Forensic Evaluations
As a licensed psychologist located in Pittsburgh, PA, I specialize in forensic evaluations for criminal, civil, and family courts. With years of experience in state and county correctional facilities, I understand the nuances of the legal system. These types of evaluations include competency to stand trial evaluations (for adults), psychosexual risk assessments (for adults), custody evaluations, dependency (parenting capacity) evaluations, and other mental health evaluations, both forensic and non-forensic. I am able to provide expert testimony, consult with attorneys, and critique other evaluations.
Prices and duration of services available upon request
Forensic Evaluations
A forensic evaluation includes a thorough clinical interview, review of collateral information, administration of psychological tests and assessment measures, and a detailed written report.
Just some of the many types that I have used include: Wechsler IQ testing; achievement (educational) testing; personality measures such as MMPI-3 and PAI; measures of psychological functioning such as the BSI-II; measures for specific symptoms such as BDI, BAI, Conners, and specific PTSD measures; parenting tests such as the PSI and PCRI; sex offender testing such as the JSOAP, ERASOR, Static-99r, STABLE2007, ACUTE2007, and CPORT; and other forensic testing such as CAPI, Conflict Tactics Scales, M-FAST, SIRS, SIMS, and TOMM.
Psychosexual evaluations involve a thorough clinical interview, including sexual history and a detailed risk assessment that includes use of instruments, risk and protective factors, to determine if the offender meets criteria for any mental health diagnoses or personality disorders and to assess their current likelihood of reoffending. This information can be useful in presentencing investigations, evaluations to determine someone’s risk to be with children, or for a sex offender’s probation requirements.
Psychosexual Evaluations
Custody Evaluations
A custody evaluation is a complete thorough psychological evaluation of both parents (as well as other pertinent adults such as grandparents, stepparents, etc.). that includes interviews, testing, and observations of the adults with the children. I also complete evaluations with the children in order to determine if any or all of them require additional specific needs. I make extensive effort to consult all resources for a full and lengthy evaluation, whereby I will submit an official report to the court.
Parent Capacity Evaluations
Parenting capacity evaluations include individual psychological evaluations of the parent(s) both alone and with their child(ren) in order to determine possible explanations for their behaviors and/or recommend services that encourage them to better their parenting. In the event the parent is unwilling or unable to improve their behavior(s), parental rights need to be terminated. These evaluations can also determine what best meets the needs and welfare of the children.
Mental Health Evaluations
Individual mental health evaluations include interviews, review of collateral information, and use of psychological testing instruments to determine if someone meets criteria for DSM-5 or DSM-5-TR diagnosis. These evaluations can be helpful for forensic and non-forensic issues by allowing the individual to understand their needs on a deeper level and encouraging them to seek appropriate treatment or services for which they may qualify.
To contact Caldwell PsyD for any of the forensic evaluations above, please fill out the form below.