Forensic Psychologist In Jacksonville, FL
Delivering evidence-based forensic psychological evaluations and expert consultation for immigration proceedings, family law matters, and criminal cases across Jacksonville and Northeast Florida.
Why Choose FC PsychExperts for Forensic Psychology Services in Jacksonville
Selecting the right forensic psychologist for your case matters. Whether you’re an attorney seeking expert testimony, a defendant requiring a competency evaluation, or a family navigating custody proceedings, your choice of psychological expert can influence case outcomes significantly. FC PsychExperts delivers comprehensive forensic psychological services backed by decades of combined experience and a commitment to evidence based assessment.
Our team includes licensed clinical and forensic psychologists who have testified in over 1,000 cases throughout Florida’s court systems. We serve the 1st, 15th, 17th, 19th, and 20th judicial circuits, providing court appointed and privately retained evaluations. Our established presence in Jacksonville means we understand local court procedures, judicial expectations, and the specific needs of Duval County legal professionals.
What sets our forensic psychology practice apart is our dedication to ethical standards and comprehensive evaluation methods. We are active members of the American Psychological Association, the American Professional Society on the Abuse of Children, and the Association of Family and Conciliation Court. These affiliations ensure we stay current with best practices in forensic assessment and maintain the highest professional standards.
Our forensic psychologists conduct evaluations across criminal, civil, family, and educational law. From competency to stand trial assessments to custody evaluations, from criminal responsibility determinations to violence risk assessments, we provide the psychological expertise attorneys and courts depend on. Every evaluation we conduct follows strict ethical guidelines, respects client dignity, and delivers insights that support fair legal decision making.
Our Forensic Psychology Evaluation Process
Initial Consultation and Case Review
Your case begins with a thorough consultation where we review the referral question, legal context, and evaluation scope. We discuss timelines, fees, and what information we’ll need to conduct a comprehensive assessment. For attorneys, we clarify the psycholegal issues at stake. For individuals, we explain what to expect during the evaluation process and answer any concerns about confidentiality and how results will be used.
Comprehensive Psychological Assessment
Our forensic evaluations involve multiple components. We conduct detailed clinical interviews, review relevant records including medical history, legal documents, and educational files, and administer validated psychological tests appropriate to the referral question. For competency evaluations, we assess understanding of legal proceedings and ability to assist counsel. For custody matters, we may conduct attachment and bonding assessments. Each evaluation is tailored to address the specific psychological questions the court or legal team needs answered.
Expert Report and Testimony
Following the evaluation, we prepare a detailed forensic report that presents our findings, methodology, and professional opinions. Our reports are thorough yet accessible, translating complex psychological concepts into language legal professionals and courts can readily understand. When testimony is required, our forensic psychologists appear in court to present findings, answer questions, and withstand cross examination with professionalism and expertise honed over thousands of court appearances.
Need a Forensic Psychologist for Your Jacksonville Legal Case?
Whether you’re preparing for trial, seeking custody evaluation, or need expert psychological testimony, FC PsychExperts provides the forensic psychology services Jacksonville attorneys and courts trust. Our comprehensive evaluations are conducted with integrity, backed by extensive experience, and delivered with the professionalism your case demands.
Comprehensive Forensic Psychology Services in Jacksonville
FC PsychExperts offers a full range of forensic psychological evaluations and clinical services designed to meet the diverse needs of the legal system and our community.
Criminal Law Evaluations
Our criminal forensic services include competency to stand trial evaluations, criminal responsibility assessments (sanity evaluations), mitigation evaluations for sentencing, and competence to waive Miranda rights. We conduct violence risk assessments and sexual offender evaluations for both adults and juveniles.
Family Law and Custody Services
Family law matters require sensitive, thorough psychological evaluation. We provide custody evaluations that assess parenting capacity, child needs, and family dynamics. We also offer co-parenting counseling, reunification counseling, and family therapy.
Civil and Personal Injury Evaluations
In civil litigation, psychological factors often play a crucial role. We conduct personal and emotional injury evaluations for cases involving motor vehicle accidents, workplace incidents, medical malpractice, and other situations where psychological harm is alleged.
Immigration and Specialized Assessments
We provide psychological expertise for immigration court proceedings, including asylum evaluations and assessments related to victimization and trauma. Our neuropsychological evaluations examine brain function following traumatic brain injury, concussion, or conditions like Alzheimer’s disease.
Meet Our Specialists
Dr. Cathy Colet
Forensic PsychologistAs a Licensed Clinical and Forensic Psychologist, Dr. Cathy Colet established Forensic and Clinical PsychExperts, LLC, where she serves as founder and principal practitioner.
Dr. Lauren Miller
Clinical and Forensic NeuropsychologistWith close to two decades of professional experience, Dr. Miller brings extensive expertise as a practicing clinician, consultant, lecturer, and published author in her field.
Dr. Matthew J. Jalazo
Forensic PsychologistA licensed psychologist specializing in forensic practice, Dr. Matthew J. Jalazo has dedicated the past fifteen years to full-time work in forensic psychology.
Dr. Elizabeth Blackburn
TherapistDr. Elizabeth Blackburn is a distinguished Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Compliance Auditor who holds a Doctorate in Social Work, bringing advanced expertise to her therapeutic practice.
Experienced Forensic Psychologists Serving Jacksonville’s Legal Community
With over 17 years of forensic psychology practice and testimony in more than 1,000 cases, FC PsychExperts has established a reputation for thorough, ethical, and reliable forensic services. Our psychologists hold Florida licenses and maintain memberships in leading professional organizations including the Association for the Treatment of Sexual Abusers and Physicians for Human Rights.
