A parental fitness evaluation is a process in which a court or other authority assesses the ability of one or both parents' ability to provide for their child's physical, emotional, and mental well-being. This evaluation typically occurs in the context of child custody cases, adoption proceedings, or other legal disputes involving the care of a minor. The evaluation may consider factors such as the parent's living conditions, financial stability, criminal history, drug use, and other relevant information.
Read MoreParent Coordinator: A Crucial Role in High-Conflict Custody Evaluations
In high-conflict custody cases, the role of a parent coordinator becomes paramount in ensuring the best interests of the children involved. These cases often involve complex family dynamics, intense emotions, and a breakdown in communication between parents. This blog post aims to provide an in-depth understanding of what a parent coordinator is, their responsibilities, and the vital role they play in navigating high-conflict custody evaluations.
Read MoreWhat to Expect from a Court-Ordered Psychological Evaluation
When undergoing a court-ordered evaluation, there are four main stages involved, namely Intake, Clinical Interviews, Psychological Testing, and Gathering Collateral Information. Each stage is crucial to enabling a thorough and precise assessment. Moreover, we will also cover the duration of the process, differences in confidentiality, and cost of a court-ordered evaluation.
Read MoreT-Visa Immigration Process: How a Psychological Evaluation Can Help
The T-Visa immigration process in the United States is a critical pathway for victims of human trafficking to find safety and start a new chapter in their lives. As these individuals embark on this challenging journey, a psychological evaluation can play a pivotal role in supporting their application. This blog post aims to shed light on the T-Visa process and the significant impact that a psychological evaluation can have on the success of an application.
Read MorePsychological Evaluation for Asylum I-589 | Near Me | Telehealth
Explore our comprehensive Asylum Application Guide, focusing on the critical role of psychological evaluations in U.S. asylum cases. This detailed guide provides invaluable insights into the legal requirements for asylum, emphasizing the necessity of demonstrating a well-founded fear of persecution based on race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group. Learn how forensic psychologists, like Dr. Long, an expert in immigration evaluations, play a pivotal role in asylum applications through trauma assessment, credibility analysis, and expert testimony.
Read MoreGuía de evaluación psicológica USCIS N-648
La Dra. Lisa Long tiene una amplia experiencia en la realización de evaluaciones psicológicas N-648 y está familiarizada con los requisitos y pautas para completar el formulario. Su experiencia y atención al detalle garantizan que cada evaluación sea exhaustiva y cumpla con todos los requisitos.
Read MoreUSCIS N-648 Psychological Evaluation Guide
Dr. Lisa Long has extensive experience conducting N-648 psychological evaluations and is familiar with the requirements and guidelines for completing the form. Her expertise and attention to detail ensure that each evaluation is thorough and meets all necessary requirements. Her ability to communicate effectively, using clear explanations of the applicant's impairment and its impact on their ability to meet the requirements for naturalization, greatly improves the chances of the applicant being approved for a medical exception.
Read MoreI 918 U Visa Application and Evaluation Guide
The U Visa serves as a ray of hope for immigrants who have fallen prey to serious crimes in the United States. It is a vital pathway to legal status for those who have endured such hardships and cooperated with law enforcement. One of the crucial aspects of the U Visa application process is the psychological evaluation. This guide will delve into the details of U Visa psychological evaluations, examining their importance, methodology, and consequences. Furthermore, we will also discuss the steps involved in the I-918 U Visa application process.
Read MoreVAWA Immigration Evaluation Guide by Psychologist Dr. Lisa Long
Explore the essential VAWA Application Guide by Dr. Lisa Long, featuring in-depth insights on psychological evaluations for VAWA immigration. Understand the detailed requirements, learn about processing times, and get guidance on the VAWA form and application process.
Read MoreCivil Forensic Evaluation of Psychological Injury | Expert Insights
Join Dr. Lisa Long in exploring the complexities of psychological injury evaluations in legal contexts. Learn about the crucial principles of privacy, impartiality, and professionalism that govern forensic psychology, and gain insights into how psychological assessments are integrated into legal proceedings.
Read MoreFitness for Duty Evaluation - Comprehensive Guide
Discover the essential aspects of Psychological Fitness for Duty Evaluations (FFDE) with our comprehensive guide. This in-depth resource by Dr. Lisa Long covers the critical elements and procedures involved in FFDE, offering valuable insights for employers, HR professionals, and employees.
Read MoreEnhancing Parental Fitness With (ACEs) Informed Parenting Education Programs
Explore the critical role of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) in parental fitness assessments with Dr. Lisa Long's insights. This blog post delves into the latest research on ACEs, their impact on parenting.
