Assisting in informed decision-making

Forensic Psychological Evaluations

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PECNA provides specialized forensic psychological evaluations and expert support for individuals involved in legal and court-related matters, offering services in multiple languages to ensure accessibility and cultural sensitivity.

We specialize in psychological assessments for Fitness for Duty, Conservatorship, Guardianship, Child Custody, Parental Fitness, and other forensic or court-ordered evaluations.

Using HIPAA-compliant video conferencing, PECNA delivers secure access to high-quality forensic evaluations, ensuring a professional, convenient, and inclusive experience for clients from diverse backgrounds.

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Prompt Service with a Focus on Cultural Sensitivity

We are committed to providing the highest standard of care.

Our tailored forensic psychological evaluation services are designed to support individuals involved in legal matters, including Fitness for Duty, Conservatorship, Guardianship, Child Custody, and Parental Fitness assessments.

Expertise in Forensic Psychology

PECNA's clinicians each have Psy.D. or Ph.D. credentials. Our experienced evaluators provide clear, unbiased reports that meet legal standards, helping clients and attorneys present strong cases.

Multilingual and Culturally Competent Evaluations

Our team is fluent in English, Spanish, Mandarin and Thai, ensuring that each evaluation respects and reflects the client’s language and cultural background.

Nationwide Accessibility & Immediate Availability

PECNA offers secure, HIPAA-compliant telehealth services in all 50 states, allowing clients to participate from wherever they are located. Next-day appointments are available 7 days a week in all time zones. Expedited services for urgent cases are available.

Trusted by Attorneys Nationwide

PECNA’s high-quality evaluations are relied upon by attorneys for their professionalism, objectivity, and depth of insight. Our comprehensive reports provide the critical documentation needed to support complex legal cases with clarity and confidence.

Affordable Payment Options

PECNA is committed to making our services accessible to everyone. We offer flexible payment options including a 18-month, $0 interest payment plan to reduce financial barriers for families already under stress.

Thorough, Tailored Psychological Evaluation Reports

Our high-quality, detailed evaluation reports equip attorneys with the information needed to advocate effectively, ensuring clients are emotionally and psychologically supported throughout the process.

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Forensic Psychological Assessments

A forensic psychological assessment offers in-depth psychological insights that can be instrumental in ensuring fair legal outcomes and informed decision-making.

Whether you’re an attorney seeking documentation for a client’s court matter or an individual requiring psychological assessments for Fitness for Duty, Conservatorship, Guardianship, Child Custody, or Parental Fitness, PECNA provides expertly crafted evaluations tailored for forensic cases.

By delivering thorough, professional assessments, PECNA helps individuals reach fair and well-informed decisions while prioritizing the well-being of all parties involved.

Expert Evaluations Strengthen Client Cases

Clients involved in legal matters such as Fitness for Duty, Conservatorship, Guardianship, Child Custody, and Parental Fitness can benefit from a professional forensic psychological evaluation.

PECNA’s thorough assessments document cognitive functioning, emotional health, and psychological factors relevant to the case, providing critical insights for court proceedings.

Our evaluations deliver objective, evidence-based findings that can support fair legal decisions while ensuring the well-being of all parties involved.

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Court-Ordered Psychological Evaluations

Court-ordered psychological evaluations are often required in legal cases where mental health, decision-making capacity, or emotional well-being may affect the outcome of a case. These evaluations help the court make informed decisions in situations where clarity about an individual’s psychological state is necessary for fair legal rulings.

You might be required to undergo a court-ordered psychological evaluation for:

  • Child Custody Disputes
  • Guardianship or Conservatorship Cases
  • Parental Fitness Cases
  • Fitness for Duty Evaluations
  • Probation and Sentencing Considerations


PECNA’s court-ordered psychological evaluations provide objective, professional assessments that thoroughly document psychological functioning, helping the court make informed decisions with clarity and fairness.

