FAQs for Attorneys Representing Defendants and Respondents
How can a forensic psychologist support my client's defense?
By evaluating competence, criminal responsibility, emotional damages, mitigation, or answering other questions psychological science can help to clarify.
What types of forensic evaluations do you perform?
Adjudicative competence, insanity defenses, diminished capacity (specific intent), violence risk, sex offender risk, mitigation evaluations, and more.
How do you maintain objectivity in evaluations?
Through standardized methods, evidence-based tools, and neutral documentation.
What is your approach to expert witness testimony?
Providing clear, unbiased testimony based on forensic best practices and scientific evidence.
Do you provide consultation services in addition to evaluations?
Yes. Including case review, rebuttal preparation, and cross-examination strategies.
Can you assist in preparing cross-examination questions for opposing experts?
Yes, we can develop effective strategies highlighting areas warranting clarification in opposing evaluations.
Are your reports written with legal standards and case law in mind?
Yes, reports are structured to align with statutory and case law requirements.
Do you conduct evaluations in Spanish or work with interpreters?
Yes, we offer evaluations in Spanish and with certified interpreters when needed.
Can you provide an opinion about future risk or dangerousness?
Yes, through a combination of actuarial and structured professional judgment risk assessments.
What is the turnaround time for evaluation reports?
Typically two to four weeks after evaluation completion, expedited options available.
FAQs for Organizations Seeking Behavioral Threat Assessment Experts
What is a behavioral threat assessment?
The evaluation of an individual who appears to pose a threat of targeted violence or serious disruption due to concerning behaviors, comments, or other relevant factors.
When should an organization seek a behavioral threat assessment?
When there are concerning behaviors, threats, or early warning signs of violence.
What types of threats do you assess?
Workplace, school threats, stalking, intimate partner, and ideologically motivated violence.
What is the difference between a threat assessment and a risk assessment?
Simply put, threat assessment focuses on specific threats in real-time; risk assessment evaluates general violence risk factors. There are several additional differences.
How do you assess the credibility and seriousness of a threat?
Through structured methods, behavioral evaluation, interviews, collateral information gathering, and a multidisciplinary approach.
Can you help us create or improve our threat management policies?
Yes, we assist in developing and reviewing workplace violence prevention and threat management protocols.
Do you offer ongoing consultation after the initial threat assessment?
Yes, this is a critical component of threat assessment and management – ongoing monitoring support.
Can you train our staff on threat assessment and violence prevention?
Yes, we provide customized staff training workshops and seminars.
What qualifications should we look for in a threat assessment expert?
Training in behavioral threat assessment, forensic psychology, law enforcement consultation, and field experience. Our team includes a licensed clinical psychologist who is also a certified threat manager (CTM) through the Association of Threat Assessment Professionals (ATAP). It also includes a licensed clinical social worker with years of law enforcement and military experience. We encourage you to read about them.
How quickly can you respond to an urgent threat case?
Typically, within 24–48 hours for urgent threat consultations. A triage will allow us to assess the urgency of the matter to appropriately respond.
Do you conduct virtual or remote threat assessments if needed?
Yes, we offer virtual threat assessment services when appropriate.
What types of industries do you assist?
Corporate, education, healthcare, local/municipal government, and non-profit organizations.
FAQs for Defendants Facing Criminal Charges
What is a forensic psychological evaluation?
A forensic psychological evaluation is a specialized assessment conducted by a forensic psychologist to answer legal questions about an individual’s mental health, behavior, or decision-making at the time of a crime. These evaluations often assist attorneys and courts in determining important issues like competency to stand trial, criminal responsibility (insanity defense), or risk of future violence. Unlike therapy, a forensic evaluation is objective, evidence-based, and specifically designed for legal use.
Why would my attorney request a forensic evaluation for me?
Your attorney may request a forensic psychological evaluation to strengthen your legal defense. An evaluation can provide expert insight into your mental health, competency, criminal responsibility, or potential for mitigation during sentencing. Whether you are facing serious charges or have a complex psychiatric history, a qualified forensic psychologist can offer critical information that may impact case outcomes.
What happens during a forensic psychological evaluation?
During a forensic evaluation, you will participate in a structured interview, psychological testing, and a thorough review of records. The forensic psychologist uses evidence-based tools to form an objective opinion. The evaluation is not therapy – it is a legal assessment meant to address specific questions like competency, sanity, or risk assessment.
How should I prepare for my forensic evaluation?
Before your forensic psychological evaluation, review your medical and mental health history, bring any requested documents, and get a good night’s sleep. It’s important to be honest and cooperative. The evaluation is not something you can “pass” or “fail” – it’s about gathering accurate information for your legal case.
Will everything I say during the evaluation be confidential?
No, forensic evaluations are not confidential in the same way therapy is. Information you share can be included in a written report that is provided to the attorney, court, or other involved parties. Forensic psychologists work under different confidentiality rules designed for legal proceedings.
Can a forensic evaluation help my criminal case?
Yes. A forensic evaluation can reveal important mental health factors that impact legal questions such as competency to stand trial, criminal responsibility, or sentencing mitigation. Attorneys often use evaluations to advocate for better outcomes.
What is the difference between a competency evaluation and an insanity evaluation?
A competency evaluation assesses whether you can understand legal proceedings and assist your attorney now. An insanity evaluation (criminal responsibility evaluation) looks at your mental state at the time of the alleged offense.
How long does the evaluation process take?
The process usually involves one to two appointments, each lasting several hours. After interviews, testing, and record reviews, a forensic report is written. The entire process may take a few weeks.
