There are a number of situations in which a Mental Health Practitioner can be called for providing his professional opinion on a particular matter.
Some of those situations are discussed in the judicial branch (e.g.: Civil Court) or in a specific office within the Executive branch (e.g.: the Social Security Administration). In these situations, the practitioner is called to perform a Forensic role.
The word “Forensic” comes from the Latin term “forensis”, which means “on or before the Forum”. In the Roman Empire, the Forum was that place where important matters of public relevance were addressed, including trials to deliver Justice.
I hold a Master’s degree in Forensic Mental Health Counseling from the John Jay College of Criminal Justice at the City University of New York.
I am often hired to perform evaluations for Family and Custody issues, Disability applications and Immigration cases, amongst others.
These evaluations:
(a) Require an understanding of the juridical nature of the issue at stake;
(b) Require a throughout knowledge of psychopathology (diagnosis) and of reliable methods of assessment (testing);
(c.) Require a collaboration with the attorney who is providing legal counsel to the client; and
(d) Are not covered by any medical insurance plan.
Feel free to contact me if your lawyer recommended you to undergo a Forensic Mental Health Evaluation for your legal case or administrative procedure.