For Custody, Guardianship, and Conservatorship

Navigating custody, guardianship, or conservatorship cases often involves complex emotional and psychological challenges. Whether you’re seeking to protect a vulnerable family member, ensure a child’s well-being, or determine decision-making capacity for an adult, these legal situations can be stressful and deeply impactful. Emotional strain, cognitive challenges, and family conflicts can all influence mental health during these proceedings.

PECNA’s forensic psychological evaluations provide comprehensive assessments tailored to these sensitive cases. Our evaluations document emotional health, cognitive functioning, and psychological factors relevant to decision-making capacity and caregiving ability. 

By presenting objective, professional insights, PECNA helps ensure courts have the information needed to make informed, fair decisions that prioritize the well-being of those involved.

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Impartial Forensic Psychological Evaluations

Forensic psychological evaluations can be highly effective tools in legal cases, providing critical insights into an individual’s mental health, cognitive abilities, and emotional well-being. However, their effectiveness relies heavily on the expertise of the evaluator, the quality of the assessment tools used, and the clarity of the legal questions being addressed.

An impartial, well-conducted evaluation is essential for ensuring fairness and accuracy in legal proceedings. Evaluations that lack neutrality or are conducted by inexperienced providers can introduce bias or inconsistency, potentially undermining the credibility of the findings. It’s crucial to work with professionals who specialize in forensic assessments and understand the importance of objectivity.

At PECNA, our evaluations are conducted by highly qualified clinicians with extensive experience in forensic psychology. We use evidence-based assessment tools and a standardized process designed to eliminate bias, ensuring that our evaluations are both thorough and impartial. Our focus on clarity, accuracy, and professionalism helps legal decision-makers receive reliable insights, supporting fair and informed outcomes in cases such as custody, guardianship, conservatorship, and fitness for duty.

By choosing PECNA, you can trust that our evaluations meet the highest standards of professional integrity, ensuring your case is supported by objective, evidence-driven findings.

Types of Forensic Evaluations Provided by PECNA

Our team provides specialized forensic psychological evaluations for legal matters, including fitness for duty, custody, guardianship, conservatorship, and parental fitness cases.

A Fitness for Duty (FFDE) Psychological Evaluation is an essential assessment for determining whether an employee is mentally and emotionally capable of performing their job safely and effectively. These evaluations are often required in situations where there is a concern about an individual’s psychological health impacting their ability to fulfill job duties, ensure workplace safety, or manage high-risk responsibilities.

Psychologists perform FFDE evaluations to assess mental health conditions such as stress-related disorders, trauma, anxiety, and cognitive impairments. These evaluations provide objective documentation to support informed decisions about workplace safety, accommodations, or return-to-work approvals.

The Fitness for Duty Evaluation Process Includes Several Key Elements:

Clinical Interview and Psychological Assessment

The evaluation begins with a comprehensive clinical interview, where the psychologist gathers information about the employee’s job duties, recent workplace challenges, and overall psychological history. This interview assesses whether emotional, cognitive, or behavioral factors may affect job performance and workplace safety.

Assessment of Psychological Functioning

The clinician evaluates the employee’s current mental health status, including:

  • Emotional Symptoms: Stress, anxiety, depression, or mood disturbances.
  • Cognitive Functioning: Memory, attention, decision-making, and problem-solving abilities.
  • Behavioral Factors: Emotional regulation, interpersonal conflicts, or behavioral concerns impacting work performance.

Diagnostic Findings

Based on the clinical interview and assessment tools used, the psychologist may provide a formal diagnosis if applicable, such as anxiety, PTSD, depression, or adjustment disorders. These findings help clarify whether the employee’s psychological condition impacts their ability to perform job-related tasks effectively and safely.

Review of Relevant Records

To ensure a comprehensive assessment, the clinician may review relevant documents, such as medical records, workplace incident reports, or prior evaluations. These records help validate the consistency of symptoms and support the accuracy of the findings.

Impact on Workplace Functioning

The evaluation assesses how the employee’s psychological health affects their workplace performance, including:

  • Workplace Safety Risks: Whether the individual can safely manage high-risk duties.
  • Productivity and Performance: Ability to maintain job expectations and responsibilities.
  • Interpersonal Relations: How the individual’s mental health affects workplace dynamics and collaboration.

