Thank you! You’ll receive an email with the following information shortly, and thens someone will reach out to schedule with you!
An Overview of the Process
I try and make the process as easy as possible, as I know this whole process is stressful enough! Here is how the process ideally goes.
First, I’ll know a bit about your case before your appointment. In the best case, I will receive a copy of your declaration or other supporting documents about your case. This way I’ll be prepared to ask you questions about your case specifically which saves you time and energy from retelling the same information over and over.
Next, we’ll have our appointment. The appointments last up to two hours, depending on the case and how comfortable you feel. Sometimes they can last less time, sometimes a little more. If the appointment is shorter or longer, it does not necessarily mean that I did not get enough information! You’ll still have a quality report even if the appointment lasts 1.5 hours.
In the appointment, I ask a bit about you and your story. I inform you of your rights and confidentiality laws that protect you. Then I’ll start an ‘interview’ with you. Basically, a series of questions about childhood to the present. This helps me write a story about your life that the people reviewing your case will read and get to know you as a real person.
After learning a bit about your background, I’ll talk to you about some different symptoms of things like depression, anxiety, stress, etc. Very normal things! But they can be very helpful to your case. It can sound intimidating because talking about mental health is very hard sometimes. But again, I try and make it as easy as possible for you!
Then we will wrap up with a few basic questions, so I can make sure that I have all the information I need.
After that, I’ll send you a few tests to complete and return to me. They are tests that measure various mental health symptoms. These tests are great because they help add more evidence to your case, and its a great way to put “science and numbers” in your report. So your final report is a combination of your story, how you’re feeling today, and how your test results look. It makes it a very complete and thorough evaluation.
The good news is, the bulk of the work is on me ;) I’ve done several hundred evaluations like this and have been able to narrow down the process to make it as easy and painless for you as possible. Of course, it can still be a bit challenging but I will be your ally through the process every step of the way.
After our session, I will get to work on writing your report. The report can be anywhere from 12 - 25 pages and is very, very detailed. I’ll be available to answer any questions you have while I’m working on the report. I know that the waiting period can be tough.
Some agencies will take weeks or months to return the report, but I promise to return it to you or your attorney in 5 - 10 business days. If you need it in less than 5 business days, tell me and that can be arranged with a rush-fee. After your attorney receives the report, I am available to make any corrections necessary to make sure it helps in your case. From there, I’ll make sure your attorney has a final copy they are satisfied with.
Fees
For a virtual (video) evaluation, the fee is $900. Virtual evaluations are desirable because you are able to do these evaluations from the comfort of your own home, or wherever you choose. All you need is a smart phone, tablet, or laptop and a stable wifi connection. If you need to schedule an appointment outside of my usual office hours, there is an additional $200 fee. If you need the report returned in less than 5 business days, there is an additional $200 fee to expedite the report.
Okay, hopefully this answers any questions and if not - please let me know! I’m happy to answer any question you have. Let me know your thoughts and how you would like to move forward!
