Forensic Psychology Evaluations

Forensic psychology is the intersection between the clinical practice of psychology and the law; and when facing any child custody or guardianship matter, a Forensic psychologist can assist the court in examining specific mental health aspects within the legal context.  The focus is to address the legal question at hand to help the courts make appropriate decisions using empirically based research, actuarial instruments and objective psychological tests.

Unlike traditional clinical psychological evaluations, a forensic evaluation is typically evaluations ordered by the Court or requested by an attorney to answer a psycho-legal question.  Referral questions either pertain to criminal cases (e.g., competency to stand trial, mitigating factors to the alleged offense) or civil cases (public safety employment suitability, worker compensation, emotional distress). The referral question is clarified and determined between the attorney and Dr. Nelson before the evaluation starts. The Forensic Psychologist's role is to maintain objectivity and better inform the legal system or process with expert knowledge of mental health and human behavior.

What is a Forensic Evaluation?

Forensic psychologists conduct a forensic psychological evaluation, which will include a thorough clinical interview, comprehensive review of records, case law, collateral data, and psychological tests. Forensic evaluations can be utilized by the court to address legal issues such as competency to stand trial, criminal responsibility, transfer to adult court, insanity, risk for violence and sexual dangerousness. Both adult and juvenile offenders may require evaluations for many reasons. When requested by the attorneys or ordered by the court, forensic psychologists conduct these evaluations in civil or criminal court cases, as well as in correctional and law enforcement settings. Some forensic evaluations can take place in private offices or state hospitals. Other psychological evaluations that may also be considered forensic can include, but are not limited to, evaluations of personal injury, fitness for duty, disability, parental fitness and competency to testify. 

HAVEN Integrative Therapy Center, specializes in the following Forensic Evaluations:

Juvenile Delinquency

• Competency to Stand Trial

• Case Resolution/Disposition

• Alternative Placements

• Treatment Recommendations

• Trauma/Adverse Childhood Experiences

• Transfer to Adult

Neuropsychological

• Learning Disabilities

• ADHD

• Autism Spectrum

• Intellectual Disability

Adult Criminal

Competency to Stand Trial

Mental Health Diversion

Trauma and Adverse Childhood Experiences

Neuropsychological

• Learning Disabilities

• ADHD

• Autism Spectrum

• Intellectual Disability 

How a Forensic Evaluation from HAVEN Integrative Therapy Center can help

A comprehensive forensic or forensic neuropsychological evaluation can help facilitate better-informed legal decision making, or assist you as the attorney by performing evaluations that (depending on their outcome) may be useful in representing your client. With attaining this expert status and my 40 years of military and civilian experience as a clinical social worker, I've worked with families and children who are impacted by the legal system.  Please call HAVEN Integrative Center for a free 15-minute case consultation to find out how our specialized evaluation can assist you and your client.  If you are a client interested in this service, please have your attorney reach out to us first.  Our office manager can be reached at 334-356-4960 or info@haven-itc.com.

Issue that may warrant a forensic evaluation when being involved in a legal matter:

• History of Trauma (sexual/physical/emotional abuse and/or general neglect)

• History of Learning Difficulties

• Traumatic Brain Injury

• Memory Impairment

• Intellectual Difficulties

• Attention/Concentration Impairment

• Mental Health History

• Current Emotional Distress