Forensic Services
Counterpoise Wellness provides forensic evaluations and treatment to individuals involved in the criminal justice system. We work with adults, adolescents, and their attorneys throughout the process. Our menu of forensic services includes:
- Psychosexual Evaluations
- Psychological Evaluations
- Pre-Adjudicated Youth
- Juvenile Waiver to Adult Status Evaluations
- Competency to Stand Trial Evaluations
- Psychopathy Evaluations
- Expert Witness Testimony
- Forensic Psychotherapy
- Forensic Case Consultation
Counterpoise Wellness offers in-person and tele-health services.
Forensic services differ from traditional psychological services in a variety of ways. The American Psychological Association (APA) has published Speciality Guidelines for Forensic Psychology which highlight the unique characteristics of forensic services. The most significant difference between the practice of traditional psychology and forensic psychology involves who the "client" is. In a traditional psychological evaluation or therapy, the "client" is the individual being evaluated/treated. However, in forensic evaluation and treatment the "client" may be the court, the defense attorney, the prosecuting attorney, or another agency.
Another significant difference involves access to records. According to the American Psychological Association (APA), "Forensic examinees typically are not provided access to the forensic practitioners records without the consent of the retaining party. Access to records by anyone other than the retaining party is governed by the legal process, usually subpoena or court order, or by explicit consent of the retaining party" (APA, 2012).
Counterpoise Wellness offers forensic services at various points in the criminal justice process. Whether they are conducted after detection/prior to charges, pre-conviction/pre-adjudication, pre-sentence, and post-sentence, forensic services are performed in order to provide decision-makers and stakeholders relevant information to make evidence-informed decisions regarding the case.
Expert Witness Testimony
Seth and Kim provide expert witness testimony upon request. Both have extensive experience providing testimony on a range of criminal and civil matters. They have testified in State courts throughout Kansas and Missouri and Federal court in Kansas. Court testimony is typically focused either on a previously-conducted evaluation, or on forensic therapy.
Forensic Psychotherapy
Forensic psychotherapy is also different from traditional therapy. Forensic therapy is often requested by an individual's defense attorney, a prosecuting attorney, or court prior to or as part of criminal proceedings. Such therapy is often preceded by an evaluation to determine treatment needs. Professionals who conduct evaluations may also have experience providing the treatment that is recommended. Although it may be best for the evaluator and treatment provider to be different, there are times when such situations are unavoidable (either due to location, lack of available providers, or specialization), or preferred by the referring party. In such instances, it must be acknowledged that such arrangements may impair objectivity. The APA states, "When providing both forensic and therapeutic services, forensic practitioners seek to minimize the potential negative effects of this circumstance" (APA, 2012).
The goal of forensic psychotherapy is to assist the individual in the reduction and cessation of problematic behaviors that were cause for concern. Individuals who are referred for therapy have typically experienced emotional or behavioral difficulties that have interfered with their functioning. It is hoped that, through therapy, the individual experiences a reduction of symptoms and engages in pro-social behaviors. At various points in the therapeutic process, a treatment update may be provided to the referral source.
Forensic Case Consultation
Counterpoise Wellness assists defense attorneys and prosecuting attorneys with case preparation by reviewing relevant discovery and preparing a written report. Case consultation can be an effective way for an attorney to understand the important clinical and psychological issues that impact the client's legal situation. Although we cannot provide answers to the ultimate issue question (guilt or innocence), we can offer insight into the behavioral concerns that are before the court and provide recommendations for additional services.