In family law matters, forensic psychological evaluations are completed in order to provide the court with detailed psychological information, diagnoses, and other relevant psychological information about each parent.  The court uses such information to help make decisions about the best interests of the child during custody disputes.

A forensic psychological evaluation contains several elements.  These include an assessment of personality traits, personality structure, and any associated personality disorders.  An evaluation also includes an assessment of typical psychological disorders such as depression, bipolar disorder, and any anxiety-based disorders.  Specific psychopathologies such as a delusional disorder, addictions, or trauma can also be evaluated in a forensic psychological evaluation.

A forensic psychological evaluation uses a combination of interview techniques, review of collateral documents, the interview of collateral sources, as well as standardized evaluation instruments that have been developed by other psychologists specifically to help identify psychological disorders and psychopathology.

Dr. Alvarez has twenty years of experience in conducting forensic psychological evaluations for complex family law matters as a court-appointed evaluator.  She is well-attuned to the process and required evaluation elements.