Forensic Psychological Evaluations

At MindView Psychology, our forensic evaluations are grounded in thorough clinical methodology, objective assessment, and clear, well-supported conclusions. We provide comprehensive psychological evaluations designed to meet the needs of legal proceedings while giving attorneys, courts, and other professionals the information they need to make informed decisions.

Our Approach to Forensic Evaluations

Dr. Brendel R. Doss brings extensive clinical and assessment experience, including work with vulnerable populations and incarcerated adults with severe persistent mental illness. This experience informs a thoughtful, objective approach to complex forensic questions.

At MindView Psychology, each evaluation is tailored to the specific legal matter, using appropriate assessment methods and clear, well-supported clinical conclusions. Our reports are thorough, objective, and designed to provide meaningful information for attorneys and other legal professionals.

Forensic services are private-pay and are not billed through health insurance.

Types of Forensic Evaluations

Competency to Stand Trial

Evaluations of an individual’s current ability to understand the legal proceedings, work effectively with counsel, and participate meaningfully in their defense. Assessments may include clinical interviews, standardized measures, review of relevant records, and collateral information. Reports provide clear, objective findings regarding competency and, when appropriate, considerations related to restoration.

Criminal Responsibility

Retrospective evaluations examining an individual’s mental state at the time of an alleged offense. Assessments may include clinical interviews, review of relevant legal and psychological records, collateral information, and psychological testing when appropriate. Reports provide clear, objective findings and explain the clinical reasoning underlying the conclusions.

Risk Assessment

Comprehensive evaluations addressing factors associated with violence, reoffending, or other identified risks. Assessments are tailored to the referral question and may incorporate structured tools, relevant records, clinical interviews, and collateral information. Risk assessments do not predict behavior with certainty; rather, they provide a structured, evidence-informed opinion that considers both established risk factors and individualized circumstances.

Sentencing Mitigation

Comprehensive psychological evaluations for sentencing matters that examine an individual’s psychological, developmental, and personal history. Evaluations may address intellectual functioning, neurodevelopmental factors, trauma, mental health, substance use, and other circumstances relevant to sentencing. Findings provide attorneys with a clearer understanding of the individual’s history and psychological functioning as they relate to the legal matter.

Parental Fitness

Evaluations of parenting capacity for CPS and family court matters. Assessments may address parenting skills, mental health functioning, substance use, family history, interpersonal relationships, and factors that may affect a parent’s ability to provide safe and appropriate care. The evaluation focuses on parenting capacity and potential risks to the child rather than determining comparative custody placement.

Decisional Capacity

Evaluations of an individual’s ability to make specific decisions related to medical treatment, finances, estate planning, or guardianship. Assessments are tailored to the decision at issue and may include clinical interviews, cognitive screening, psychological testing, and review of relevant records to provide clear, objective conclusions.

Evaluation Process

  1. Initial Consultation
    We review the referral question, legal matter, and goals of the evaluation to determine whether our services are appropriate.

  2. Evaluation
    The assessment may include clinical interviews, psychological testing, record review, and collateral information, depending on the referral question.

  3. Report & Conclusions
    Findings are carefully analyzed and presented in a clear, objective report with conclusions that address the specific questions of the evaluation.

  4. Consultation
    When appropriate, Dr. Doss is available to discuss the findings and clarify the evaluation with the referring professional.