FORENSIC & COURT-ORDERED EVALUATIONS

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A forensic psychological (court-ordered) evaluation is a specialized assessment conducted by a licensed psychologist for the purpose of assisting a legal body (such as a court, attorney, or government agency) in addressing specific psycho-legal questions. 

Types of forensic evaluations include:

• Competency to Stand Trial
• Criminal Responsibility (Insanity)
• Risk Assessment
• Aiding in Sentencing
• Civil Issues

Unlike traditional clinical evaluations, which focus on diagnosis and treatment planning, a forensic evaluation focuses on the intersection of psychology and law. The evaluation is typically conducted not for the examinee's therapeutic benefit, but to provide an opinion to the legal system. The evaluation involves reviewing extensive collateral information (police reports, medical records, court documents), conducting clinical interviews, and administering specialized psychological tests.

An immigration psychological evaluation is a specialized assessment conducted by a licensed mental health professional (such as a psychologist, clinical social worker, or licensed professional counselor) to provide evidence supporting an individual's immigration case. These evaluations are designed to assess the psychological impact of potential deportation or removal, the presence of mental health conditions, and other factors relevant to specific forms of immigration relief.

Types of cases requiring evaluation include:

• Hardship Waivers (e.g., I-601, I-601A)
• Asylum and Withholding of Removal
• VAWA (Violence Against Women Act) Petitions
• U-Visas and T-Visas
• Cancellation of Removal

The primary goal of the evaluation is to offer objective, professional opinion and clinical evidence that can be presented to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR, or Immigration Court), or other Department of Homeland Security (DHS) agencies.

Fees for court appearances and/or expert testimony are due regardless of the outcome of the case, even if Dr. Landrum is not called to testify. The client agrees that Dr. Landrum may speak openly with the client’s attorney about all matters. During attorney consultation and testimony, Dr. Landrum’s candid professional opinion will be provided, regardless of whether it supports the client’s case or the attorney’s arguments. Dr. Landrum will comply with court orders.

A court testimony is only for cases that Dr. Landrum has submitted psychological reports for after the completion of an evaluation.