Frank E. Dougherty, J.D., Ph.D., C.F.L.S., A.B.P.P. (diplomate in forensic psychology), is a certified family law specialist with a more than 40 years of experience as a psychologist before switching to a law practice in 1995. He has a Ph.D. in Psychology from Vanderbilt University and a J.D. (law degree) from King Hall (U.C. Davis School of Law). Having a "diplomate" in forensic psychology (A.B.P.P.) means having national recognition, after peer examination, by the American Psychological Association of specialized expertise in applying psychological principles to the legal arena. He presently practices law in the Sacramento Valley region in the areas of family law, juvenile dependency law, guardianships and writs and appeals. 

Previously, he has worked as a custody evaluator, clinical researcher, a chief psychologist in upstate New York, a practicing neuropsychologist, a professor of Psychology at several universities, a local director of mental health in El Dorado County, a CEO of a corporation conducting psychological evaluations for the California Department of Mental Health, a law clerk to Justice Levinson in the Hawaii Supreme Court and a lecturer on law and mental health issues to various legal and professional groups.