doctor and encouraged me to expand my career beyond what I initially imagined. His passing was a great loss, but his belief in me continues to drive my resilience and commitment to helping others. I hope he is proud of the progress I’ve made and the impact I’m striving to have in the mental health community.

Finally, my dear friend Captain Thomas Rizzo has been a steadfast source of support and encouragement. His unwavering positivity, resilience, and empathy are truly inspiring. Tom’s exceptional leadership and his ability to help others believe in themselves, even during tough times, have provided me with invaluable guidance and motivation. He is a remarkable role model who is making significant contributions and is someone to watch for his ongoing impact and influence.