People who come into contact with the legal system, whether it be through civil, criminal, juvenile or family courts, may benefit from or be ordered to participate in a forensic evaluation.  These evaluations are meant to help the courts make decisions about a variety of issues and requires a high level of expertise in understanding of relevant legal issues, as well as clinical and forensic psychology.  Dr. Byrnes is a board certified forensic psychologist who has conducted hundreds of evaluations of individuals and families who have experienced, engaged in or been accused of engaging in physically, sexually and psychologically harmful behavior.  Dr. Byrnes approaches these evaluations with a high degree of competence and sensitivity, from a trauma-informed [if not focused] perspective, and with curiosity and humility to understand the situation and make appropriate, individualized recommendations.  She has over a decade’s worth of specialization in DCP&P related cases.  Dr. Byrnes also conducts evaluations to assist the family court in making decisions in the best interest of the children, including psychological or risk evaluations (e.g. related to untreated mental illness, substance use, deficits in parenting skills, history of intimate partner violence, concerns pertaining to sexual contact or abuse), custody neutral assessments, child custody or best interest evaluations and evaluations to determine if someone meets the legal standard for psychological parent.  Evaluations typically review relevant documentation (e.g. including but not limited to court documents, police records, and medical and mental health records), and include collateral interviews of relevant parties (e.g. therapists, those voicing concerns, probation officers, teachers), clinical interviews of the relevant parties, and often the administering of psychological testing or other questionnaires.  

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Dr. Byrnes does not take insurance for clinical or forensic services. While clients will be issued an itemized invoice of services rendered, forensic services are not covered by insurance programs.  Please feel free to contact Dr. Byrnes regarding specific fees.