How Forensic Psychological Evaluations Support Parental Fitness Determinations in Custody Cases
Family courts often request parental fitness evaluations when concerns arise regarding a parent’s ability to safely and effectively care for their child. A forensic psychologist provides an objective assessment of parenting strengths, challenges, mental health concerns, and the child’s needs. These evaluations typically include clinical interviews, psychological testing, observation of parent-child interactions, and collateral information […]
What to Expect During a Psychosexual Evaluation: A Guide for Attorneys and Clients
If you’ve been referred for a psychosexual evaluation, it’s completely normal to feel anxious. For many people, the evaluation involves discussing some of the most personal and sensitive aspects of their lives. Attorneys often wonder how to prepare their clients, while clients frequently worry about what questions will be asked, whether they’ll be judged, or […]
Understanding Court-Ordered Psychological Evaluations: What You Need to Know
Being ordered by a court to complete a psychological evaluation can feel intimidating. Many people wonder whether they’re in trouble, whether they’ll be judged, or whether there’s a “right” way to complete the evaluation. These concerns are completely understandable. The good news is that a court-ordered psychological evaluation is not about passing or failing. Its […]
The Difference Between Therapy and Psychological Testing — And When You Might Need Both
Psychological testing and therapy are both essential tools for supporting mental health—but they serve very different purposes. Understanding these differences can help you (or your provider) decide what type of service is the right next step. Key Differences: Psychological Testing involves structured assessments used to clarify diagnoses, guide treatment, or answer referral questions. It’s […]
Do I Need an ADHD Assessment? Signs You Might Benefit from Testing as an Adult
ADHD isn’t just a childhood condition—it often persists into adulthood, though it may look different over time. Many adults struggle with focus, organization, restlessness, or emotional regulation and wonder if ADHD might be the cause. If these symptoms are interfering with your daily functioning, relationships, or career, an ADHD assessment can offer clarity and […]
What to Expect During a Psychological Evaluation: A Step-by-Step Guide
If you’ve never had a psychological evaluation before, it’s completely normal to wonder what the process is actually like. Many people imagine sitting across from a psychologist answering questions for hours or worry they’ll be “tested” like they’re taking an exam in school. Fortunately, that’s not how psychological evaluations work. A comprehensive psychological evaluation isn’t […]
Tips for Attorneys Working with Forensic Psychologists
When legal cases involve mental health questions, attorneys often rely on the expertise of a forensic psychologist. These professionals play a critical role in evaluations related to competency, criminal responsibility, custody, and personal injury. To get the most out of your collaboration, it’s important to understand how to work effectively with a forensic psychologist from […]
Competence to Stand Trial
In the U.S. legal system, a defendant must be mentally competent to participate in their own defense. When concerns about a defendant’s mental capacity arise, courts often order a competency to stand trial (CST) evaluation. This forensic assessment determines whether a person can understand the legal process and assist their attorney. What Is Competency to […]
What Is a Parental Fitness Evaluation?
In high-conflict custody disputes or child protection cases, the court may question a parent’s ability to safely and effectively care for their child. That’s where a parental fitness evaluation becomes essential. At Utah Center for Psychological Services in Salt Lake City, we provide objective, court-ready assessments that help determine a parent’s psychological readiness and capacity […]
Personal Injury Evaluations: What You Need to Know
How Mental Health Assessments Support Legal Claims for Emotional Distress When you suffer a serious accident or traumatic event, the impact isn’t just physical—your mental and emotional well-being can be affected in profound ways. A personal injury psychological evaluation provides the clinical evidence needed to validate these psychological effects in a legal setting. What Is […]