Forensic Services

Carolina Psychological Health Services provides forensic psychological evaluation services when mental health questions arise in legal, administrative, or occupational contexts.

What Are Forensic Evaluations?

Forensic mental health evaluations involve the application of clinical expertise to answer specific referral questions related to legal or quasi-legal matters. The purpose is to provide an independent, professional opinion based on psychological assessment methods, clinical interviews, and a review of relevant information.

Forensic services differ from treatment services in several important ways:

What to Expect After Psychological Testing?

During your final feedback session you will receive the results and interpretation of the testing, recommendations for treatment and referrals as well as time to ask questions and discuss the results with your psychologist.

Results include a written report of all findings, with explanations of the tests used and the results, a psychosocial history, a summary and diagnosis and recommendations for treatment.

Types of Forensic Evaluations Offered

Our office currently offers forensic evaluations that may address questions such as:

These questions may arise in a variety of legal settings, including civil, criminal, family, juvenile, or administrative courts.

Terminology varies across courts and jurisdictions. While forensic evaluations are sometimes referred to as psychological evaluations, competency or capacity evaluations, or court-ordered evaluations, the specific scope of any evaluation is defined by the referral question and authorization provided.

Nature and Limitations of Forensic Services

When appropriate, findings are typically summarized in a written forensic report provided to the referring party or court.

To learn more about our forensic services, contact the office.

What to Expect After Psychological Testing?

During your final feedback session you will receive the results and interpretation of the testing, recommendations for treatment and referrals as well as time to ask questions and discuss the results with your psychologist.

Results include a written report of all findings, with explanations of the tests used and the results, a psychosocial history, a summary and diagnosis and recommendations for treatment.