Court-Ordered Forensic Psychological Evaluations

Dr. Long & Associates stands as a nationally recognized leader in forensic psychological evaluations, combining academic excellence with extensive practical experience in high-stakes legal settings.

Director’s Federal & Clinical Background: Dr. Lisa Long, Psy.D., brings a background of maximum-security and federal service to private practice. Her experience includes:

• Federal Agencies: Conducted approximately 300 forensic evaluations for the Department of Justice (DOJ), Department of Defense (DOD), and Child Protective Services (CPS).

• High-Security Experience: Former forensic psychologist at a maximum-security State Psychiatric Hospital, evaluating trial competency, criminal responsibility, and risk assessments for the state's most complex psychiatric cases.

• Military Service: Provided psychological services for the DOD at Camp As-Sayliyah (Qatar) and RAF Croughton (UK).

Family Law Specialization: Dr. Long has largely dedicated her recent practice to family law, conducting roughly 140 parental fitness evaluations for courts nationwide. She specializes in "psycholegal" questions where standard clinical assessments fail.

Recent Academic Contributions (2025): As an active researcher, Dr. Long contributes to the scientific foundation of forensic psychology:

• Long, L. & Ryba, M. (Nov 2025): Standardizing Forensic Evaluations. Workshop for the Association of Family and Conciliation Courts (AFCC).

• Long, L. & Ryba, M. (Feb 2025): Enhancing the Power and Control Wheel for Diverse Populations. Poster presented at the American Academy of Forensic Sciences (AAFS).

The Practice by the Numbers:

• 500+ Total forensic evaluations completed across criminal, family, and civil proceedings.

• 12+ Years of specialized court-ordered assessment experience.

• Media Expert: Featured forensic expert on national media, including Nancy Grace's Crime Stories.

Quality Assurance & Associate Training: To ensure consistent adherence to legal standards, Dr. Long personally trains all clinicians within the practice. This rigorous internal training program guarantees that every evaluation—whether performed by the Director or an Associate—meets the highest forensic standards required by courts nationwide.

Nationwide Telehealth Coverage Through PSYPACT Authorization

Dr. Long & Associates provides expert psychological evaluations via secure telehealth across 42 states through PSYPACT (Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact) authorization. Our national reach allows us to serve clients and attorneys throughout the United States while maintaining the highest standards of professional psychological practice.

Whether you need an immigration evaluation, court-ordered forensic assessment, or clinical diagnostic evaluation, our licensed psychologists are authorized to provide services across state lines through our PSYPACT APIT License Number 8593.

States We Serve

Dr. Long & Associates is authorized to provide psychological evaluation services via telehealth in the following 42 states:

Arizona • Alabama • Arkansas • Colorado • Connecticut • Delaware • District of Columbia • Florida • Georgia • Idaho • Illinois • Indiana • Kansas • Kentucky • Maine • Maryland • Michigan • Minnesota • Mississippi • Missouri • Nebraska • Nevada • New Hampshire • New Jersey • North Carolina • North Dakota • Ohio • Oklahoma • Pennsylvania • Rhode Island • South Carolina • South Dakota • Tennessee • Texas • Utah • Vermont • Virginia • Washington • West Virginia • Wisconsin • Wyoming • Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands

The Evidence Base for Telehealth Forensic Psychological Evaluation

Contemporary research strongly supports the validity of forensic psychological evaluations conducted via secure videoconference when the assessment methodology centers on clinical interviews, collateral record review, and standardized self-report measures. A 2024 systematic review published in the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry analyzed 35 studies comparing telehealth and face-to-face psychiatric diagnostic interviews and concluded that telehealth assessments demonstrate "good agreement and reliability" across a broad range of conditions including depression, PTSD, and anxiety disorders (van der Merwe et al., 2024). The American Psychological Association's 2024 Guidelines for the Practice of Telepsychology—developed by a joint task force including forensic specialists—formally endorse telehealth as an appropriate modality for psychological assessment when proper protocols are followed (APA, 2024). The American Psychology-Law Society (APA Division 41) has issued specific recommendations affirming the viability of telepsychology in forensic and correctional contexts, noting that remote clinical interviews can effectively support legal decision-making when conducted with appropriate safeguards (Batastini et al., 2023).

Research further confirms that the gold-standard self-report instruments used in forensic practice perform equivalently across administration modalities. Studies of the MMPI-3 demonstrate that validity scales—critical for detecting response bias in forensic contexts—function comparably whether administered in-person or via telehealth, with no significant differences in detection of over- or under-reporting (Agarwal et al., 2023; Shura et al., 2024). International surveys of forensic psychologists and psychiatrists report high confidence in clinical interview methodology and client rapport via videoconference, with client satisfaction rates equivalent to in-person encounters (Daffern et al., 2021). Dr. Long & Associates applies these evidence-based telehealth methods—comprehensive record review, structured clinical interviewing, and validated psychological instruments—to deliver thorough, legally defensible evaluations to clients in 42 states.

References

American Psychological Association. (2024). Guidelines for the Practice of Telepsychology. Washington, DC: Author.

