Evaluations & Risk Assessment
Vermont Forensic Assessment PLLC has extensive experience evaluating individuals with complex psychological and behavioral disorders and formulating treatment plans that are sensible and feasible. We develop and refine referral questions, permitting greater focus on the core issues of interest in the evaluation.
We believe that the evaluation of individuals in the justice system must be based on thorough interviews, appropriate assessment measures, collateral information sources, and a detailed understanding of the social system with which the individual interacts.
Types of Evaluations
1. Psychological Evaluations
These are based on a clear and detailed understanding of the needs and questions presented by the referral source, including traditional questions involving general diagnosis and symptom presentation, or more client-specific inquiries in response to behavioral concerns. We utilize available records, clinical interviews, psychological testing, and communication with collateral third parties. This information and responses to the referral questions are woven into comprehensive summaries and practical recommendations.
2. Psychosexual Evaluations
These typically involve the elements of a psychological evaluation, plus a detailed examination of sexual history, psychosexual clinical interviews, inventory of sexual cognitive patterns, interest, knowledge, and arousal patterns. Specialized psychometric procedures provide valuable information relevant to the evaluation. Abnormal sexuality is dealt with in a non-judgmental fashion, emphasizing developmental influences that have shaped the client's behavior patterns.
3. Risk Assessment
In contrast to a full evaluation, these are typically more specific in terms of assessing the observed and inferred behavior of individuals in environments where concerns have arisen. The emphasis of a risk assessment is whether the individual may safely return and if so, under what conditions. The relationship between the individual and the environment, including aggravating or mitigating influences and available sources of support, are central to this report.
4. Fitness-for-duty
These are prepared in response to an identified problem in the work environment, where an individual's conduct has raised concern among peers and supervisors to the extent that her/his continued presence may constitute an unacceptable threat to the stability or safety of others. The causes of the reported behavior, remedial actions, expected changes, and support networks are defined. The ultimate question in such an assessment often addresses whether or not a return to the work environment is advisable.