Frequently Asked Questions

Question 1

What is a forensic psychosocial evaluation?

Accepted Answer

A forensic psychosocial evaluation is a structured behavioral health assessment conducted in response to a specific legal or administrative referral question. It is not therapy — it is an independent, objective assessment that may address psychological, emotional, social, and functional factors relevant to the referral question.

Question 2

What is a psychological evaluation?

Accepted Answer

A psychological evaluation is a structured assessment of an individual's psychological, emotional, and behavioral functioning. In forensic contexts, it is conducted in response to a specific legal or administrative referral question.

Question 3

How is a forensic evaluation different from therapy?

Accepted Answer

Therapy is a treatment relationship focused on the client's wellbeing. A forensic evaluation is an independent assessment conducted in response to a specific referral question. The evaluator does not serve as the client's therapist, and the evaluation is not a treatment service.

Question 4

Are evaluations independent and objective?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Evaluations are conducted independently. Findings and conclusions are based on the information obtained during the evaluation, available records and collateral information when appropriate, clinical findings, applicable professional standards, and the specific referral question. Evaluators do not advocate for predetermined conclusions.

Question 5

Who can request an evaluation?

Accepted Answer

Evaluations may be requested by attorneys, law firms, individuals, organizations, and other appropriate referral sources. The nature of the referral, jurisdiction, evaluator qualifications, and availability will determine whether services can be provided.

Question 6

Can an attorney refer a client?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Attorneys may refer clients for forensic behavioral health evaluations. We encourage attorneys to provide a clear referral question, relevant case information, and any applicable deadlines.

Question 7

Can an individual request an evaluation?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Individuals may request evaluations directly. Availability depends on the nature of the referral question, jurisdiction, evaluator licensure, and other factors.

Question 8

What happens during an evaluation?

Accepted Answer

The evaluation process typically includes a comprehensive clinical interview, review of relevant records when available, and may include standardized assessment measures, collateral information, and other appropriate materials depending on the referral question.

Question 9

How long does an evaluation take?

Accepted Answer

Evaluation length varies depending on the complexity of the referral question, the individual's history, and the type of evaluation. We will provide an estimate based on the specific referral.

Question 10

How long does the report take?

Accepted Answer

Report turnaround varies depending on the evaluation type, complexity, and evaluator availability. Turnaround timelines will be discussed at the time of referral.

Question 11

Are expedited evaluations available?

Accepted Answer

Expedited evaluation services may be available for time-sensitive legal matters depending on evaluator availability. Please indicate any deadlines when submitting a referral.

Question 12

Can evaluations be completed virtually?

Accepted Answer

Virtual evaluation options may be available depending on the evaluation type, jurisdiction, and applicable professional and legal standards. This will be discussed at the time of referral.

Question 13

Are services available in multiple states?

Accepted Answer

Services are available based upon evaluator availability, jurisdiction, professional licensure, scope of practice, and case requirements. We are developing a network of appropriately licensed professionals across jurisdictions.

Question 14

How does clinician licensure affect availability?

Accepted Answer

Evaluators must hold appropriate licensure in the relevant jurisdiction. Services depend upon the evaluator's professional licensure, scope of practice, specialized training, and availability in the applicable jurisdiction.

Question 15

Are Spanish-language evaluations available?

Accepted Answer

Bilingual evaluators and interpreter coordination may be available. Please indicate language needs when submitting a referral.

Question 16

Can an interpreter be used?

Accepted Answer

Interpreter use may be appropriate in some evaluation contexts. This will be discussed at the time of referral based on the specific evaluation type and applicable professional standards.

Question 17

What records may be reviewed?

Accepted Answer

Relevant records may include medical records, mental health records, legal documents, school records, employment records, and other materials appropriate to the referral question. Record review depends on availability, relevance, and the specific referral question.

Question 18

Do you conduct substance use evaluations?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We provide forensic substance use evaluations addressing alcohol, cannabis, and other substances in legal, administrative, and clinical contexts.

Question 19

Do you conduct cannabis evaluations?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Cannabis use evaluations and Cannabis Use Disorder assessments are available. Cannabis use alone does not establish Cannabis Use Disorder, impairment, dangerousness, or criminal behavior.

Question 20

Can psychedelic use be addressed when relevant to a case?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Psychedelic use history may be addressed when relevant to the specific referral question. Psychedelic evaluation is not a universally standardized forensic assessment specialty. Psychedelic use does not automatically indicate mental illness, impairment, dangerousness, or Substance Use Disorder.

Question 21

Do you provide sentencing mitigation evaluations?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Sentencing mitigation and forensic psychosocial evaluations are a core service area.

Question 22

Do you provide testimony?

Accepted Answer

Testimony-related services may be available through appropriately qualified evaluators depending on the referral question, jurisdiction, evaluator qualifications, and applicable professional standards.

Question 23

Do you provide legal advice?

Accepted Answer

No. Forensic Evaluation Experts is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. Our services are clinical and professional in nature.

Question 24

Does an evaluation guarantee a particular diagnosis or case outcome?

Accepted Answer

No. Evaluations are independent and objective. No particular diagnosis, finding, recommendation, legal result, or case outcome can be guaranteed.

Question 25

Can law firms establish ongoing referral relationships?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Ongoing partnership arrangements may be available for law firms with recurring forensic evaluation needs. Please contact us to discuss.

Question 26

How can a clinician apply to the evaluator network?

Accepted Answer

Licensed behavioral health professionals may apply through our Evaluator Network page. Application does not guarantee acceptance, referrals, employment, contractor engagement, or case volume.

Common Questions About Forensic Evaluations

About Forensic Evaluations

Requesting an Evaluation

The Evaluation Process

Jurisdiction & Availability

Specific Evaluation Types

Professional Standards