Frequently Asked Questions

A forensic psychology expert is qualified by knowledge, skill, experience, training, and education. They may use a psychological assessment, collateral information, psychological test results, research, and other means to help explain to the Court or jury mental health conditions/illness, the impact of an event (s) on mental health, or an individual’s current or past mental health ability. This is communicated verbally, in a report, and/or through expert witness court testimony.

Contact us for more information about your particular case. Here →

A forensic evaluation is a specific assessment conducted in the context of a legal case when there is an identified need for a forensic psychology expert opinion related to areas such as civil or criminal matters. Answers are provided for specific questions related to legal statute (s) or an incident (s). The particulars of each evaluation vary from case to case and/or from state to state.

Contact us for more information about your particular case. Here →

A forensic evaluation can help your team when faced with an individual with acute mental illness, past mental health history, or there is a need for a second opinion on a case already in progress. Information obtained can help support or negate speculations and answer complex psycholegal questions. The specific nature of your case will determine how we can best meet your need.

Contact us for more information about your particular case. Here →

Your client would need a forensic evaluation when an expert forensic psychologist can shed light on a case with scientific, technical, or specialized knowledge. Our team works with individuals to obtain and clarify critical information in a neutral manner. If an individual has a history of mental health issues, is having difficulty communicating their limitations with legal counsel, or your team needs or wants a deeper understanding of an individual’s functional legal capacity, a forensic evaluation would be warranted. Questions related to criminal or civil competency, criminal responsibility, psychological damages, immigration, and the like as discussed on this website would be invaluable from the ostensibly uncomplicated to high stakes case.

Contact us for more information about your particular case. Here →

Forensic instruments or tests may include traditional or specialized forensic psychological assessment tools. These instruments are formulated to measure a wide array of areas including, but not limited to intelligence, behavior patterns, substance use, trauma, malingering, mood, personality, cognitive and memory functioning, and psychopathology. Many of these tools are peer reviewed and normed on various populations, with reliability and validity data available.

Contact us for more information about your particular case. Here →

Forensic evaluations are conducted with a forensic psychology expert either in person, if social distancing measures are in place, or virtually. This can take place at an attorney’s office, private evaluator office, courtroom, correctional facility (i.e., jail, prison, detention center), or other designated location. We specialize in virtual/touchless evaluation opportunities where available.

Contact us for more information about your particular case. Here →

Due to the advent of COVID-19, virtual spaces have become a reality.  The advantages of a virtual forensic evaluation are:

• The reduced spread of the virus
• Use of most electronic devices with wi-fi capability (i.e., computer, tablet, phone)
• Time and cost related to travel
• Ease and more rapid scheduling
• Can be done in the comfort of a client’s home
• Connection to/from anywhere in the world
• Rapid access to others (i.e. attorneys, collateral interviews, etc.)

Contact us for more information about your particular case. Here →

To have the most effective evaluation, we offer some suggestions to share with your client to prepare for an evaluation.  It is helpful to make sure they get a good night’s sleep the night before if possible and eat prior.

• Ensure them there is no need to study
• Discuss informed consent and confidentiality limitations
• Set up in a comfortable space and lighting (virtual evaluation)
• Arrive or Log in 15 minutes prior to evaluation
• Wear comfortable clothing
• Have any medical records, medication list, notes, or contact information to share that are related to their mental health or damages
• Have a notepad and pen available
• Prepare for 2-3 hours
• Bring or have available water and a snack to have during a break, if needed
• Complete and have available any questionnaires provided prior to their appointment
• Have any required hearing aid or eyeglasses with them
• Take medications as normal unless their doctor has told them otherwise
• Do not consume any alcohol or drugs 24-48 hours prior to the evaluation

Contact us for more information about your particular case. Here →

Evaluation results/findings are provided verbally or through written full report. Typically, a consultation of review of findings is offered either in person, telephonically, or through videoconference. A report is written if indicated at onset of the case one is required or after expressly requested after consultation. The evaluation results are provided only to the legal counsel or Court. Evaluation results are NOT shared with others unless expressly written or ordered.
* It is important to note that a forensic report is often not confidential given an order for release could be issued by a Court at any time subsequent

Contact us for more information about your particular case. Here →

Yes! We offer a free initial consultation to ALL potential clients. To prepare for a helpful consultation:

• Have notes about the case ready
• Have ability to briefly discuss the case
• Be candid about expectations

*If you are the client of an attorney, please have your attorney contact us for a consultation

Contact us for more information about your particular case. Here →

No, forensic evaluations are typically NOT reimbursable through insurance. We work directly with attorneys and courts regarding fees.

Contact us for more information about your particular case. Here →

Forensic evaluations vary in scope depending on the complexity of a case.  Given this, cost can vary depending on the referral question, type of evaluation (s), duration of assessment, and other factors. Not all services will be required for every evaluation, below is an outline of what the fees of a comprehensive evaluation would cover:

Evaluations

• Review of records
• Clinical evaluation
• Testing w/assessment instruments
• Test scoring
• Test interpretation
• Collecting collateral information
• Oral debriefing of evaluation results
• Written report of evaluation results
• Post tests and/or post evaluation
• Pre-trial preparation
• Research

 

Trial and Expert Testimony

• Depositions
• Expert testimony

 

Other associated fees:

• Travel
• Phone contacts/written correspondence
• Administrative costs (i.e., copies)

 

*Payment of services is NOT contingent upon the conclusions of this evaluation or the outcome of the case.

Contact us for more information about your particular case. Here →