Pursuant to PC 1001.36, mental health diversion evaluations assess whether a defendant meets the statutory criteria for pretrial diversion based on a diagnosed mental disorder. These evaluations examine the presence and relevance of the mental illness, its contribution to the alleged offense, the individual’s suitability for treatment, and the likelihood that diversion will address clinical needs while reducing future risk. The goal is to provide the court with a clear, objective analysis to inform decisions about eligibility and treatment planning under California’s mental health diversion statute.

These comprehensive psychological evaluations determine the presence, nature, and clinical significance of mental health disorders within a legal context. Assessments integrate clinical interviews, psychological testing, behavioral observations, and collateral information to clarify diagnostic questions relevant to the court. Our psychodiagnostic reports aide legal professionals in understanding how mental health conditions may relate to an individual’s functioning, decision-making, or behavior, and  provide objective, evidence-based findings to guide decisions in criminal, civil, and administrative matters.

Comprehensive psychological evaluations designed to provide the court with context about a defendant’s background, mental health, and contributing life circumstances at the time of the offense. These reports integrate clinical assessment, relevant records, and psychosocial history to identify factors such as trauma, mental illness, developmental issues, or substance use disorders that may have influenced behavior. These reports often include treatment recommendations and highlight rehabilitative potential.

Our violence risk assessment services utilize validated tools like the HCR-20, and our practice is supported by extensive experience in conducting and interpreting evaluations. We customize each assessment to address specific psycholegal questions and legal issues, including mental health diversion, sentencing mitigation, treatment planning, and placement recommendations. Additionally, we have trained many doctoral-level evaluators, fostering expertise in violence risk assessment within the professional community. 

Our psychosexual evaluation services are provided in accordance with California Penal Code 288.1 and other relevant legal standards. We conduct comprehensive assessments of sexual violence risk, examining factors such as criminal history, behavioral patterns, and treatment progress. These evaluations aid court decisions related to sentencing, parole, and risk management, helping to ensure public safety and informed legal outcomes. 

Juvenile forensic evaluations provide objective, developmentally informed assessments of adolescents involved in the legal system. These evaluations examine factors such as mental health, cognitive and emotional development, trauma history, decision-making capacity, and risk and protective influences. Our comprehensive reports aide courts and legal professionals in understanding a youth’s needs, strengths, and circumstances, and to support decisions that balance accountability with rehabilitation, treatment, and long-term well-being.

Our expert witness services are supported by extensive experience providing testimony across multiple counties in California on various psycholegal issues, including legal sanity, adjudicative competence, community placement, and violence risk. We offer credible and authoritative insights on these topics, and our clear, well-informed testimony helps attorneys achieve favorable outcomes and support informed judicial decisions.

Our years of experience and education in forensic psychology, along with our technical expertise and familiarity with current research and professional guidelines, enable us to assist attorneys in navigating complex psycholegal issues.  We can assist attorneys by providing consultation and guidance through the review of historical records, prior psychological reports, and reports from opposing experts. We can provide insights into how past treatment and evaluations affect the current case, guide cross-examination of opposing experts, and assist in developing next steps or trial strategy.

We have well-developed skills in psychodiagnostic evaluation and expert witness testimony, enabling us to assist in civil matters, including personal injury, employment law, and other areas where mental health intersects with civil litigation. Our strong interpersonal skills enable us to handle these responsibilities with tact and grace, ensuring a thoughtful, thorough approach to psychological evaluation, deposition, and testimony in support of civil matters.