Supportive Statements and Recommendations

The clinician provides professional recommendations tailored to the employee’s condition and job requirements. This may include:

  • Recommendations for return-to-work readiness or modified duties.
  • Suggestions for mental health treatment or support.
  • Workplace accommodations, if applicable.

Comprehensive Report for Employers

The final FFDE report includes a detailed summary of the evaluation, psychological findings, and professional recommendations for the employer. It offers objective, evidence-based conclusions to support informed decision-making while prioritizing the employee's well-being and workplace safety.

The Fitness for Duty Psychological Evaluation serves as a vital tool for ensuring a healthy, safe, and productive work environment while balancing employee rights and organizational needs.

A Parental Fitness Psychological Evaluation is a comprehensive assessment used in legal cases to determine a parent’s ability to meet the emotional, psychological, and physical needs of their child. These evaluations are often required in custody disputes, guardianship cases, or when parental capacity is in question due to concerns about mental health, substance abuse, or past behavior.

Psychologists conduct parental fitness evaluations to assess a parent’s capacity to provide a safe, stable, and nurturing environment for their child. These assessments provide critical documentation for courts, ensuring that decisions prioritize the child’s well-being and safety.

The Parental Fitness Evaluation Process Includes Several Key Elements:

Clinical Interview and History Review

The evaluation begins with a detailed clinical interview, where the psychologist gathers information about the parent’s history, including their relationship with the child, parenting practices, and any past or present concerns related to their ability to care for the child.

Assessment of Parenting Capacity and Psychological Functioning

The clinician evaluates the parent’s overall mental health and parenting abilities, including:

  • Emotional Stability: Ability to manage stress, regulate emotions, and maintain healthy relationships.
  • Decision-Making and Judgment: Capacity to make safe and appropriate choices regarding the child’s well-being.
  • Parent-Child Relationship: Quality of the parent’s bond with the child, emotional connection, and ability to provide nurturing care.
  • Consistency and Structure: Ability to provide a stable home environment with consistent routines and boundaries.

Assessment of Risk Factors

The evaluation also explores any risk factors that may impact parenting capacity, such as:

  • History of substance abuse or dependency.
  • Criminal history or past involvement in domestic violence.
  • Mental health conditions that could impair caregiving ability.

Direct Observation of Parent-Child Interaction (If Applicable)

In some cases, the psychologist may observe the parent interacting with the child to assess the quality of the relationship, communication patterns, and overall emotional connection.

Diagnostic Findings and Recommendations

Based on the assessment, the clinician may provide a formal diagnosis if applicable, such as anxiety, depression, or trauma-related disorders that could affect parenting capacity. The report will include professional recommendations tailored to the parent's situation, such as:

  • Parenting education or therapy.
  • Supervised visitation or adjustments to custody arrangements.
  • Mental health treatment recommendations.

Review of Relevant Records

The evaluation may also include a review of medical records, court documents, and prior assessments to provide a comprehensive understanding of the case.

Comprehensive Report for Legal Proceedings

The final parental fitness report provides a detailed summary of the assessment, including psychological findings, parenting capacity, and recommendations for the court. This report offers objective, evidence-based insights to assist judges in making decisions that protect the best interests of the child.

The Parental Fitness Psychological Evaluation serves as a vital tool in family court proceedings, ensuring child welfare while balancing parental rights and responsibilities.

A Child Custody Psychological Evaluation is a comprehensive assessment used in family court cases to determine the psychological well-being of parents and their ability to meet the needs of their child during custody disputes. These evaluations are often requested when the court needs an objective assessment of both parents' capacity to provide a safe, supportive, and nurturing environment.

Psychologists perform child custody evaluations to provide evidence-based insights into the family dynamics, parental fitness, and the child's emotional well-being. These assessments play a critical role in helping courts make custody decisions that prioritize the best interests of the child.

The Child Custody Evaluation Process Includes Several Key Elements:

Clinical Interviews with Each Parent

The evaluation begins with in-depth interviews where the psychologist explores each parent's relationship with the child, parenting history, caregiving strategies, and any concerns raised in the custody case.