Read MoreExpert Witness Forensic Psychologist | Non-Testifying Role
Dr. Lisa Long stresses the significance of a non-testifying expert in psychology consultation in legal proceedings. Attorneys may need help identifying inaccuracies and poor-quality evaluations, which can affect a client's rights and case outcomes. Read this guide to understand how engaging a qualified expert can make a vital difference in cases where psychological insights are pivotal.
Read MoreUnderstanding Forensic Evaluations | Document Review
A critical component of our work as forensic psychologists is Document Review. We hope this information helps you better understand the process and the type of documents that are integral to a thorough evaluation. We always recommend that you compile your documents and records with the guidance of your attorney.
Read MoreForensic Psychologist Dr. Lisa Long: Featured Guest on Nancy Grace's Crime Stories Podcast
We're excited to announce that our esteemed Forensic Psychologist, Dr. Lisa Long, made a noteworthy guest appearance on the well-known "Nancy Grace Crime Stories" podcast. The episode, titled "The Mysterious Disappearance of Ricky Griffis", unfolded the harrowing story of a 46-year-old man who went missing under peculiar circumstances.
Read MoreMitigating Circumstances Expert Evaluation | Charlotte, North Carolina
In criminal defense cases, savvy attorneys often turn to forensic psychology mitigation experts to help uncover crucial mitigating factors, ensuring they provide their clients with the most effective defense possible. Dr. Long, a skilled mitigation specialist, possesses the training and expertise necessary to identify and elicit these factors and effectively present them.
Read MoreAssociate Profile: Simona Atanasova
Simona Atanasova is a highly skilled and compassionate Qualified Mental Health Clinician and Crisis Responder with a strong background in mental health assessments, paralegal and case management, and working with individuals in the Department of Corrections. As a valued team member of Dr. Long's Psychological Services, Simona brings her diverse experience and dedication to providing exceptional psychological support to clients in need.
Simona is currently completing her Master's in Forensic Psychology at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology, having received her Bachelor's in Psychology from DePaul University. Her education and training have provided her with a deep understanding of psychological principles and practical applications in various settings.
In her previous roles, Simona has gained valuable experience as a Paralegal and Case Manager, working with clients in crisis and providing legal assistance. She has also conducted mental health assessments for the Department of Corrections, ensuring proper evaluation and care for incarcerated individuals. In addition, Simona worked with families in inner-city Chicago with the Department of Children and Family Services. Her awareness of family dynamics and experience with dependency cases allows her to manage the most difficult cases. Simona displays a great understanding of cultural issues and is culturally sensitive, making her a great fit when working with diverse populations. Simona has experience working with interpreters and is Bilingual in Bulgarian.
A devoted community member, Simona volunteers as a teacher for Junior Achievement of Chicago, where she teaches financial literacy to young students. Her commitment to helping others extends beyond her professional work, showcasing her dedication to empowering the next generation with essential life skills.
Simona is certified in Psychological First Aid (PFA) and Skills for Psychological Recovery (SPR) by the National Center for PTSD. These certifications demonstrate her ability to provide immediate support and assistance during times of crisis, making her a valuable asset to Dr. Long's Psychological Services team.
With her strong educational background, diverse work experience, and passion for helping others, Simona Atanasova is an exceptional associate and an integral part of Dr. Long's Psychological Services team.
Criminal Responsibility | Psychological Evaluation and Assessments in Charlotte NC
A criminal responsibility evaluation is an assessment conducted by a mental health professional to determine whether an individual accused of a crime is criminally responsible for their actions. The evaluation typically involves a comprehensive examination of the individual's mental state at the time of the crime, including any mental disorders or conditions that may have influenced their behavior.
The purpose of a criminal responsibility evaluation is to provide the court with information about the individual's mental state and to assist in determining their level of culpability for the crime. The evaluation may include clinical interviews, psychological testing, and a review of relevant medical records and legal documents.
In the United States, criminal responsibility refers to the defendant's mental state at the time the alleged crime was committed. Two legal concepts related to criminal responsibility are the insanity defense and diminished capacity. Both concepts have significant implications in the criminal justice system and have been shaped by landmark cases in U.S. case law.
Insanity Defense:
The insanity defense is a legal defense that can be used by a defendant who is accused of committing a crime, but argues that they should not be held criminally responsible because they were legally insane at the time of the crime. The legal standard for the insanity defense has evolved over time, with significant cases including:
M'Naghten's Case (1843): This case established the legal standard that a defendant is not guilty by reason of insanity if, at the time of the alleged crime, they were suffering from a mental disease or defect that prevented them from knowing the nature and quality of their actions or from understanding that their actions were wrong.
Durham v. U.S. (1954): This case established the "Durham rule," which held that a defendant is not criminally responsible if their unlawful act was the product of a mental disease or defect.
Foucha v. Louisiana (1992): This case established that a defendant cannot be held indefinitely in a mental institution solely on the basis of a criminal court's determination that they are dangerous. The state must show that the defendant is both dangerous and mentally ill.
