Evaluation Information
Process, Fees, & FAQs
- A Brief Introduction
A Clear, Transparent Evaluation Process
Every forensic evaluation follows a structured, evidence-based process designed to remain objective, thorough, and aligned with the referral question. The steps below outline what attorneys and courts can expect from start to finish.
How the Evaluation Process Works
Case Inquiry
Submit a brief case description, referral question, and any relevant deadlines using the secure case inquiry form.
I will confirm availability and determine whether the case is an appropriate fit.
Scope & Retainer Agreement
We clarify the evaluation scope, timeline, expected components, and required retainer.
A written agreement is provided outlining responsibilities, deliverables, and estimated hours.
Records Review & Interviews
I conduct a thorough review of provided records, including legal, medical, psychological, and collateral documentation.
Structured clinical interviews and psychological testing (when indicated) are completed with the examinee.
Data Integration & Report Preparation
All data sources are integrated into a neutral, evidence-based written report.
Reports clearly describe findings, rationale, and the basis for each opinion.
Feedback, Consultation & Testimony
After the report is complete, I’m available for consultation to clarify the findings and, when relevant, provide court testimony that explains results in accessible terms.
- Evaluation Information: Process, Fees, & faqs
Fees & Retainers
Forensic services are billed at an hourly rate, with an initial retainer required before records review or interviews begin. The retainer amount is based on the estimated scope of the evaluation and typical time required for that case type.
What the retainer typically covers:
- Record review
- Interviews and psychological testing
- Scoring and data integration
- Report writing
- Attorney consultation
Additional fees (as applicable):
- Court testimony
- Travel time – Outside Clark County
- Rush timelines
When requested, a written estimate is provided after reviewing your referral question and anticipated records.
- Evaluation Information: Process, Fees, & FAQs
Forensic Service FAQs
I provide evaluations and consultation for both civil and criminal matters. This can include competency, criminal responsibility, risk, pre-sentencing, personal injury, disability, custody cases, and more.
Forensic evaluations are rarely one-size-fits-all. If you have a unique case, I’m glad to consult with you to determine whether my training and experience are suited to the referral question.
Unlike clinical evaluations, forensic evaluations are not confidential in the traditional sense. Results are intended for the court or retaining party and may become part of the legal record.
Confidentiality can be nuanced in forensic evaluations depending on who retained my services. Be sure to ask all questions to understand how confidentiality works in your case.
My evaluations are thorough, data-driven, and objective. I integrate psychological testing, clinical interviewing, and record review, ensuring that each conclusion is based on multiple sources of evidence. I also carefully consider alternative hypotheses to avoid bias and ensure findings are accurate, balanced, and defensible.
No. Because forensic evaluations are conducted for legal purposes, they are not covered by health insurance. Fees are the responsibility of the retaining party.
Ideally, you should have legal representation before beginning a forensic evaluation, or the court itself would retain me for the case. In rare circumstances, I may accept cases without an attorney involved; however, it’s important to understand the limitations.
I cannot advise you on legal matters, and I cannot guarantee that the evaluation will be helpful to your case. A forensic evaluation is objective — you are not purchasing the outcome of my report, only my professional services.
This means my findings could potentially include information that is unfavorable to your case. Please note that the evaluation report will not be released until payment has been made in full.
Click here to learn more about the practice of forensic psychology: Forensic Overview.
Attorneys may retain my services by contacting my office directly.
Please be prepared to provide the court order (if applicable), referral questions, and all relevant records at least three weeks prior to the evaluation's scheduled date.
A signed agreement and payment of the retainer fee (unless a retainer is prohibited due to being a government agency) are required before services begin.