Forensic consultation is recommended when questions about brain function, psychological status, or functional capacity arise within legal, insurance, employment, or administrative proceedings. These services provide independent, objective evaluation and expert analysis to clarify cognitive functioning and its relevance to legal matters.
Serving: Rockport (ME), Auburn (ME), and Rochester (NH).
How We Can Help
- Provide independent neuropsychological evaluation for civil or criminal matters
- Clarify the presence, extent, and functional impact of cognitive or psychological impairment
- Conduct record review and expert consultation for attorneys
- Perform Independent Medical Examinations (IMEs)
- Address questions related to civil capacity (e.g., guardianship), fitness for duty, competency to stand trial, and criminal responsibility.
- Provide written expert reports and testimony
What's Included (High-Level)
- Review of relevant medical, educational, and legal records
- Clinical interview and standardized testing selected to address the referral questions
- Objective analysis and documentation of findingsv
- Written forensic report tailored to the legal questions
- Consultation with referring attorney or entity (as appropriate)
When This Evaluation is Helpful
Legal / forensic neuropsychological consultation may be helpful when:
- A brain injury, neurological condition, or psychological injury (e.g., PTSD) is alleged in a legal case
- The severity or functional impact of injury or illness must be clarified
- Independent evaluation is required for workers’ compensation, insurance proceedings, or personal injury claims
- Questions arise about decision-making ability and ability to care for self
- Work capacity is questioned
- Expert interpretation of prior neuropsychological findings is needed
(For clinical neuropsychological services not related to legal matters, see: Neuropsychological Evaluation.)
FAQs
Clinical evaluations are conducted to determine diagnosis and guide treatment. Forensic evaluations are conducted to address specific legal questions and are typically requested by attorneys, courts, employers, or insurance entities.
Forensic evaluations are not covered by insurance, as they are conducted for third-party legal purposes rather than clinical diagnosis and treatment planning. It would be considered insurance fraud to submit claims to insurance companies if the purpose of evaluation is forensic in nature.
No. NCMA does not provide forensic opinions related to child custody or parental capacity determinations.
Timelines vary depending on the complexity of the referral question and the volume of records to review. Specific timelines are discussed at the time of consultation.
This depends on the specific type of case. When hired by attorneys to evaluate their clients, we consult with the attorney about our findings prior to determining if a report will be written. In other cases, a report is always written, and whether the examinee receives a copy of the report also depends on the specific type of case. Please inquire.
Our providers are qualified to evaluate the need of accommodations for the standardized tests listed below.
- SAT/ACT - Scholastic Aptitude Test / American College Testing
- GRE – Graduate Record Examination
- MCAT – Medical College Admission Test
- USMLE – United States Medical Licensing Examinations (sometimes referred to as "medical boards")
- LSAT – Law School Admission Test
- Bar Examinations (for attorneys)
- OAT – Optometry Admission Test
- PCAT – Pharmacy College Admission Test
- GMAT – Graduate Management Admission Test
- NCLEX – National Council Licensing Examination (for nurses)
- ...and many more