Expert Witness
An expert witness in psychological cases brings clarity to complexity, providing the critical insights that bridge the gap between mental health and justice.
Expert witness testimony for psychological evaluation is a crucial aspect of legal proceedings. As a qualified expert witness, our team can provide an objective and professional evaluation of the psychological state of the individual in question. Our testimony will be based on thorough research and analysis, and will be presented in a clear and concise manner to assist the court in making informed decisions.
Trial Testimony and Deposition
Psychologists can testify both as fact witnesses and as expert witnesses in family court, civil court, and criminal court. A psychologist typically provides his educational background, CV, and other relevant clinical and forensic information. If a psychologist is asked to testify as an expert, he or she must be qualified to do so with the judge's consent. A psychologist may also testify as an expert on a general topic, or as an expert on the parties and the case if he/she has treated or evaluated a party. A therapist may also testify in a fact hearing versus an expert hearing. An attorney may hire a psychologist to talk about their research on a specific topic. In such cases, the psychologist is an expert (on a topic) versus an expert (who has met with, examined, and/or treated one of the parties). For example, a psychologist who specializes in childhood trauma may be able to provide information to a judge/jury on trauma symptoms. A psychologist may be able to define a topic of interest (for example, parental alienation) and describe how it manifests and is relevant to the case.
As expert witnesses and evaluators, a forensic psychologist may be retained for particular legal matters and answer questions fairly and objectively. A forensic psychologist can provide written evaluations as well as oral expert testimony. Most forensic evaluations include the following elements: clinical interviews collaborative interviews (i.e., treatment provider, family, friends) psychological testing a review of records and conclusions. Records can range from legal documents to mental health records, as well as depositions, as well as emails/texts/copies of social media postings. Evaluators testify as experts because they create a clinical opinion on a case. A treating psychologist can provide helpful information as a fact witness, (i.e. if a plaintiff, defendant or other court involved party has a therapist as an individual therapist). As a fact, witness a treating psychologist cannot answer questions such as: "Do you believe he/she was insane when the offense occurred?"
Fees:
Minimum fee for deposition and testimony time is $5,000.00 for 0-3.5 hours and $10,000.00 for 4-8 hours. *$5,000.00 retainer fee is separate from retainer fees for evaluations. Travel, lodging and associated fees related to depositions and testimony must be paid in advance. Deposition preparation, testimony preparation, post-evaluation consultations, expert services, designated expert related activities, and all other duties that fall outside of deposition and testimony time and the agreed upon evaluation process are charged at a $500.00 per hour.
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Locations
100 Tamal Plaza, Ste. 107 Corte Madera, CA 94925
1955 Mountain Blvd., Ste. 101 Oakland, CA 94611
2860 Laguna St., Ste. 101 San Francisco, CA 94123
Contact
Phone: (650) 993-9321
Fax: (650) 319-6759
Email: careteam@unfoldpsychology.com
