Forensic Psychological Evaluations

Forensic Services Offered

Criminal, Civil, and Administrative Evaluations

I provide forensic psychological evaluations and expert consultation in federal and Texas state matters. Evaluations are conducted using established forensic assessment methods and are tailored to address specific legal, clinical, and administrative referral questions.

Competency to Stand Trial

Competency evaluations assess whether an individual possesses a factual and rational understanding of legal proceedings and the capacity to assist counsel in their defense.

• Federal Matters (18 U.S.C. § 4241) | Texas State Matters (Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Chapter 46B)

Criminal Responsibility and Insanity Evaluations

These evaluations examine an individual's mental state at the time of the alleged offense and address legal standards related to criminal responsibility.

Federal Matters

• Criminal Responsibility / Insanity Defense Evaluations (18 U.S.C. § 4242)

• Evaluations Following a Not Guilty by Reason of Insanity Verdict (18 U.S.C. § 4243)

Texas State Matters

• Insanity Defense Evaluations (Texas Penal Code § 8.01)

Dangerousness and Commitment-Related Evaluations

These evaluations address questions regarding risk, treatment needs, commitment, and continued placement within forensic or correctional systems.

Federal Matters

• Hospitalization of an Imprisoned Person Suffering from Mental Disease or Defect (18 U.S.C. § 4245)

• Civil Commitment of a Person Due for Release but Suffering from Mental Disease or Defect (18 U.S.C. § 4246)

Texas State Matters

• Court-Ordered Mental Health Treatment

• Forensic Hospitalization and Restoration-Related Matters

• Mental Health Evaluations Related to Commitment Proceedings and Court Involvement

Criminal Mitigation Evaluations

Criminal mitigation evaluations provide comprehensive assessment of psychological, developmental, medical, social, and environmental factors that may be relevant to sentencing, disposition, treatment planning, or other legal decision-making. These evaluations often involve extensive record review, collateral interviews, and psychological assessment to provide a comprehensive understanding of an individual's functioning and life history.

Fitness-for-Duty Evaluations

Fitness-for-duty evaluations assess whether an individual can safely and effectively perform the essential functions of their position. Evaluations may address concerns related to psychological functioning, workplace behavior, decision-making, emotional regulation, trauma exposure, or return-to-duty following a significant incident or leave of absence.

Populations served include:

• Law Enforcement Officers

• Correctional Professionals

• Public Safety Personnel

• Other Safety-Sensitive Occupations

Expert Consultation and Record Review

I provide consultation to attorneys and agencies regarding forensic mental health issues, case conceptualization, psychological records, expert reports, and specialized forensic questions. Record review services are available in criminal, civil, and administrative matters.

My Role as a Forensic Expert

In forensic matters, my role is to serve as an independent psychological expert retained to assist courts, attorneys, and agencies through objective evaluation and analysis. Unlike treatment, forensic evaluation is focused on answering specific legal, administrative, or occupational referral questions rather than providing clinical care.

My responsibilities may include:

• Conducting comprehensive forensic interviews

• Reviewing relevant records, collateral information, and case materials

• Administering and interpreting psychological assessment instruments when appropriate

• Integrating clinical, historical, and contextual data

• Formulating opinions that address the referral question and applicable legal standard

• Preparing clear, well-supported reports and providing expert testimony when requested

I approach all evaluations with an emphasis on objectivity, scientific rigor, and professional ethics. Opinions are based on available data, established forensic methodology, and the specific legal or administrative standards governing the matter at issue.

As a former forensic psychologist with the U.S. Department of Justice, I have experience conducting evaluations in correctional and legal settings where psychological findings may have significant consequences for individuals, institutions, and public safety.

What Distinguishes My Forensic Practice

Federal Forensic Experience

As a former Forensic Psychologist with the U.S. Department of Justice, I have experience conducting evaluations in correctional and legal settings where psychological findings may carry significant consequences for individuals, institutions, and public safety.

Culturally Informed Assessment

Psychological functioning is shaped by cultural, social, and environmental factors. My evaluations consider the broader context in which symptoms, behavior, and coping patterns occur, promoting accurate and individualized assessment.

Clear Communication for Legal Decision-Making

Forensic opinions are only useful when they are understandable and responsive to the referral question. Reports are written to be clinically sound, legally relevant, and accessible to attorneys, courts, and administrative decision-makers.