FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Forensic psychology applies psychological knowledge, assessment, and research to questions arising within the legal system. Unlike psychotherapy, a forensic evaluation is conducted to address a specific legal or psycholegal referral question rather than to provide treatment.

A forensic psychologist may be helpful when a legal matter involves questions regarding mental health, psychological injury, diagnosis, causation, functional impairment, competency, risk, mitigation, criminal responsibility, or other psychological factors that may impact the legal issues in a case.

Psychological evaluations may be relevant when emotional distress or psychological injury is alleged in matters involving motor vehicle accidents, workplace incidents, harassment or discrimination, sexual assault, medical malpractice, negligence, traumatic injury, wrongful death, and other civil claims.

Forensic psychological evaluation may be appropriate when questions arise regarding competency to stand trial, mental health diversion, criminal responsibility, mitigation, developmental factors, violence risk, sexual behavior and recidivism risk, or other psychological issues relevant to the proceedings.

No. Testing is selected based on the referral question and clinical circumstances. When indicated, standardized psychological measures and validity measures may be used to supplement the clinical interview, records, and collateral information.

The timeline varies depending on the type and complexity of the evaluation, volume of records, need for testing or collateral information, and applicable legal deadlines. Expected scheduling and report turnaround are discussed with retaining counsel at the outset of the case.

Evaluations may be conducted in custodial and community settings, including jails, correctional facilities, hospitals, and offices. Secure remote evaluations may also be available when clinically and forensically appropriate.

Dr. Roos is licensed in multiple states and may provide forensic psychological services outside of California depending on the nature of the referral, applicable jurisdictional requirements, and evaluation setting. Please contact the practice to discuss availability for out-of-state matters.

Fees vary depending on the type and complexity of the evaluation, anticipated record review, psychological testing, travel, report preparation, and other case-specific requirements. Fee information and applicable retainer requirements are discussed before services are initiated.

To get started, please contact Roos Forensic Psychology Consulting, Inc. to discuss the referral question, scope of services, anticipated deadlines, and scheduling availability. A conflict check and retention process will be completed before confidential case materials are reviewed.

Forensic evaluations involving legal proceedings are generally arranged through an attorney or other retaining entity. If you believe a forensic psychological evaluation may be helpful in your case, you are encouraged to share our contact information with your attorney so they can contact the practice to discuss a potential referral.

A forensic evaluation is conducted for the purpose of answering a legal or psycholegal question. The forensic psychologist's role is to provide an objective opinion rather than treatment or advocacy. As a result, the usual expectations of a therapeutic relationship do not apply.