Parent-Child Interaction Assessment

A direct observation of parent-child interactions may be conducted to assess the quality of the relationship, emotional connection, communication patterns, and caregiving behaviors. This observation helps the evaluator understand how the child responds to each parent and the overall dynamic.

Assessment of Psychological and Emotional Health

The clinician evaluates each parent's mental health, emotional stability, and ability to provide consistent care. Areas assessed include:

  • Emotional Regulation: Ability to manage stress and conflict effectively.
  • Parenting Skills: Capacity to set boundaries, discipline appropriately, and support the child's development.
  • Decision-Making Ability: Capacity to make sound decisions regarding the child’s safety, education, and healthcare.

Evaluation of the Child’s Emotional Needs

The evaluation also focuses on the child's emotional health, needs, and preferences. The psychologist may conduct age-appropriate interviews with the child or use observation techniques to assess the child's emotional well-being and attachment to each parent.

Review of Risk Factors and Safety Concerns

The psychologist assesses any risk factors that could impact custody decisions, such as:

  • History of substance abuse.
  • Mental health conditions that may affect parenting capacity.
  • Domestic violence or previous involvement with child protective services.

Review of Relevant Documentation

The evaluation may include a thorough review of medical records, school reports, prior legal documents, and any existing psychological evaluations to provide a comprehensive understanding of the family situation.

Diagnostic Findings and Professional Recommendations

Based on the information gathered, the psychologist provides professional recommendations that may include:

  • Custody arrangements that best serve the child's emotional and developmental needs.
  • Suggestions for co-parenting strategies or therapy.
  • Recommendations for supervised visitation or parenting classes if necessary.

Comprehensive Report for Court Proceedings

The final child custody evaluation report provides a detailed summary of findings, including assessments of both parents' psychological health, parenting capacity, the child's needs, and risk factors. This objective, evidence-based report offers the court critical insights to make informed custody decisions while prioritizing the child's best interests.

A Child Custody Psychological Evaluation serves as a vital tool in family court, ensuring a balanced, child-focused outcome while helping families navigate difficult custody disputes with clarity and fairness.

A Mental Health Assessment for Conservatorship is a comprehensive psychological evaluation conducted to determine whether an individual has the mental capacity to manage their own personal, medical, and financial affairs. These assessments are often requested in legal proceedings when concerns arise about cognitive decline, mental health conditions, or developmental disabilities that may impair decision-making abilities.

Psychologists conduct conservatorship evaluations to provide objective, evidence-based insights into an individual’s mental health and capacity, helping courts make informed decisions regarding the need for a conservator to assist in managing the person's affairs.

The Mental Health Assessment for Conservatorship Process Includes Several Key Elements:

Clinical Interview and History Review

The evaluation begins with a detailed clinical interview where the psychologist gathers information about the individual's medical, psychological, and personal history. This includes current living arrangements, health conditions, and the individual’s understanding of their personal and financial responsibilities.

Assessment of Cognitive Functioning

The clinician assesses cognitive abilities to determine if any impairments impact decision-making capacity. This may include:

  • Memory and Recall: Ability to retain and recall information.
  • Judgment and Problem-Solving: Capacity for sound decision-making.
  • Attention and Concentration: Ability to focus and process information effectively.
  • Executive Functioning: Skills related to planning, organizing, and managing daily responsibilities.

Assessment of Psychological and Emotional Health

The evaluation also explores emotional and psychological well-being, as mental health conditions may affect decision-making capacity. Areas assessed include:

  • Presence of mental health conditions such as dementia, depression, anxiety, or psychosis.
  • Emotional regulation and ability to handle stress.
  • Insight into the need for assistance with personal and financial matters.

Risk Assessment and Functional Abilities

The clinician evaluates the individual’s ability to meet their basic needs, including:

  • Self-Care: Ability to manage hygiene, nutrition, and medical care.
  • Financial Management: Capacity to pay bills, manage assets, and make financial decisions.
  • Vulnerability to Exploitation: Risk factors such as cognitive decline or confusion that may leave the individual vulnerable to financial or personal harm.

