Forensic and Neuropsychological Evaluations for Adolescents and Adults

Through a variety of evaluations, we provide insight on whether an individual has a mental disorder, how it impacts their mental capacity, whether they are able to make sound decisions for themselves and their care, and if they can accurately execute a contractual agreement on behalf of themselves or someone else.

In criminal cases, we evaluate an individual’s competency to stand trial, engage in rational discussion regarding their situation, and understand the consequences of their actions as well as any agreements about treatment or sentencing. We also assess the mental health, function, and maturity of adolescents within the juvenile justice system.

Incarceration is not always the most appropriate or beneficial decision for individuals with mental health issues, including substance use disorders, or when charged with a crime. We provide evidence to support eligibility for alternative sentencing to a treatment program or facility for rehabilitation if it is in the person’s best interest, and they can comply with requirements.

Following an injury, a person may experience post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), traumatic brain injury (TBI), or emotional distress that can impact their ability to not only return to work but carry out daily activities as well. We provide findings that can be used in workers’ compensation or personal injury litigation.

Careers in public safety are demanding and can be mentally taxing. We conduct in-depth evaluations on applicants to opine on their suitability for the job based on psychological testing as well as oral discussions regarding their ability to meet the requirements of the job from a mental and emotional standpoint.

We are qualified to conduct independent educational evaluations to assess a child’s intelligence and cognitive abilities, identify learning disabilities, evaluate behavior and attention issues, analyze achievement potential, and provide detailed insight into how they learn. These findings can help families access appropriate services and accommodations to support their child’s academic performance.

A forensic psychologist can help attorneys, judges, and educational systems make decisions regarding questions that involve an intersection of legal issues and psychology or mental health. We have experience working for plaintiffs, prosecutors, and the defense as well as academic institutions. VPG offers a range of forensic consultation services, including expert witness testimony pre-trial consultation and litigation and jury matters. We also conduct any relevant clinical and legal research necessary to assist with the case.

Our neuropsychological evaluations can provide you with a deeper understanding of the brain’s overall strengths and weaknesses. This will aid in diagnosis and treatment planning with your current providers and assist with at-home interventions. We administer paper-pencil type of tests to assess: attention, language, motor functions, sensory processing, problem-solving, academics and achievements, intellectual functioning (IQ), and memory.

The NGRI plea is not a frequently raised defense and can be difficult to establish, with the burden of proof falling on the defense. The defendant must prove that it is more likely than not that they were legally insane when they committed the crime. In these types of evaluations, our forensic psychologists assess the defendant’s criminal responsibility at the time of the offense and not at the present moment.

We get several requests from defense attorneys and non-profit firms representing offenders who have been given lengthy sentences or are serving juvenile LWOP (Life Without Parole) to complete a psychological evaluation to be reviewed at a future parole hearing or upcoming parole hearing and resentencing hearing for post-conviction cases. The recentness of Franklin Hearings poses many questions about how psychological evaluations are completed or used in a Franklin Hearing