Groepler

MEMORANDUM ***

William Groepler appeals the judgment of the district court affirming the decision of the Commissioner of the Social Security Administration to deny his application for disability benefits. We have jurisdiction pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 1291 . We review de novo the district court’s order, and we *680 uphold the Commissioner’s decision if it is supported by substantial evidence and is free of legal error. Verduzco v. Apfel, 188 F.3d 1087, 1089 (9th Cir.1999). We affirm.

Based on the medical evidence, the administrative law judge (“ALJ”) correctly found that Groepler’s mental impairment was not severe during the period between his alleged onset date, April 15, 1989, and his date last insured, December 31, 1994. See 20 C.F.R. § 404.1521 . Because Groepler’s mental impairment was not severe, the ALJ was not obligated to seek the assistance of a medical advisor to establish an onset date. See Social Security Ruling 83-20, 1983 WL 31249 , at *3.

The ALJ erred in disregarding the records from Mira Boone, a licensed clinical social worker, who held weekly therapy sessions with Groepler from approximately August 1994 through February 1996. Cf Crane v. Shalala, 76 F.3d 251,…