Diminished Capacity:
Diminished capacity is a legal concept that refers to the defendant's mental state at the time of the alleged crime, but unlike the insanity defense, it does not absolve the defendant of criminal responsibility. Instead, it is used as a defense to mitigate the charges against the defendant. Some significant cases related to diminished capacity include:
People v. Patterson (1976): This case established that evidence of a defendant's mental state at the time of the alleged crime can be admissible in court to show that they lacked the intent to commit the crime, even if the defendant is not legally insane.
Montana v. Engelhoff (1996): This case held that evidence of the defendant's mental state, including their voluntary intoxication, can be admissible in court to show that they lacked the intent to commit the crime, but only if the defendant can show that their mental state was so impaired that they could not form the necessary intent.
Forensic Evaluation Of Criminal Responsibility
When the defense decides to use an insanity defense in a criminal case, mental health professionals, such as psychiatrists or psychologists, are hired by the prosecution and defense, or appointed by the court, to evaluate the defendant's mental state and provide reports and testimony regarding the defendant's criminal responsibility. This is a complex type of evaluation for mental health professionals in their roles as forensic examiners because it differs significantly from the evaluations they conduct in clinical (non-legal) settings.
Clinical diagnostic assessments are not always accurate, even under the best circumstances, such as when the clinician is working with a willing, honest, and cooperative client, and the focus is on current mental functioning and treatment planning. These circumstances are often not present when conducting evaluations for criminal responsibility. Since insanity evaluations focus on a specific point in the past, the effectiveness of commonly used clinical measures, such as psychological tests or diagnostic procedures, is limited. Instead, insanity evaluations rely largely on reviews of investigative evidence collected by the police, interviews with defendants, and information obtained from third parties who may have relevant knowledge about the defendant's behavior and functioning at or around the time of the offense. As a result, investigative reporting, rather than traditional clinical assessment, may be a more appropriate conceptual model for conducting criminal responsibility evaluations.
Common issues with the Forensic Evaluation of Criminal Responsibility.
Insanity evaluations are often conducted weeks or months after the defendant's arrest, and the time gap between the crime and the clinical evaluation can be significantly longer if the arrest is made after a prolonged investigation. This retrospective nature of the evaluation can result in a distorted picture of the defendant's mental state at the time of the offense. Several factors can contribute to this distortion, including:
The defendant's mental illness may have deteriorated over time, and the clinician may interview the defendant in a more disturbed state, leading to an overestimation of the psychopathology present at the time of the offense.
The defendant's mental illness may have improved due to treatment or spontaneously, and the clinician may interview the defendant in a less disturbed state, leading to an underestimation of the psychopathology present at the time of the offense.
Although not symptomatic at the time of the offense, the defendant may have developed symptoms subsequent to the offense due to the nature of the crime, events that occurred during the arrest or in jail, or anticipation of serious consequences. The clinician may attribute some of this symptomatology as being present at the time of the offense.
The accuracy of the information obtained by interviewing the defendant or third-party sources, such as witnesses or family members, may be compromised due to memory deterioration over time, even if the information is provided honestly.
Validity Concerns
The information provided to the forensic examiner in insanity evaluations (and other forensic assessments) can be compromised due to personal or professional interests of those providing the information. As a result, concerns about the validity of the information are greater than in evaluations conducted for standard clinical and therapeutic purposes.
Defendants may feel that a successful insanity defense is their only hope of avoiding a lengthy prison sentence, leading them to exaggerate or fabricate symptoms of mental disorder when describing their behavior and motivations at the time of the offense. Family members may distort information in ways that they believe are helpful to the case, and attorneys may selectively provide investigative information to the clinician, withholding anything that may lead to an unfavorable opinion. The evidence gathered and provided by the police may also be misleading, providing a distorted picture of the defendant's prior mental functioning. For example, a defendant who is mentally confused and verbally incoherent may be coerced into signing a "confession" drafted in organized and coherent language by an arresting officer, thereby masking the extent of psychopathology present at the time of the arrest.
Helpful Resources in the domain of Criminal Responsibility
AAPL Practice Guideline for Forensic Evaluation of Defendants Raising the Insanity Defense
Competency to Stand Trial Evaluation - Guide
Forensic evaluators play a crucial role in determining a defendant's competency to stand trial, involving a comprehensive evaluation of their mental and cognitive abilities. Findings are presented in a written report submitted to the court, and the evaluator may also provide expert testimony. Competency to stand trial case law establishes that defendants must comprehend the legal proceedings against them and participate in their defense, and the court must raise concerns about competency if evidence of incompetence exists. In cases where medication is needed to restore competency, the court balances the defendant's liberty interest against the government's desire for a fair trial.
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