We consider information that supports or challenges our conclusions. Our opinions reflect the evidence rather than the outcome a retaining party hopes to achieve.
Our forensic psychologists bring specialized training and experience to complex legal questions. We explain psychological findings in clear language and provide objective opinions grounded in the evidence, helping attorneys and courts understand their relevance to the case.
Psychological expert testimony explains specialized psychological knowledge and its relevance to legal questions. Depending on the referral, it may address evaluation findings, diagnoses, psychological functioning, or research.
The expert explains the basis for their opinions and any relevant limitations. This helps the court understand the evidence and make informed decisions.
UCPS provides psychological expert testimony in Utah to help courts understand assessment findings, mental health concerns, and other psychological issues relevant to a case. We explain complex information in clear language and connect our opinions to the evidence.
Before accepting a referral, we review the questions to be addressed and the expertise required. Our role is to provide objective, clearly reasoned opinions and explain their basis, scope, and limitations.
Expert psychological testimony may be requested in cases involving:
Expert testimony helps the court understand psychological issues that fall outside of general knowledge.
A forensic psychologist serving as an expert witness provides opinions based on specialized training, clinical experience, and data gathered through evaluation.
This typically involves:
Unlike fact witnesses, expert witnesses are permitted to offer professional opinions to assist the court in understanding the case.
The responsibility of the expert is to assist the court, not to advocate for one side.
Assessing parenting capacity, child safety, and family dynamics.
Sexual and violence behavior, risk, and treatment/risk management needs.
Response credibility and the validity of reported symptoms and test performance.
Psychological functioning and mental state at the time of an alleged offense.
Abilities relevant to understanding legal proceedings and assisting counsel.
Psychological factors relevant to sentencing and mitigation.
Psychological effects of injury and related damages.
Mental health symptoms and their affect on functioning.
Expert testimony should make complex psychological information easier to understand. We carefully review relevant evidence, explain the basis for our opinions, and communicate findings clearly so the court can assess their meaning and limitations.
We consider information that supports or challenges our conclusions. Our opinions reflect the evidence rather than the outcome a retaining party hopes to achieve.
We connect our opinions to relevant records, assessment findings, and research as appropriate. In addition, we distinguish the available data from our interpretation and explain any limitations.
We explain psychological concepts in plain language and respond directly to questions. This helps judges, juries, and attorneys understand the findings and their relevance to the case.
Professional resource: Specialty Guidelines for Forensic Psychology from the American Psychological Association.
Expert testimony is private pay.
Insurance does not cover the cost of this service.
For additional payment information, visit our Fees & Insurance page.
Hourly fee includes testimony preparation (e.g., record review), time at the courthouse, and time on the stand.
Retainer required before services begin. This will be applied toward hourly services.
If you are an attorney or involved in a legal matter requiring expert testimony, we are available to discuss your case and determine whether our services are appropriate.
Contact us to request expert testimony or consultation.
Yes. Our role is to provide objective opinions regardless of which party retains our services.
In many cases, testimony is based on evaluations we have conducted, though consultation and record review may also be considered.
The court determines whether a professional is qualified as an expert based on training, experience, and expertise.
We provide expert testimony in criminal, civil, and family court matters involving psychological issues.