Many attorneys can better represent their clients by utilizing the expertise of a forensic psychologist. In personal-injury, workplace-discrimination and sexual-harassment cases these psychologists can provide information about the severity, veracity and causes of psychological damage. In child-custody cases they assist the trier of fact in making determinations about the best interests of the child. In cases regarding guardianship and diminished capacity they provide information essential for determining individuals’ ability to manage their own affairs. And in criminal cases they address issues of competency in legal proceedings and provide risk assessments to guide judicial decision-making regarding placement and sentencing.
A forensic psychologist typically provides an expert opinion in these matters after conducting a psychological evaluation of one or more of the parties involved in the case. A standard psychological evaluation usually involves detailed interviews with all relevant parties, psychological testing, and collection and review of collateral data. Psychiatrists and social workers also conduct clinical interviews and review collateral data, but the administration and interpretation of psychological tests is not part of their formal training. Psychological consultation differs significantly from the consultation attorneys can receive from other mental health professionals in that the objective data obtained from valid and reliable psychological tests are a major strength of psychological assessment and testimony.