Our Proven Process
When you need a forensic psychologist in Fort Lauderdale, you deserve a professional who combines extensive courtroom experience with evidence-based psychological assessment. At FC PsychExperts, we have provided expert forensic psychology services throughout South Florida since 2008, establishing ourselves as trusted partners to attorneys, courts, and families navigating complex legal matters.
Our process begins with understanding your unique legal question. Whether you require competency evaluations, custody assessments, criminal responsibility determinations, or risk assessments for sexual offenders, we tailor our approach to meet the specific needs of your case. Our Florida licensed psychologist, Dr. Cathy Colet (License #PY9058), leads a team committed to delivering ethical, scientifically grounded evaluations that support the pursuit of justice.
Initial Consultation and Case Review
We start every forensic evaluation with a thorough consultation. Our team reviews all relevant case materials, court documents, medical records, and collateral information to develop a comprehensive understanding of the psychological and legal issues at hand. This preparation ensures that our clinical psychological evaluations address the precise questions posed by the court or referring attorney.
Comprehensive Assessment and Testing
Our forensic assessments combine clinical interviews, standardized psychological testing, behavioral observations, and collateral interviews when appropriate. We use scientifically validated instruments recognized by courts throughout Florida. Every evaluation adheres to the ethical guidelines established by the American Psychological Association and Florida’s Board of Psychology.
Detailed Reporting and Expert Testimony
After completing our assessment, we prepare a detailed written report that clearly explains our findings, methodology, and conclusions. Our reports are written in accessible language that judges, attorneys, and juries can understand while maintaining scientific rigor. When needed, we provide expert witness testimony in court, drawing on our experience in thousands of cases throughout Florida’s 1st, 15th, 17th, 19th, and 20th judicial circuits.
Comprehensive Forensic Services
Criminal Law Evaluations
Competency to stand trial assessments for adults and juveniles, criminal responsibility evaluations (sanity), competence to waive Miranda rights, and mitigation assessments for sentencing. Our experts have testified in thousands of criminal cases throughout South Florida.
Family Law Services
Custody evaluations, parenting assessments, co-parenting counseling, and reunification counseling. We help courts determine what arrangement serves the best interests of children while respecting the rights of all parties involved.
Risk Assessment
Violence risk assessments and sexual offender evaluations for both adults and juveniles. Our assessments use validated actuarial instruments combined with clinical judgment to provide courts with reliable information for critical decisions.
Civil Litigation Support
Personal injury evaluations, emotional distress assessments, and disability determinations. We provide objective psychological opinions that help resolve civil disputes and workers’ compensation claims.
Juvenile Assessments
Specialized evaluations for young offenders, including transfer hearings, competency evaluations, and treatment recommendations. We understand the unique developmental considerations that apply to adolescent forensic cases.
Therapeutic Services
Beyond forensic evaluations, we offer therapy services including cognitive behavioral therapy and family therapy to support healing and positive outcomes.
The Team Difference
What distinguishes FC PsychExperts as your Fort Lauderdale forensic psychologist is our unique combination of deep expertise, extensive courtroom experience, and unwavering commitment to ethical practice. Our practice dedicates 75% of our work to forensic psychology, ensuring that we stay current with evolving legal standards, assessment methods, and best practices in this specialized field.
Our Credentials and Affiliations
- Florida Licensed Psychologist (PY9058) with specialization in forensic psychology
- Member, American Professional Society on the Abuse of Children (APSAC)
- Member, Association for the Treatment of Sexual Abusers (ATSA)
- Member, Association of Family and Conciliation Courts (AFCC)
- Member, American Psychological Association (APA)
- Member, Physicians for Human Rights (PHR)
- Practicing forensic psychology since 2008
- Thousands of cases providing expert witness testimony
- Court-appointed positions throughout Florida
Our team understands that forensic psychology serves a fundamentally different purpose than traditional clinical psychology. When you work with our team of experts, you receive evaluations designed specifically to answer legal questions, not simply to diagnose or treat. We maintain objectivity, use scientifically validated methods, and present findings in formats courts can rely upon.
Unlike general clinical psychologists who occasionally perform forensic work, our practice is built around the unique demands of the legal system. We understand rules of evidence, maintain proper documentation, withstand rigorous cross-examination, and communicate complex psychological concepts in clear, accessible language. This expertise matters when your case depends on credible, defensible expert testimony.