Review of Medical and Legal Records

To ensure a complete assessment, the psychologist may review additional documentation, such as medical records, prior evaluations, and reports from healthcare providers or family members that may provide further context about the individual's capacity.

Diagnostic Findings and Professional Recommendations

Based on the assessment results, the psychologist provides a professional opinion on whether a conservatorship is necessary and, if so, the level of support required. This may include:

  • Full conservatorship for all personal and financial decisions.
  • Limited conservatorship for specific areas of assistance.
  • Recommendations for support services or ongoing care if a full conservatorship is not needed.

Comprehensive Report for Legal Proceedings

The final conservatorship assessment report provides a detailed summary of the individual's cognitive and emotional health, functional abilities, and decision-making capacity. This objective, evidence-based report offers the court critical information to make informed decisions while prioritizing the individual's well-being and rights.

A Mental Health Assessment for Conservatorship serves as a vital tool in protecting individuals who may be unable to care for themselves while ensuring their dignity and autonomy are respected in legal proceedings.

A Psychological Assessment for Guardianship is a comprehensive evaluation conducted to determine whether an individual requires a legal guardian to manage their personal, medical, and financial affairs. These assessments are often requested in legal proceedings when there are concerns about cognitive impairments, developmental disabilities, or mental health conditions that may impact an individual’s ability to make informed decisions and care for themselves.

Psychologists conduct guardianship evaluations to provide objective, evidence-based insights into an individual’s mental health, decision-making capacity, and functional abilities. These assessments help the court determine whether the appointment of a legal guardian is necessary to ensure the individual's safety and well-being.

The Guardianship Evaluation Process Includes Several Key Elements:

Clinical Interview and Personal History Review

The evaluation begins with a comprehensive clinical interview where the psychologist gathers information about the individual's personal, medical, and psychological history. This includes understanding their current living situation, health conditions, and daily functioning.

Assessment of Cognitive Functioning

The clinician evaluates the individual's cognitive abilities to determine if impairments affect decision-making and independent functioning. This assessment may include:

  • Memory and Recall: Ability to retain and apply information for daily decisions.
  • Judgment and Reasoning: Capacity to make sound, informed decisions.
  • Attention and Concentration: Ability to stay focused and process information.
  • Executive Functioning: Skills related to planning, organizing, and managing responsibilities.

Assessment of Psychological and Emotional Health

The evaluation also explores the individual’s emotional well-being and mental health, including:

  • Presence of mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, dementia, or psychosis.
  • Emotional regulation and ability to cope with stress.
  • Insight into their current needs and limitations.

Functional Abilities and Risk Factors

The assessment determines the individual’s ability to meet basic personal needs and manage daily life tasks, including:

  • Self-Care: Ability to maintain personal hygiene, nutrition, and medical care.
  • Financial Management: Capacity to manage assets, pay bills, and make financial decisions.
  • Vulnerability: Risk factors such as memory loss or cognitive decline that may leave the individual susceptible to exploitation or neglect.

Review of Medical and Legal Records

To ensure a comprehensive evaluation, the psychologist may review relevant documentation, including medical records, prior assessments, legal reports, and feedback from caregivers or family members.

Diagnostic Findings and Professional Recommendations

Based on the results, the clinician provides a professional opinion on whether guardianship is necessary, along with the level of assistance required. This may include:

  • Full Guardianship: If the individual is unable to manage all aspects of their personal care and decision-making.
  • Limited Guardianship: If the individual can manage some aspects of life but needs assistance with specific areas.
  • Alternatives to Guardianship: Recommendations for support services if full guardianship is not required.

Comprehensive Report for Legal Proceedings

The final guardianship assessment report provides a thorough summary of the individual's cognitive abilities, mental health status, functional capacity, and professional recommendations. This objective, evidence-based documentation is designed to assist the court in making informed decisions while safeguarding the individual's dignity and rights.

A Psychological Assessment for Guardianship plays a vital role in protecting vulnerable individuals, ensuring their safety, and supporting a fair legal process focused on the individual's best interests.

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