Turning Challenges into Opportunities: Navigating Legal Paths with Clarity and Compassion
Promoting recovery and reintegration through informed assessments
In my forensic practice, I apply a client-centered approach, ensuring that every assessment is thorough, unbiased, and aligned with legal or administrative standards. Following these evaluations, I develop and implement personalized treatment plans for individuals with substance use disorders, including those with co-occurring mental health conditions. This goal of this approach is to provide a compassionate alternative to incarceration while promoting recovery and reintegration. My work includes:
- Legal Mitigation (Jail Diversion, Sentencing Reduction)
- Driver’s License Reinstatement Evaluations
- Risk Assessments for Substance Use Disorders
Frequently Asked Questions About Forensic Substance Use and Mental Health Assessments
1. Where do you administer the evaluation? Evaluations are conducted in my Framingham office. For your convenience, I also offer HIPAA-secure video conferencing for those who are unable or prefer not to attend in-person appointments.
2. What is a forensic substance use and mental health assessment? A forensic assessment evaluates an individual’s mental health and substance use within a legal context. These assessments provide courts or legal entities with objective insights to inform decisions about sentencing, treatment, or rehabilitation.
3. Who needs a forensic assessment? Individuals involved in legal proceedings, such as those facing charges related to substance use or mental health issues, may require a forensic assessment. These evaluations can be crucial for legal mitigation (jail diversion, sentencing reduction) and administrative purposes (driver’s license reinstatement).
4. Who is the client in a forensic assessment, and what confidentiality exists? In a forensic assessment, the client is the individual being assessed, but the retaining party (e.g., attorney, court) is who receives the report. Confidentiality is limited, and information gathered may be shared with the retaining party. We will discuss the limits of confidentiality with you before beginning the assessment process. It’s crucial to understand these limitations upfront.
5. What does the assessment process involve? The assessment process typically includes a comprehensive evaluation of mental health history, substance use patterns, and current psychological state. This may involve interviews, standardized tests, and a review of relevant records. The goal is a thorough and unbiased report to guide legal or administrative decisions.
6. How can these assessments benefit individuals? Forensic assessments can offer individuals a chance to receive appropriate treatment and support, rather than punitive measures. By highlighting the need for rehabilitation and recovery, these assessments can lead to more compassionate legal outcomes and successful societal reintegration.
7. Can you provide therapy after completing the assessments? To uphold the integrity of my practice, I do not serve as both evaluator and therapist for the same individual, as this would create dual roles that may compromise objectivity and are considered ethically inappropriate. By maintaining clear professional boundaries, I ensure that every assessment and treatment recommendation is fair, transparent, and aligned with the best interests of my clients and the justice system. Treatment recommendations include appropriate referrals whenever possible.
Have more questions or need to schedule an assessment? Contact me; I’m here to provide clarity and support.