Our team of doctoral-level providers are able to complete a variety of comprehensive, high quality, objective forensic assessments, court-ordered evaluation, and court-involved services. Our team of experienced doctoral-level clinicians have conducted over 150 evaluations throughout their careers, and have submitted reports to Courts in over 20 North Carolina counties, in addition to federal jurisdictions. Reach out today to learn more about our North Carolina Forensic Assessment and Court-Ordered Evaluation services!
What is a Forensic Evaluation?
A forensic evaluation, also known as a forensic psychological evaluation, or a forensic assessment, is a specialized assessment conducted by doctoral-level clinicians with specializes training and experiencing in forensic psychological assessment. These assessments, generally, offer additional information to the Court’s and trier of fact in regard to an individual’s psychological functioning, mental state, or mental health factors within the context of legal matters. This process involves the application of psychological principles to legal cases, aiming to provide unbiased, evidence-based insights to the court, attorneys, and other relevant parties.
Forensic and Court-Ordered Evaluation Services At Be BOLD
Our doctoral-level clinicians offer a variety of forensic evaluation and court-ordered assessment services including:
Mental Health Evaluation in the Context of Child Custody: This is the most common court-ordered service we provide. Oftentimes when individuals are in custody disputes, attorneys and/or the Court request that one or both parties undergo a psychological or mental health evaluation with a doctoral level-provider. Sometimes the Court orders specific questions or items to be assessed, while other times it is a more generalized evaluation that is requested. Send us your Court Order for our review, and we will let you know if we can complete what is being asked! We have completed Court Ordered evaluations for clients across the state of North Carolina, and most often these evaluations can be completed remotely! The evaluation will be completed in a timely manner, and sent to wherever the Court Order directs.
Parental Capacity/Parental Fitness: At this time, we do not offer true parental fitness evaluations. However, parenting measures and an in-depth parenting-focused interview can be added on to our court-ordered mental health evaluation package for an additional cost. Adding these measures and exploring a parent’s strengths and areas for growth can offer valuable insight to help inform both parenting-relevant and treatment recommendations.
Substance Use Evaluation: Oftentimes requested by attorneys, probation, parole, or the Court, this evaluation aims to provide insights into a person’s substance use history, patterns, motivations, and the impact of their use on their psychological and emotional well-being. The evaluation involves a thorough examination of the individual’s substance use behaviors, history of addiction, potential co-occurring mental health issues, and readiness for treatment and recovery. The information gathered through this evaluation helps inform treatment plans, interventions, and support strategies tailored to the individual’s specific needs, with the ultimate goal of promoting recovery and improving overall quality of life.
Capacity to Proceed Evaluations: Our doctoral-level clinicians assess an individual’s mental capacity to understand legal proceedings, assist in their defense, assist their attorney, and make informed decisions during trial.
Mental State at the Time of the Offense: We assess an individual’s mental state at the time of the alleged offense, determining their capacity to comprehend the nature and wrongfulness of their actions.
Sentencing Mitigation: This evaluation aims to uncover and present information about an individual’s background, circumstances, and personal history that may help to mitigate the severity of their legal consequences. Often used in criminal sentencing proceedings, a forensic mitigation evaluation seeks to provide a more nuanced understanding of the individual’s life experiences and challenges, which can influence decisions regarding sentencing, penalties, or other legal outcomes.
Consultation and Expert Testimony Services
In addition to forensic evaluation, court-ordered evaluations, and court-ordered therapy, Dr. Bate has also provided attorney consultation services, including but not limited to:
- Critical analysis or secondary review of psychological evaluations
- Witness preparation services
- General psychoeducation on mental health topics and concerns
Dr. Bate has offered trainings to attorneys and clinicians alike on items relating to clinicians varying roles and responsibilities when involved in Court-related matters. Likewise, Dr. Bate also has background and training in trial consultation services and jury research. Contact Dr. Bate to learn more!
Meet Our Team of Doctoral Level Clinicians
Brittany Bate, Ph.D. (she/her)
Dr. Bate graduated with her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from Sam Houston State University with an emphasis in forensic psychology and completed her predoctoral internship at the Federal Correctional Complex in Butner, NC. Throughout her career, Dr. Bate has conducted and authored various criminal and civil forensic evaluations for use by and in state and federal courts. Dr. Bate has conducted and supervised over 75 court-ordered mental health evaluations in North Carolina, the majority of those being in the context of custody disputes. Additionally, Dr. Bate was a Contract Psychologist with the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigations Behavioral Threat Assessment Unit, helping to complete assessments and mitigation plans for individuals exhibiting signs that they were on the pathway towards violence.
Dr. Bate is listed as a forensic resource with the North Carolina Office of Indigent Defense Services and is willing to travel to, and conduct evaluations in, secure facilities throughout North Carolina. Check out Dr. Bate’s provider page to learn more!
Anastasia Gand, PsyD (she/her)
Dr. Gand has a background and training in forensic psychology, also having completed her predoctoral internship at the Federal Correctional Complex in Butner, NC. Dr. Gand began as a postdoctoral fellow with Be BOLD Psychology and Consulting, completing a variety of mental health and substance use evaluations in the context of custody and other court-involved matters. Dr. Gand has a special interest in assessment and diagnosis of substance use disorders, personality disorders, and trauma disorders. Check out Dr. Gand’s provider page to learn more!
Beth Curran, PsyD (she/they)
Dr. Curran has a strong background in psychological assessment and diagnose, and experience in a variety of Court-involved or Court-adjacent settings during her graduate training at Spalding University. As a postdoctoral fellow, Dr. Curran completes court-ordered evaluations with the supervision of Dr. Bate. Check out Dr. Curran’s provider page to learn more!
Reach Out Today To Complete Your Court-Ordered Mental Health Evaluation
Are you an attorney and wondering if our service can fit the needs of your client? Or, perhaps you yourself are in the midst of a custody dispute, and have a Court Order for a mental health evaluation that needs to be completed soon?
Not a problem! Contact us today to see how we may be of assistance regarding your court-ordered, court-involved, forensic evaluation or consultation services! Better yet – send us the Court Order. We will review it and set up a time to further discuss your evaluation needs and to discuss scheduling, pricing, and package options! Email us at info@beboldpsychnc.com or text/call 919-525-1873.
Please be advised insurance does not cover court-ordered mental health evaluations and superbills are not offered for this service.
