Our Services
When legal matters require professional psychological insight, Forensic and Clinical PsychExperts, LLC delivers court-recognized evaluations across St. Lucie County. Our practice has provided forensic psychology services since 2008, maintaining Florida licensure PY9058 and conducting thousands of assessments for defense attorneys, prosecutors, and the court system.
We specialize in criminal law evaluations including competency to stand trial, criminal responsibility assessments, and mitigation evaluations for downward departures. Our forensic evaluations examine competency to waive Miranda rights, violence risk assessments, and psychosexual evaluations for both adult and juvenile populations. Each assessment follows systematic protocols recognized by Florida’s Board of Psychology and meets standards set by the American Psychological Association.
Civil law cases benefit from our personal or emotional injury evaluations, independent medical examinations, and immigration evaluations. We conduct guardianship assessments, civil commitment evaluations, and psychological autopsies when suicide assessment becomes necessary. Family law matters receive equal attention through parental capacity assessments, social investigations, and custody evaluations that prioritize children’s best interests.
Juvenile cases demand specialized attention. We assess competence to stand trial for minors, evaluate violence and sexual risk factors, and provide sexual behavior assessments. Our clinical psychological evaluations extend to organizations like the Department of Juvenile Justice, ChildNet, and Communities Connected for Kids.
Why Choose Us?
Selecting a qualified forensic psychologist requires examining credentials, experience, and courtroom recognition. Our practice dedicates 75 percent of its work to forensic assessments, ensuring specialized focus rather than occasional case acceptance. This concentration allows us to maintain current knowledge of legal standards, assessment protocols, and testimony requirements across Florida’s court system.
We hold memberships in the American Professional Society on the Abuse of Children, the Association for the Treatment of Sexual Abusers, the Association of Family and Conciliation Courts, and serve as active American Psychological Association members. These affiliations keep our methodologies aligned with evolving best practices. Our expert witness testimony has been presented in Florida’s 1st, 15th, 17th, 19th, and 20th judicial circuits, providing us with broad courtroom experience across varied jurisdictions.
Every evaluation follows objective, systematic procedures. We utilize validated psychological testing instruments and structured clinical interviews. Our neuropsychological evaluations incorporate cognitive assessment batteries when brain function questions arise. Psychoeducational testing helps determine learning factors that may affect legal competencies.
Dr. Colet brings years of experience working with both prosecution and defense teams, ensuring balanced perspectives. This dual experience helps courts receive unbiased psychological opinions. We understand that legal outcomes depend on thorough, defensible evaluations that withstand cross-examination and meet Daubert standards for scientific evidence.
Take The Next Step In Your Case
Court deadlines approach quickly. Comprehensive psychological evaluations require adequate time for testing, clinical interviews, collateral information review, and report preparation. Waiting until the last moment compromises evaluation quality and limits scheduling options.
Contact our Port St. Lucie office today to discuss your specific legal matter. Whether you need a competency evaluation, risk assessment, custody evaluation, or expert testimony, we provide clear timelines and transparent processes. Our contact page offers multiple ways to reach us, and we respond promptly to attorney inquiries.
Early consultation allows us to review case specifics, determine appropriate assessment batteries, and schedule evaluations that meet court requirements. This proactive approach prevents rushed assessments and ensures thorough psychological examination.
Our Proven Process
Understanding what to expect from forensic psychological services helps attorneys and their clients prepare effectively. Our evaluation process begins with case consultation. We review referral questions, legal issues, and specific competencies requiring assessment. This initial discussion clarifies evaluation scope, estimated timelines, and fee structures.
Clinical interviews form the foundation of our assessments. We conduct structured diagnostic interviews, mental status examinations, and targeted questioning based on legal referral questions. These sessions typically span several hours and may require multiple appointments depending on evaluation complexity. We gather developmental history, psychiatric treatment records, educational background, and relevant life events that inform psychological functioning.
Psychological testing selection depends on referral questions. Competency evaluations utilize instruments measuring legal understanding and decision-making capacity. Risk assessments employ actuarial tools validated for violence or sexual recidivism prediction. Custody evaluations may include personality inventories, parenting assessments, and child interviews. Our therapy services background informs our understanding of treatment amenability and therapeutic progress factors.
Collateral information review strengthens evaluation validity. We examine police reports, medical records, school documents, and prior psychological evaluations. Interviews with family members, treatment providers, or other relevant parties may occur when appropriate. This comprehensive approach ensures our opinions rest on multiple data sources rather than single interviews.
Report preparation synthesizes all findings into clear, legally relevant conclusions. We explain psychological concepts in language judges and juries understand while maintaining scientific rigor. Our reports address specific referral questions, detail our methodology, present test results, and offer professional opinions with appropriate certainty levels.
Criminal Law Cases
- Competence to Stand Trial
- Criminal Responsibility (insanity defense)
- Competency to Waive Miranda Rights
- Mitigation (downward departure)
- Violence Risk Assessments
- Psychosexual Evaluations / Sexual Risk Assessments
- Sexually Violent Predators
- Capital Sentencing
- Involuntary Commitment and Treatment
- Expert Witness Testimony
- Consultation
Juvenile Law Cases
- Competence to Stand Trial
- Assessment of Violence and Sexual Risk
- Sexual Behavior Assessment
- Expert Witness Testimony
- Consultation
What Our Clients Say
“The evaluation was thorough and the testimony was clear, credible, and instrumental in helping the court understand the psychological factors in our case.” This feedback reflects our commitment to serving both legal professionals and the justice system.
