Understanding Forensic Psychological Evaluations: Purpose and Process
Forensic psychological evaluations play a critical role in legal proceedings by providing the court with expert insights into an individual's mental functioning, behavior, and risk. These evaluations differ significantly from therapeutic assessments, as they are non-confidential, conducted at the request of a third party (such as the court or an attorney), and focus on answering specific legal questions.
Common types of forensic evaluations include competency to stand trial, criminal responsibility (insanity), risk of violence or sexual reoffending, and child custody evaluations. The evaluation process typically involves clinical interviews, psychological testing, collateral information review, and behavioral observation. The evaluator then synthesizes this data into a report that clearly answers the legal referral question.
Because these evaluations can significantly impact legal decisions, accuracy, neutrality, and adherence to ethical and legal standards are paramount. For a detailed look at best practices, check out the Specialty Guidelines for Forensic Psychology.
