Frequently Asked Questions

  • No. Retaining this practice means retaining an independent evaluation — not a result. The findings are determined by the clinical data, the records reviewed, and the evaluator’s professional judgment. The opinion may support your case, or it may not. Attorneys who need a guaranteed result should look elsewhere. Attorneys who need a credible, defensible evaluation should contact this office.

  • Yes. This practice accepts referrals from defense counsel, state attorneys, family law attorneys, and the courts directly. Independence requires availability to all sides, and the standard of evaluation does not change based on who initiates the referral.

  • The clinical interview typically runs two to four hours depending on evaluation type. Full report turnaround is generally 10–15 business days following the interview, assuming records have been provided in advance. Complex evaluations may take longer. Rush processing is available at an additional fee.

  • Records vary by evaluation type but generally include prior mental health and psychiatric records, medical history, legal documents (charging information, plea agreements, prior orders), educational records where relevant, and any prior psychological or forensic evaluations. A complete records list will be provided at time of engagement. Evaluations will not begin until a reasonable set of relevant records has been received and reviewed.

  • Yes. This practice is based in St. Johns County and primarily serves Northeast Florida, but travel is available for cases outside the immediate area. Travel time and expenses are billed at the rates specified in the fee schedule.

  • In most cases, forensic evaluations are initiated by attorneys or the court. However, individuals and families may contact this office to discuss whether a particular evaluation type is appropriate. In some contexts — such as pre-employment screening — direct referrals can be accommodated. Scope and purpose will be established in writing before any work begins.

  • No. Forensic mental health evaluations are not clinical treatment services and are not covered by health insurance. All fees are the responsibility of the retaining party and are governed by the signed fee agreement. Payment is due in full prior to report issuance.

  • The report is delivered as written. The attorney can decide how to proceed — whether to introduce it, not use it, or prepare to address its findings. This office does not alter findings based on post-evaluation feedback. If there is a factual error, it can be corrected through a written addendum. The clinical opinion is not subject to revision based on a preferred outcome.

  • Contact this office by phone or email with a brief description of the case, the referral question, and the evaluation type you are seeking. A consultation call will be scheduled to confirm scope, timeline, and fit. The fee agreement and retainer will follow once the engagement is confirmed.

What the Process Looks Like

The evaluation process is structured, transparent, and consistent across all referrals.

Here is what to expect from initial contact through final report delivery.

  • Contact is initiated by the referring attorney, court, or agency. The referral question is reviewed to confirm scope and appropriate evaluation type. A brief consultation call is available to align on expectations before a formal engagement begins.

  • A written fee agreement is issued outlining evaluation type, scope, deliverables, and cost. Work does not begin until the signed agreement and full retainer payment are received.

  • All relevant records are collected prior to or concurrent with the clinical interview — legal documents, prior mental health records, medical history, educational records, and any other materials pertinent to the referral question.

  • A structured clinical interview is conducted with the individual being evaluated. Depending on evaluation type, validated psychometric instruments may be administered. Collateral interviews are conducted when clinically indicated.

  • All data sources are integrated and analyzed against the referral question. The written report details methods, data reviewed, clinical findings, and the evaluator’s professional opinion. Limitations are disclosed. Reports are written to be understood by legal professionals and clinicians alike.

  • The completed report is delivered to the retaining party. Standard turnaround is 10–15 business days following the clinical interview, depending on evaluation complexity and availability of records. Rush timelines are available upon request.

  • If the matter proceeds to hearing or deposition, testimony is available in support of the written findings under a separate fee agreement. Testimony is confined to what is documented in the report.

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