Figuring Out What's Going On:

Evaluation & Assessment Services

Clear Answers for Individuals and Families

Sometimes what you need are answers. When something isn't going right, wondering what causes the problem and what you should do can leave stuck in an unproductive spot: you aren't sure what kind of help to seek out, or what would be the right next step to take. And if you don't know what you need, or what would help, how are you supposed to choose among multiple services, providers, or programs? So you don't choose, or you reach out to the first clinician with availability for advice...

Many people enter mental health and social service systems only to be discouraged when they realize that much of the process is trial-and-error. You're asked to try something, and it might work, or it might make things worse. Part of the problem is that many clinicians don't have the time, resources, or training to fully evaluate your situation. They might have an hour to assess, or maybe even less time than that, and at the end, they need to recommend care and create a treatment plan. It's no surprise that their recommendations might not be just what you need, or that they might disagree about core issues like diagnosis, service options, or other care that might help you . Another problem is one you might have encountered: there are so many service and support options out there...! Treatment providers in one type of service (or those using one approach) might not even know that another service, approach, or support might be better suited for your needs. The result: you waste a lot of time and energy trying things, many of which don't work.

But you don't have to waste your time.

Instead, you could engage a specialist to complete an assessment or evaluation. A one-time payment and several hours of your time can save you from months (sometimes years) of care by trial-and-error. You'll receive a complete, written report that provides detailed information about your history, needs, strengths, concerns, and resources, as well as clear recommendations and options for care, based on a comprehensive understanding of your needs and situation. Not only would you have answers, but you'd have a sense of direction. If there are work, school, or residential accommodations that would be necessary and appropriate, you'll also receive letters to support requests for them. Most importantly, you'll have an opportunity to discuss the report, ask questions, and get guidance about next steps.

Find answers about...

behavioral concerns or emotional health problems for a child in your care, from serious behavioral problems arising at home or in school, to parent-child relationship problems with adopted children, through worries about the impact of a divorce on your children.
recent emotional struggles or mental health concerns for yourself (an adult), whether seemingly for no reason, or due to a traumatic event, a recent loss, or a major life change.

Partnering with Counsel in Strategic Evaluation

Some legal cases are straightforward, and can be handled with relatively few resources. Others require additional expertise, information, or support. Among the latter, cases that cross areas of practice can be particularly complicated. From an ADA issue arising in a child welfare case to a juvenile justice case involving an international adoptee, these cases can be especially difficult to navigate, requiring additional resources, information, and expertise. When you encounter this kind of complexity, you can have a partner in strategic efforts to assess, educate (the Court or the client), intervene, develop mitigation, or engage clients in harm reduction work that strengthens the case and help you achieve the client's desired outcomes. From written evaluation reports and testimony, to informal information gathering and consultative efforts, you can expect consistent, informative communication, with strict adherence to confidentiality standards, and a dedication to answering the questions you need answered in the clearest, most substantiated way possible.

Get expert evaluation for...

child custody, permanency, and safety-related questions in cases involving parents with complex needs, from contentious divorce cases involving a parent with disabilities, to child welfare in immigration and refugee cases.
juvenile or criminal court- involved youth and adults, with extensive, conflicting mental health and social service records, whether after years of unsuccessful service attempts, after institutionalization, or because of multi-system intervention (e.g., juvenile justice, child welfare, and mental health systems).
post-conviction and release planning work on behalf of institutionalized adults who have specialized needs, including evaluation of emotional concerns arising during imprisonment.
injury and disability -related cases involving traumatic exposure, psychological harm, serious emotional distress, or mental health-related treatment needs.

Let's explore working together

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Frequently asked questions about evaluation & assessment:

How much does an assessment or evaluation report cost?

There is no simple answer (or single number) I can offer you, because each case and each person is different. Evaluation often involves multiple activities, including reviewing relevant records, conducting interviews, and report writing. After learning a bit about the complexity of the situation at hand and the goals of the evaluation, I can usually provide an estimated amount of time required, during an initial (free) consultation call. Clients should expect evaluation effort to take no less than 4-5 hours. My rates apply to this work, and you can find them here.

I might need both individual counseling and a court-related report. Can I work with you for both?

No. It's important for you to know that ethical standards of professional conduct prohibit helping professionals from serving as experts in cases involving their therapy clients. The prohibition is even broader, so you should carefully consider who you work with in each role (therapist and expert). For this reason, the evaluation work I offer individuals is only for healthcare or service purpose - never for litigation or use in Court.

I am in the midst of a court battle. I’m navigating my own case. Can I hire you to consult or to do an assessment for use in Court?

No. Despite my deep empathy and desire to help, my policy is not to provide consultation and assessment services to unrepresented (or under-represented) litigants. I care about the quality of the work I do. Professionals like me do their best work when they're guided by good questions from competent counsel. That is, hiring a particular kind of professional to advise on a case (or do an assessment) is part of a legal strategy, but you and I are not lawyers, and we probably won’t have a good legal strategy. I strongly encourage you to consider retaining a lawyer, and then letting that lawyer guide you in deciding what the best strategy for your case should be. The local bar associations have information on affordable or free legal services in your area, should you need those services.

I am working on a particularly challenging case. Can I schedule a one-time consultation with you?

Yes, of course. I often speak to clinicians and attorneys who are navigating some unusually complicated or difficult case. Even if we've never talked before, please feel free to reach out so we can schedule a time to talk.

Would you consider consulting or working on a case pro-bono? My client really needs help, but can't afford to pay at all...

I take on a limited number of pro-bono cases each year. The cases I take are usually cases in which my specific background is a very strong fit, and which do not require significant (uncompensated) long-distance travel. If you'd like to discuss a potential pro-bono case, please feel free to reach out so we can discuss it further.

6.

Can you do an evaluation in a state other than Mississippi or Massachusetts?

Unfortunately, no. With few exceptions, I can only provide services in states in which I am licensed. The main exception to this is when working with members of the armed forces, or other federal employees, on federal property. If the person is located in an embassy, on a military base (even if overseas), or other federally-controlled territory, they can work with any provider who is licensed in the United States, including me. Significant loosening of this restriction is expected in 2025, when Counseling Compact practice privileges begin to be issued.