With over a thousand cases evaluated since 2008, our practice maintains recognition across Florida courts. The Florida Supreme Court system relies on qualified forensic mental health professionals to assist in complex legal matters, and our testimony record demonstrates consistent court acceptance.
Professional organizations including the Mental Health America network emphasize the importance of qualified forensic services in ensuring justice. Our systematic approach and adherence to Florida Psychological Association standards position us as reliable expert resources.
Common Situations We Address
- You face criminal charges and your attorney questions whether you understand court proceedings or can assist in your defense
- Your child has been accused of a serious juvenile offense and the court requires competency assessment before trial
- You are involved in a custody dispute and need an objective evaluation of parenting capacity and children’s best interests
- Your divorce involves allegations of abuse and the court has ordered psychological evaluation of all parties
- You suffered emotional trauma in an accident and need documentation of psychological injury for your civil case
- Immigration proceedings require evidence of psychological hardship or persecution trauma for your application
- Your loved one faces involuntary commitment and you need expert assessment of dangerousness or treatment needs
- Criminal defense strategy includes possible insanity defense and requires evaluation of mental state at offense time
- Sentencing phase approaches and mitigation evidence requires psychological evaluation of developmental trauma or mental illness
- Workers’ compensation claim includes psychological components requiring independent medical examination by a qualified psychologist
Serving Port St. Lucie And Surrounding Areas
Our practice serves legal professionals and courts throughout the Treasure Coast region. Port St. Lucie’s proximity to the St. Lucie County Courthouse on South Indian River Drive makes our location convenient for attorneys and clients attending legal proceedings. We understand the local court system’s requirements and maintain relationships with judges, court administrators, and legal professionals throughout the area.
The Port St. Lucie Botanical Gardens area reflects our community connection. Just as these gardens require careful cultivation and systematic care, quality forensic psychological work demands methodical attention to detail and nurturing of professional relationships. Whether your case involves the 19th Judicial Circuit or other Florida jurisdictions, our experience spans multiple court systems.
About our practice and full service offerings, provide additional information about our qualifications, staff, and specialized assessment capabilities.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes a forensic psychologist different from a regular therapist?
A Forensic Psychologist In Port St. Lucie, FL, specializes in the intersection of psychology and law rather than providing traditional treatment. While clinical psychologists focus on therapy and symptom reduction, forensic psychologists conduct evaluations for legal proceedings. We assess legal competencies, provide expert opinions to courts, and offer testimony rather than ongoing counseling. Our training emphasizes legal standards, assessment validity, and objective evaluation rather than therapeutic relationships. This distinction ensures our opinions remain unbiased and focused on answering specific legal questions rather than advocating for any party.
How long does a typical forensic evaluation take?
Evaluation duration varies based on complexity and referral questions. Simple competency screenings may require only a few hours, while comprehensive custody evaluations or complex criminal responsibility assessments can span multiple sessions over several weeks. Most evaluations include two to four hours of direct clinical contact plus additional time for testing, record review, collateral interviews, and report writing. We provide time estimates during initial consultation once we understand specific case requirements. Adequate evaluation time ensures thorough assessment rather than rushed opinions.
Will my evaluation be confidential?
Forensic evaluations differ significantly from therapeutic relationships regarding confidentiality. Courts order most forensic assessments, and evaluation results belong to the referring party or court rather than the individual being evaluated. We explain confidentiality limitations before beginning assessments. Our reports go to attorneys, courts, or other designated recipients. Individuals should understand that statements made during forensic evaluations may be included in reports and testimony. This transparency ensures informed participation and distinguishes forensic work from confidential therapy relationships.
What should I bring to my forensic evaluation appointment?
Arrive with relevant documents including court orders, previous psychological or psychiatric records, medical records, educational documents, and any other materials related to your legal matter. A list of current medications, treating providers, and important dates or events helps us gather accurate history. For custody evaluations, bring information about children’s schools, activities, and schedules. Criminal cases benefit from police reports, charging documents, and prior criminal history. The more complete information we have, the more thorough and accurate our evaluation becomes.
How much does a forensic psychological evaluation cost?
Fees vary based on evaluation type, complexity, and required services. Initial consultations help us provide accurate cost estimates once we understand case specifics. Competency evaluations, risk assessments, custody evaluations, and complex criminal responsibility assessments each require different amounts of professional time. Additional costs may include records review, collateral interviews, court testimony, and deposition attendance. We discuss fee structures transparently during initial contact and provide written fee agreements before beginning evaluations. Many cases involve court-appointed evaluations with established fee schedules.
Contact Our Forensic Psychology Practice Today
Legal matters demand qualified psychological expertise. Whether your case involves criminal competency questions, family law disputes, civil injury claims, or juvenile assessments, Forensic and Clinical PsychExperts, LLC provides the thorough evaluations Florida courts recognize and attorneys trust.
Our Port St. Lucie location serves St. Lucie County and surrounding Treasure Coast communities with comprehensive forensic psychology services. Since 2008, we have maintained our commitment to objective, systematic evaluations that meet legal standards and assist courts in reaching informed decisions.
Don’t let your case proceed without proper psychological assessment. Contact us through our contact page or call our office directly. We respond promptly to attorney inquiries and work within court timelines to provide evaluations when you need them.