Forensic and Neuropsychological Evaluations for Adolescents and Adults
What Makes Us Different?
At Vienna Psychological Group, we stand out from the crowd as a beacon of excellence in the field of forensic psychology. Our unwavering commitment to delivering unparalleled expertise, steadfast dedication, and evidenced-based work products sets us apart.
1. Expertise Beyond Measure: Our team of well-trained, seasoned forensic psychologists boasts a wealth of experience in both clinical psychology and the intricacies of the legal system. Our psychologists have been qualified as experts in high-stakes and complex juvenile, state, and federal cases since 2015. When you choose us, you’re choosing a team that understands the nuances of the law and the complexities of human behavior.
2. A Proven Track Record: We don’t just talk the talk; we walk the walk. Our track record of assisting legal decision-makers in complex cases speaks volumes about our competence and reliability. We’re proud to be the trusted name that legal decision-makers turn to when the stakes are high.
3. Unwavering Integrity: Our commitment to integrity and ethics is at the core of everything we do. You can trust us to be neutral third parties and provide evidence-based reports that stand up to the highest standards of scrutiny.
4. Applied Science: We leverage the power of applying psychological science to uncover insights into human behavior. We stay up to date with the latest research to ensure legal decision-makers have the most accurate and up-to-date information at their disposal.
At Vienna Psychological Group, we don’t just provide forensic psychology services – we redefine what it means to have psychological expertise in the legal arena.
Practice Areas
Vienna Psychological Group collaborates with clients across multiple facets of forensic and neuropsychology services. We provide comprehensive evaluations to help with diagnostic clarity and treatment planning. In our forensic specialty, we provide detailed legally defensible reports for juveniles and adults involved in criminal, civil, and family law matters. Additionally, we provide trial consultation, assist with case development, psycholegal research, witness preparation, and development of cross-examination questions for other experts.
Civil Competencies
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.
Criminal Competencies
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.
Mental Health Diversion
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.
Personal Injury/Independent Medical Evaluations
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.
Police & Public Safety Pre-Employment Evaluations (POST)
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.
Independent Education Evaluations (IEE)
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.
Forensic Consultation
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.
Neuropsychological Evaluations
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.
Not Guilty by Reason of Insanity (NGRI)
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.
Franklin Hearing Evaluations
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
The Forensic Psychologist Podcast
Listen to our twice-monthly podcast hosted by Dr. Nicole Vienna on the niche practice area of forensic psychology. Episodes will delve into the legal system, case law, specialized forensic mental health assessments, psychological concepts, and even some true crime. The podcast episodes will also include special guest expert interviews.
Notable Clients
- The Law Offices of Meghan Blanco
- The Law Offices of Melissa Fair
- McLane, Bednarski & Litt LLP
- Children’s Law Center of California
- Los Angeles County Alternate Public Defender Office
- The Law Offices of Sarah Javaheri
- The Los Angeles County Public Defender Office
- Federal Public Defender Central District of California
- The Los Angeles County District Attorney Office
- Los Angeles County Superior Court
- Juvenile Justice Clinic (Loyola Law School)
- Law Office of the Sonoma County Public Defender
- Riverside Police Department
- Huntington Beach Police Department
- Glendora Police Department
- The Rancho Santiago Community College District
Recent Case Study
“Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Assault with a Deadly Weapon – Mental Health Diversion Case”
PTSD is a mental disorder that is triggered by a terrifying event(s)— either experiencing, witnessing it, or learned about it. Symptoms may include flashbacks, nightmares, avoidance of certain situations, and severe anxiety, as well as uncontrollable thoughts about the event.