Agarwal, L. P., Keen, M. A., Morris, C. S., & Ingram, P. B. (2023). Contrasting MMPI-3 validity scale effectiveness differences across in-person and telehealth administration procedures. Psychological Assessment, 35(11), 925–937.

Batastini, A. B., Guyton, M., et al. (2023). Recommendations for the use of telepsychology in psychology-law practice and research: A statement by American Psychology-Law Society (APA Division 41). Psychology, Public Policy, and Law, 29(3), 255–271.

Daffern, M., Shea, D., & Ogloff, J. (2021). Remote forensic evaluations and treatment in the time of COVID-19: An international survey of psychologists and psychiatrists. Psychology, Public Policy, and Law.

Shura, R. D., Sapp, A., Ingram, P. B., & Brearly, T. W. (2024). Evaluation of telehealth administration of MMPI symptom validity scales. Journal of Clinical and Experimental Neuropsychology, 46(2), 86–94.

van der Merwe, M., Atkins, T., Scott, A. M., & Glasziou, P. P. (2024). Diagnostic assessment via live telehealth (phone or video) versus face-to-face for the diagnoses of psychiatric conditions: A systematic review. Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, 85(4), 24r15296.

Dr. Long & Associates provides comprehensive psychological evaluations for family court proceedings, utilizing a "triage model" to ensure every assessment is "right-sized" to the specific legal questions and statutory requirements of your case:

Child Custody & Parenting Time Evaluations: Objective assessments of parental fitness, parent-child relationships, and recommendations for custody and visitation arrangements that serve the best interests of the child. Our approach examines parental mental health, parenting skills, child development needs, and family dynamics.

• What Can Be Used Against You in a Custody Battle?

Parental Capacity/Fitness Evaluations: In-depth assessments of a parent's psychological functioning, parenting abilities, and capacity to provide appropriate care. These are critical when specific diagnoses (e.g., Borderline Personality Disorder) or behavioral concerns are central to the dispute.

• Parental Capacity Evaluation Guide

• Borderline Personality Disorder & Custody: A Guide for Attorneys

• Enhancing Parental Fitness With ACEs-Informed Parenting Education Programs

Parental Alienation Assessments: Specialized evaluations to identify dynamics of parental alienation, where one parent undermines the child's relationship with the other parent. Our assessments provide evidence-based analysis of family interactions, manipulation tactics, and recommendations for intervention.

• Parental Alienation Expert | Family Court Guide

Parent Coordinator Support Services: While not strictly an evaluation service, Dr. Long & Associates offers psychological expertise to support court-appointed parent coordinators in high-conflict custody cases.

• Parent Coordinator: Everything You Need to Know

Comprehensive Clinical Assessments (CCA): Thorough evaluations of family systems, often ordered in cases involving allegations of abuse, neglect, or when complex family dynamics require professional assessment.

• Comprehensive Clinical Assessment (CCA) Guide

Attorney Resources & Court Order Tools: We provide practical guidance for attorneys on engaging experts and drafting effective court orders. To prevent vague referrals, we have developed tools to help professionals draft precise, evidence-based orders with scopes automatically populated for specific case needs.

• Information for Attorneys: Expert Engagement Pathways

• Family Law Psychological Evaluations & Order Builder

• Tool: Launch the Family Law Order Builder App

Each family court evaluation incorporates standardized psychological testing, clinical interviews, behavioral observations, and review of relevant records to provide courts with objective, evidence-based findings that assist in making sound legal determinations regarding family matters.

Dr. Long & Associates provides specialized psychological evaluations for criminal proceedings, delivering court-admissible findings that address specific legal questions:

Competency to Stand Trial Evaluations: Assess a defendant's current mental state and ability to understand court proceedings, work with attorneys, and participate in their own defense—a constitutional requirement before criminal prosecution can proceed.

• Competency to Stand Trial Evaluations | Nationwide Expertise

Criminal Responsibility/Insanity Evaluations: Determine whether, at the time of the alleged offense, a mental disease or defect prevented the defendant from understanding the nature or wrongfulness of their actions, potentially supporting an insanity defense.

• Criminal Responsibility Psychological Evaluation (Charlotte NC)

Mitigating Circumstances Evaluations: Identify psychological, developmental, and social factors that may constitute mitigating circumstances during sentencing, potentially resulting in reduced sentences or alternative sentencing options.

• Mitigating Circumstances Evaluation | Nationwide Expertise

Psychosexual Risk Assessments: Comprehensive evaluations of individuals charged with or convicted of sexual offenses to assess recidivism risk, treatment needs, and recommendations for supervision and management.

• Psychosexual Evaluations Expert Provider | Near You

Military Court-Martial Evaluations: Specialized assessments for military personnel facing court-martial proceedings, addressing unique aspects of military justice and service-related factors.

• How Defense Expert Consultants Strengthen Military Court-Martial Defense

All criminal court evaluations include comprehensive psychological testing, clinical interviews, extensive review of legal and medical records, and evidence-based assessment of relevant legal standards. Our reports translate complex psychological findings into clear, court-admissible language that directly addresses the legal questions at hand.

