Understanding Forensic Psychological Evaluations

Forensic psychological evaluations apply psychological knowledge and methods to answer specific legal questions. These assessments provide objective, specialized information to assist courts, attorneys, and individuals involved in legal matters. The main purpose of these evaluations is to offer clear psychological insights relevant to a legal context. Here at IVAT, many of our cases involve family law disputes, child custody, abuse and trauma.

When Are These Evaluations Necessary?

Individuals or legal professionals might seek a forensic psychological evaluation for a variety of reasons, including (but not limited to):

Responding to court-ordered assessments.

• Provide more information about a person's mental state for legal proceedings.

• Offer insights into the mental health and behavior of the individuals involved.

• Assessing mental health as a mitigating factor in criminal sentencing.

• Determining an individual's fitness to stand trial.

• Informing decisions in child custody evaluations in San Diego or competency hearings.

Who We Serve

At IVAT, we work closely with a diverse range of people who require expert psychological insights for legal reasons. Our clients often include:

• Attorneys: Including those specializing in criminal defense, prosecution, family law, and civil litigation.

• Individuals Involved in the Justice System: Such as survivors navigating the aftermath of violence or individuals accused of offenses requiring psychological assessment.

• Courts and Agencies: Seeking objective evaluations to inform legal decisions.

Our Comprehensive Forensic Psychological Services

We offer thorough evaluations tailored to address specific psycho-legal questions. Our experienced team conducts in-depth psychological and neuropsychological assessments across several legal domains:

Criminal Court Evaluations:

• Assessments concerning mental state at the time of an offense (ex: insanity defense).

• Evaluations of competency to stand trial or waive Miranda rights.

• Identification of mitigating factors relevant to sentencing.

Civil Court Evaluations:

• Personal Injury Cases: Evaluating the psychological impact of trauma, abuse, assault, or accidents.

• Assessment of future care needs and associated costs stemming from psychological injuries.

• Standard of Care Reviews: Determining if appropriate psychological procedures and standards were met by professionals or institutions.

Family Court Evaluations:

• Child Custody Evaluations: Providing detailed assessments to assist courts in determining the best interests of the child.

• Review of Existing Custody Evaluations: Offering a second opinion or critique of prior assessments.

• Assessment in cases involving family violence, child abuse, or neglect concerns.

Expert Testimony & Consultation:

• Our psychologists serve as expert witnesses on topics including trauma's impact, child maltreatment, intimate partner violence, adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), and neuropsychological issues.

• We offer forensic consultation services to attorneys, judges, and fellow mental health professionals, sharing our specialized knowledge. Please reach out pcfsintake@ivatcenters.org for a detailed list of our expertise areas.

Why Choose IVAT for Forensic Services?

Choosing the right expert for a forensic evaluation is crucial. IVAT stands apart for several reasons:

• A True Team Effort on Your Case: We believe the best work comes from teamwork. That’s why our pre-licensed clinicians collaborate closely with our experienced licensed Psychologists and Social Workers. This approach means you get the benefit of many minds—leading to quick responses, strong quality control because multiple experts are involved, and a more complete strategy tailored for the specifics of your case.

• Trauma-Informed Approach: We understand the profound impact of trauma and apply a sensitive, informed lens to our work with individuals across all ages.

• Evidence-Based Practice: Our evaluations and reports are grounded in current, evidence-based research. We don't just conduct assessments; we contribute to the knowledge base, with staff frequently providing training on best practices in forensic cases.

• Accessibility: We are a non-profit that strives to make essential forensic services accessible and work with clients regarding affordability where possible.

• Recognized Leaders: IVAT is a respected resource in the field, known for our research contributions and training programs on critical forensic psychology topics. We bring this leadership and depth of knowledge to every case.

Schedule Your Forensic Evaluation Today

Navigating these types of sensitive legal matters requires clarity and expertise. Take the next step towards gaining that clarity by reaching out to IVAT.

Contact us today to discuss your needs by filling out our secure online form or by emailing us directly at pcfsintake@ivatcenters.org. We're here to help guide you through the process.

An Important Disclaimer 

In forensic cases, the evaluator/expert witness/consultant does not advocate for a client. You are retaining a mental health professional. It should be noted that the forensic evaluator/consultant/expert witness does not provide legal advice. You are encouraged to speak with a licensed attorney if you have legal questions.

We have staff based in San Diego and Los Angeles. We also provide consultation and expert witness services nationally and internationally.

Click here to fill out a contact form if you are interested in reaching out to our Forensic Services team.

The Forensic Team consists of licensed psychologists, post-doctorate fellows, and doctorate-level clinicians with Master’s Degrees in Clinical or Forensic Psychology, who are obtaining their doctorate degrees. They are under the supervision of a licensed psychologist throughout the length of the case. Vitas/Resumes can be requested of any of the Forensic Team.