“The forensic evaluation was comprehensive, objective, and delivered exactly when needed. The expert testimony was clear and withstood rigorous cross examination.” — Jacksonville Defense Attorney
Our team’s dedication to ongoing education ensures we apply the latest research and methodologies in every evaluation. We serve clients throughout Jacksonville, from downtown legal offices to courthouses in Duval County, providing the psychological expertise that supports justice and fairness in Florida’s legal system.
Is a Forensic Psychologist Right for Your Situation?
You may benefit from forensic psychology services if you are experiencing any of these situations:
- You are an attorney preparing a criminal defense and need to establish your client’s competency to stand trial or criminal responsibility at the time of the offense.
- You are involved in a custody dispute and need an objective evaluation of parenting capacity and child attachment to support your case in family court.
- You need a risk assessment to determine likelihood of future violence or sexual offending as part of sentencing, probation, or civil commitment proceedings.
- You are pursuing a personal injury claim where psychological trauma is a significant component of damages and need documentation of emotional harm.
- You require expert testimony from a qualified psychologist who can explain complex mental health issues to a judge or jury in clear, credible terms.
- You are seeking mitigation evidence for sentencing that examines psychological factors, developmental history, and mental health conditions.
- You need an immigration evaluation documenting trauma, persecution, or psychological hardship for asylum or relief from removal proceedings.
- You are a prosecutor or public defender requiring an independent forensic evaluation to inform charging decisions or plea negotiations.
- You need neuropsychological testing following a brain injury to document cognitive impairments for disability or litigation purposes.
- You are working with a juvenile offender or at risk youth who requires psychological assessment for court recommendations or treatment planning.
Serving Jacksonville's Legal Community with Local Expertise
FC PsychExperts proudly serves the greater Jacksonville area, including Downtown Jacksonville’s courthouse district and the surrounding Duval County communities. Our forensic psychologists are familiar with the legal landscape from the Duval County Courthouse on West Adams Street to legal offices throughout Riverside, San Marco, and Southside neighborhoods.
Whether your case proceeds through Florida’s 4th Judicial Circuit or federal court at the Bryan Simpson United States Courthouse, we understand the local legal environment and the expectations of Jacksonville’s judiciary. Our convenient location and flexible scheduling accommodate the busy timelines of legal proceedings, and we’re equipped to conduct evaluations at our office, correctional facilities, or other appropriate locations throughout the Jacksonville metropolitan area.
If you’re an attorney, defendant, or family member seeking forensic psychological services near the Beaches, Arlington, Mandarin, or anywhere in the Jacksonville region, we’re here to provide the expert evaluations your case requires.
Common Questions About Forensic Psychologists in Jacksonville, FL
What does a forensic psychologist do in legal cases?
A forensic psychologist applies psychological expertise to legal questions and court proceedings. They conduct evaluations to assess mental competency, criminal responsibility, risk of future violence, custody arrangements, and psychological injuries. Forensic psychologists prepare detailed reports explaining their findings and often provide expert testimony in criminal, civil, and family law cases. Their work helps attorneys, judges, and juries understand the psychological factors relevant to legal decisions.
How long does a forensic psychological evaluation take?
The duration varies depending on the type of evaluation and complexity of the case. A competency evaluation might take four to six hours, while a comprehensive custody evaluation could involve multiple sessions over several weeks. The process typically includes clinical interviews, psychological testing, record review, and sometimes collateral interviews with family members or other parties. After the evaluation, the psychologist needs additional time to score tests, analyze data, and write the forensic report.
What is the difference between a clinical psychologist and a forensic psychologist?
Clinical psychologists primarily focus on diagnosing and treating mental health conditions in therapeutic settings. Forensic psychologists specialize in applying psychological knowledge to legal and criminal justice matters. While many forensic psychologists have clinical training, their work involves evaluations for legal purposes rather than ongoing therapy. Forensic evaluations are conducted with the understanding that findings may be shared in court, whereas clinical treatment prioritizes confidentiality and the therapeutic relationship.
Can a forensic psychologist provide therapy to someone they evaluated?
No, ethical guidelines prohibit forensic psychologists from providing therapy to individuals they have evaluated for legal purposes. This boundary exists to prevent conflicts of interest and maintain objectivity. The forensic evaluator’s role is to conduct an impartial assessment and report findings to the court or retaining attorney. If therapy is needed, it should be provided by a different mental health professional who is not involved in the forensic aspects of the case.
How much does a forensic psychological evaluation cost in Jacksonville?
Costs vary based on the type and complexity of the evaluation. Simple competency evaluations may cost less than comprehensive custody evaluations that involve multiple family members and extensive testing. Fees typically cover the psychologist’s time for interviews, testing, record review, report writing, and any court testimony. Many forensic psychologists require a retainer before beginning work. It’s best to discuss fees during the initial consultation so you understand the financial commitment involved in your specific case.
Partner With Jacksonville’s Trusted Forensic Psychology Experts
When your legal matter requires psychological expertise, choosing the right forensic psychologist matters. FC PsychExperts brings the experience, credentials, and commitment to ethical practice that Jacksonville’s legal community relies on. Our comprehensive evaluations provide the insights courts and attorneys need to make informed decisions, and our expert testimony stands up to scrutiny under cross examination.
Don’t leave the psychological aspects of your case to chance. Whether you need a competency evaluation, custody assessment, risk evaluation, or expert witness testimony, our team is ready to provide the professional forensic psychology services your situation demands.
Contact FC PsychExperts today to discuss your case with an experienced forensic psychologist in Jacksonville, FL.