Dr. Long & Associates provides specialized psychological evaluations for civil litigation matters, delivering expert assessment and testimony to support various legal proceedings:

Psychological Injury Evaluations: Comprehensive assessment of emotional and psychological damages resulting from accidents, workplace incidents, medical malpractice, or other negligent acts. These evaluations document the nature, extent, and causation of psychological injuries for personal injury claims and civil lawsuits.

• Psychological Injury Evaluations in Civil Lawsuits

Testamentary Capacity Evaluations: Assessment of an individual's psychological capacity to make a valid will or trust, understanding the nature and extent of their property, the natural objects of their bounty, and the disposition they are making of their property.

• Testamentary Capacity Evaluations for Estate Planning

Fitness for Duty Evaluations: Determination of whether an employee is psychologically capable of performing essential job functions, particularly in high-risk occupations or following workplace incidents that raise concerns about psychological functioning.

• Fitness for Duty Evaluation - Comprehensive Guide

Employment Litigation Support: Psychological assessment related to workplace discrimination, harassment, or hostile work environment claims, documenting psychological impact and establishing causation between workplace conditions and psychological harm.

Psychological Autopsies: Systematic, retrospective investigation of a decedent's state of mind to determine intent in cases of equivocal death. These evaluations analyze the critical gap between physical cause and psychological intent, providing essential evidence for life insurance disputes, contested wills, and wrongful death litigation.

• Psychological Autopsy | A Guide for Legal and Medical Professionals

Dr. Long & Associates offers three distinct forms of expert services to legal professionals, each designed to meet specific case needs and strategic objectives:

1. Court-Appointed Evaluator

In this role, Dr. Long serves as an independent, objective evaluator appointed by the court or jointly by parties to conduct comprehensive psychological evaluations. This traditional forensic role involves:

• Multi-method assessment approach including clinical interviews, psychological testing, and records review

• Comprehensive written reports submitted directly to the court

• Neutral, objective findings serving the trier of fact rather than any particular party

• Expert testimony based on first-hand evaluation data

• Adherence to strict forensic protocols and ethical guidelines

This service is appropriate when courts require an impartial psychological evaluation from a qualified expert with no allegiance to either party.

2. Expert Witness Services

When attorneys require expert testimony but not a full court-ordered evaluation, Dr. Long provides specialized expert witness services including:

• Document Review & Case Analysis: Comprehensive psychological review of case materials, including medical records, prior evaluations, and treatment notes

• Rebuttal Testimony: Critical analysis of opposing expert reports and testimony, identifying methodological flaws, bias, or alternative interpretations

• Professional Opinions: Evidence-based conclusions on specific psycholegal questions based on record review

• Expert Courtroom Testimony: Clear, authoritative explanation of psychological concepts to judges and juries that withstands rigorous cross-examination

While retained by one party, Dr. Long maintains professional objectivity, basing opinions solely on scientific evidence and professional standards.

3. Non-Testifying Consultant (Attorney-Client Privileged)

Perhaps the most valuable yet underutilized service, Dr. Long's role as a non-testifying consultant provides attorneys with privileged psychological expertise throughout the litigation process:

• Strategic Case Analysis: Expert psychological perspective on case strengths, weaknesses, and strategy development

• Expert Witness Preparation: Development of effective direct and cross-examination questions for psychological witnesses

• Psychological Education: Clear explanation of relevant psychological concepts, research, and implications for your specific case

• Opposing Expert Analysis: Identification of vulnerabilities in opposing expert methodology, interpretations, and conclusions

• Trial Preparation Support: Assistance with psychological aspects of jury selection, witness preparation, and development of demonstrative exhibits

As a non-testifying consultant, Dr. Long works directly with the attorney under attorney-client privilege, allowing for candid discussions and strategic guidance without the constraints of potential testimony. This role is invaluable across family law, civil litigation, and criminal defense cases where psychological factors play a significant role.

Learn more about how Dr. Long can support your legal strategy:

• When to Use a Psychologist Consultant in Litigation

• How Defense Expert Consultants Strengthen Military Court-Martial Defense

Dr. Long & Associates offers a streamlined intake process designed to get you the specific expertise you need within 24 hours.

For Attorneys & Legal Professionals: To ensure we address the specific procedural needs of your case (e.g., maintaining work-product privilege vs. a neutral court appointment), we offer three distinct engagement pathways: Litigation Consultation, Work Product Review, and Court-Ordered Evaluations.

Please visit our Attorney Engagement Hub to select the pathway that matches your legal strategy and access the specific referral portal for that service. Our intake team reviews all attorney referrals within 24 hours.

👉 Select Your Engagement Pathway (Information for Attorneys)

For Individuals & Parents: If you are a party to a case (e.g., a parent in a custody dispute) and require a court-ordered evaluation, please use our general Nationwide Request Form.

• Requirement: We require a copy of your existing court order or a direct referral from your attorney to proceed. We cannot conduct forensic evaluations for self-represented individuals without court documentation.

• Process: Complete the secure form below and upload your court order (if available). Our team will review your documents and respond within 24 hours.

👉 Nationwide Evaluation Request Form (For Individuals)