Our commitment extends beyond technical competence. We uphold the highest ethical standards in all our work, recognizing that our opinions can profoundly impact lives. We approach every evaluation with respect for all parties, cultural sensitivity, and dedication to fairness. Resources like the National Alliance on Mental Illness and Mental Health America reflect values we share: that mental health expertise should serve justice and human dignity.
Ready to Move Forward with Your Case?
Connect with a Fort Lauderdale forensic psychology expert who has the experience and credentials your case demands.
Common Situations You May Face
If you are experiencing any of these situations, a forensic psychologist in Fort Lauderdale can provide the expert assessment and testimony your case requires:
- You are an attorney who needs an expert witness to evaluate your client’s competency to stand trial or provide testimony about their mental state at the time of an alleged offense.
- You are involved in a custody dispute and the court has ordered a psychological evaluation to determine the best parenting arrangement for your children.
- You need an independent psychological assessment for a criminal defendant facing serious charges where mental health issues may be relevant to sentencing or mitigation.
- You are a prosecutor or defense attorney who requires a comprehensive risk assessment to inform decisions about bail, sentencing, or parole for an individual with a history of violence.
- You are navigating a family law case where concerns about a parent’s mental health, substance abuse, or parenting capacity have been raised.
- You need expert testimony regarding the psychological impact of personal injury, trauma, or emotional distress in a civil litigation matter.
- You are seeking a forensic evaluation to assess a juvenile offender’s amenability to treatment, risk of reoffending, or suitability for transfer to adult court.
- You require a professional evaluation to determine whether an individual understands their Miranda rights and can make a knowing and voluntary waiver.
- You are dealing with a case involving allegations of child abuse or neglect that requires specialized forensic psychological expertise.
- You need consultation on a complex case involving mental health issues, and you want guidance from a psychologist who understands both clinical and legal perspectives.
Fort Lauderdale Community Presence
FC PsychExperts proudly serves Fort Lauderdale and the broader Broward County community. Our established presence in South Florida means we understand the local court systems, work regularly with area attorneys and judges, and maintain strong connections with the legal and mental health communities throughout the region.
Fort Lauderdale residents and legal professionals know they can rely on our expertise for cases heard in the Broward County Courthouse on Southeast Sixth Street or any of the surrounding circuit courts. Whether your matter brings you to the downtown legal district near Las Olas Boulevard or involves proceedings in other parts of South Florida, our team brings the same level of professional excellence to every evaluation.
We recognize that navigating the intersection of psychology and law can feel overwhelming. That is why we work to make the evaluation process as clear and accessible as possible. Our office maintains convenient hours, and we respond promptly to inquiries from attorneys and families who need our services. The U.S. Department of Justice and other legal resources emphasize the importance of qualified expert testimony, and we take that responsibility seriously in every case we accept.
Our Fort Lauderdale forensic psychology practice draws on years of experience working within Florida’s legal system while maintaining the objectivity and scientific rigor that courts demand. When you choose FC PsychExperts, you choose a partner dedicated to supporting justice through expert psychological assessment and testimony.
Proven Results and Testimonials
Our track record speaks to the quality and reliability of our forensic psychological services. With thousands of cases completed throughout Florida courts, we have helped attorneys, judges, and families make informed decisions based on thorough, scientifically grounded psychological assessments.
“The comprehensive evaluation provided by FC PsychExperts was instrumental in achieving a favorable outcome for our client. Their testimony was clear, credible, and withstood rigorous cross-examination. I would not hesitate to recommend their services to any attorney handling a case where forensic psychology expertise is needed.”
– Criminal Defense Attorney, Broward County
Our success comes from more than technical expertise alone. We understand that behind every forensic evaluation is a human story, lives in transition, and often people facing some of the most challenging moments they will ever experience. We approach every case with professionalism, compassion, and respect for all parties involved, while maintaining the objectivity essential to credible forensic work.
Whether serving as an expert witness in high-stakes criminal trials, conducting sensitive custody evaluations, or providing risk assessments that inform critical sentencing decisions, we bring the same dedication to excellence. Our reports are thorough, our methodology is transparent, and our conclusions are based on evidence and established psychological principles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Take the Next Step with a Trusted Forensic Psychologist in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Whether you need an expert witness, comprehensive psychological assessment, or consultation on a complex legal matter, FC PsychExperts brings the experience, credentials, and ethical commitment your case demands. Our Fort Lauderdale forensic psychology practice is ready to support your pursuit of justice with evidence-based evaluations and credible expert testimony.