Dr. Sara Shugert is a licensed psychologist in Utah who specializes in forensic and court-involved evaluations for adults and juveniles. As an experienced forensic psychologist in Salt Lake City, she provides objective, evidence-based assessments that help courts, attorneys, agencies, and treatment providers make informed decisions in complex legal matters.
Dr. Shugert earned her doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology from Pacific University. Throughout her graduate training, she developed experience in both clinical and forensic settings, building a strong foundation in psychological assessment, diagnosis, treatment, and legal applications of psychology.
She completed her predoctoral internship at Utah State Hospital, where she received advanced training in:
- Forensic psychology
- Clinical evaluations
- Psychotherapy
- Neuropsychology
- Severe and persistent mental illness
- Complex diagnostic presentations
She later completed her postdoctoral residency at Utah State Hospital, where she conducted a wide range of court-involved assessments for both adults and juveniles. This intensive forensic training helped establish her expertise as a forensic psychologist in Salt Lake City and throughout Utah.
Areas of Forensic Expertise
Dr. Shugert conducts evaluations involving both adult and juvenile examinees. Her areas of specialization include:
- Competency to stand trial evaluations
- Criminal responsibility assessments
- Violence risk assessments
- Mental state and diminished capacity evaluations
- Sentencing mitigation evaluations
- Psychosexual evaluations
- Juvenile forensic assessments
- Court ordered psychological evaluations
Clients and referral sources seeking a forensic psychologist in Salt Lake City often value her ability to combine clinical sophistication with clear, practical communication.
Objective, Thorough, and Defensible Evaluations
Dr. Shugert is known for providing careful, well-reasoned assessments grounded in ethical practice and current research. Her evaluation process may include:
- Clinical interviews
- Record review
- Collateral information
- Psychological testing
- Risk assessment tools
- Diagnostic formulation
- Clear written reports and recommendations
Her reports are designed to be understandable, clinically sound, and useful to those making legal, treatment, or supervision decisions.
Supervision and Training Leadership
At Utah Center for Psychological Services, Dr. Shugert also supervises doctoral students and early-career clinicians. She is passionate about supporting professional development, strengthening assessment skills, and promoting high standards of forensic and clinical practice.
Her mentorship reflects the same qualities seen in her evaluation work: clarity, integrity, precision, and thoughtful guidance.
Trusted Forensic Services in Utah
Whether retained by attorneys, agencies, or courts, Dr. Shugert approaches each case with fairness, professionalism, and respect for all involved. She understands that legal matters often carry significant personal and family consequences, and she works to ensure each evaluation is handled with diligence and care.
Individuals and referral sources seeking a forensic psychologist in Salt Lake City can trust Dr. Shugert to provide comprehensive, objective, and meaningful evaluations tailored to the needs of each case.