Forensic evaluations

Clinical forensic evaluations are objective, specialized assessments conducted by a licensed professional to provide evidence for legal proceedings. Unlike standard clinical exams that focus on treatment and patient wellness, these evaluations are designed to answer specific psychological questions for a court or attorney. The provider that conducts the evaluation does not provide the treatment in most cases.

Key Characteristics

  • Purpose: To inform legal decisions—such as determining competency to stand trial or assessing psychological damages—rather than to provide medical treatment.

  • Client Relationship: The "client" is typically the legal entity (court, attorney, or agency) that requested the evaluation, not the individual being examined.

  • Confidentiality: Because they are conducted for the legal system, these evaluations are generally not confidential. Results are compiled into a report for the court or the retaining party.

  • Objectivity: Evaluators must maintain a neutral stance, using standardized tests and collateral data (like police or medical records) to verify the individual's self-reported information.

Common Types of Evaluations

  • Criminal Cases: Assessing competency to stand trial, criminal responsibility (the insanity defense), sex offenses, and violence risk.

  • Civil Litigation: Documenting psychological harm in personal injury or workplace harassment claims.

  • Family Law: Evaluating parenting capacity and child custody arrangements to determine the ‘best interests of the child’.

  • Immigration: Documenting trauma or hardship for asylum claims or deportation waivers.

  • Administrative/Workplace: Determining fitness for duty or disability status.

Typical Process

  1. Clinical Interview: An in-depth discussion about the individual's history and the legal matter at hand.

  2. Collateral Review: Analyzing external records (medical, police, or school) and interviewing third parties like family or employers.

  3. Psychological Testing: Using standardized tools to measure cognitive abilities, personality, and potential ‘malingering’ (faking symptoms).

  4. Reporting: Issuing a detailed, evidence-based report that may lead to expert testimony in court.

Cost

The financial cost varies by the need and purpose of the evaluations. Projected cost can include;

  • Evaluation: $200

  • Psychological testing: $200 and up

  • Court report: $200 and up

  • Testimony: $500/hr