What should I bring to my forensic evaluation?
Bring photo identification, any requested legal documents, a list of medications, and any mental health records you have.
Will you testify in court about my evaluation?
If needed, a forensic psychologist can serve as an expert witness to present evaluation findings in court objectively.
Can you help if I need a mitigation evaluation before sentencing?
Yes. A mitigation evaluation identifies mental health or life factors that may support a lighter sentence.
What is a violence risk assessment, and when is it needed?
A violence risk assessment evaluates the likelihood of future violent behavior. Courts often request them in cases involving violent offenses or public safety concerns.
FAQs for Respondents in Civil Cases
What is a forensic evaluation in a civil case?
A forensic evaluation in a civil case assesses psychological factors relevant to lawsuits and important legal matters, such as emotional distress, disability accommodations, testamentary capacity (creating or changing a will).
Why is a psychological evaluation necessary in my lawsuit?
It helps document emotional damages or psychological injuries, providing evidence regarding mental health symptoms and causality.
What types of civil cases involve psychological evaluations?
Personal injury, employment discrimination, sexual harassment, emotional distress, ADA cases, and wrongful termination.
What does an emotional damages evaluation involve?
An emotional damages evaluation measures the psychological impact of an event using interviews, testing, and records review.
What if I disagree with the results of the evaluation?
You may seek a second opinion or a rebuttal evaluation by another forensic psychologist.
Are my evaluation results shared with the other side?
Typically yes, to ensure fairness in litigation.
How is a psychological evaluation different from therapy?
Therapy helps healing; forensic evaluation objectively answers legal questions.
Can you evaluate claims related to discrimination, harassment, or disability accommodation?
Yes. We evaluate emotional damages and compliance with workplace and ADA laws.
What is an independent medical examination (IME) and how does it work?
An IME is an evaluation by a neutral expert to assess injuries or psychological harm for legal purposes.
Can a forensic psychologist help with cases involving fitness for duty or employment claims?
Yes, we evaluate whether an individual can safely perform essential job functions.
General Practice FAQs
Are your services available nationwide?
Yes, through the PSYPACT® initiative, our psychologist can offer services across the United States, both in-person and remotely depending on case requirements. Our social worker will be able to offer services across the US once the Social Worker Licensure Compact is in effect. Currently, our social worker can provide services in Maryland and Virginia.
Do you offer telehealth or remote evaluations?
Yes, we conduct secure telehealth evaluations when permissible under court rules.
How do you determine your fees for evaluations and consultation?
Fees depend on the evaluation type, case complexity, and time commitment.
Do you accept insurance for forensic evaluations?
No, forensic evaluations are typically not covered by insurance because they serve legal, not medical, purposes.
How do I schedule an evaluation or consultation?
Contact us via phone, email, or our secure website form. We will respond within one business day.
What is your cancellation or rescheduling policy?
We require 48 hours’ notice; cancellations under 48 hours may incur a fee.
What languages do you offer services in?
English and Spanish, with interpreter services available as needed.
What experience do you have working with first responders, military personnel, or law enforcement?
Extensive experience evaluating and consulting for these high-risk, high-stress professions. Both providers have a law enforcement and military experience.
Are your evaluations admissible in court?
Yes, our reports meet evidentiary standards and our psychologist is qualified to testify.
How can I verify your credentials and professional experience?
Credentials are detailed on our website and available upon request for verification.
FAQs About Psychotherapy Services for the General Public and First Responders
Do you offer specialized therapy for first responders and military personnel?
Yes. Our therapy services are tailored to the unique needs of first responders, law enforcement, military members, and veterans, with a focus on operational stress, trauma recovery, resilience building, and mental health maintenance.
What types of psychotherapy services do you offer?
We provide individual psychotherapy, trauma-focused therapy, stress management, and resilience training tailored for adults, first responders, law enforcement personnel, and military members.
What issues can psychotherapy help me address?
Psychotherapy can help with depression, anxiety, PTSD, occupational stress, grief, anger management, relationship issues, and personal growth. First responders and military clients often seek help for critical incident stress and cumulative trauma.
What therapy methods do you use?
We use evidence-based approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and mindfulness-based stress reduction.
Is therapy confidential?
Yes. Psychotherapy sessions are confidential under HIPAA regulations, except in cases involving risk of harm to self or others, mandated therapy (disclosed information is minimally shared and only to parties with a need-to-know), or as otherwise required by law.
How long does therapy typically last?
The length of therapy varies depending on individual needs and goals. Some clients benefit from short-term therapy (6-12 sessions), while others choose longer-term support.
Do you offer teletherapy or online therapy services?
Yes. We offer secure teletherapy sessions for individuals residing in states where we are licensed to practice, providing flexible access to care for busy professionals and first responders. We also provide teletherapy to individuals who reside in PSYPACT® states.
How do I schedule an appointment for psychotherapy?
You can schedule a psychotherapy appointment by contacting our office directly via phone, email, or our secure online contact form. We offer daytime and evening appointments to accommodate demanding schedules.
Are your psychotherapy services available in Spanish?
Yes. We offer psychotherapy services in both English and Spanish to ensure culturally competent care for Spanish-speaking clients.
What makes your psychotherapy practice uniquely suited to first responders and the general public?
Our practice is founded by a clinical and forensic psychologist with extensive experience working alongside first responders, military units, and law enforcement agencies. Our practice also includes a clinical social worker with nearly 20 years of experience working with military and law enforcement personnel. We understand the culture of high-risk professions and provide evidence-based, compassionate care that respects client confidentiality and resilience.
