Forensic Psychologist In Palm Beach Lakes, FL
Court Trusted Evaluations from a Florida Licensed Psychologist with Over 1,000 Cases of Testimony Experience
The Therapy Process
Step 1: Intake and Assessment
We begin with a full review of your court order, case history, and emotional needs.
Step 2: Customized Treatment Plan
Our team creates a personalized therapy plan that satisfies court conditions and targets underlying issues.
Step 3: Ongoing Sessions
Clients participate in structured sessions focused on emotional insight, accountability, and skill-building.
Step 4: Progress Documentation
We provide timely updates including attendance logs, progress notes, and final letters for court submission.
Step 5: Completion and Support
Once therapy requirements are fulfilled, we issue official documentation and offer continued care options for those who want ongoing support.
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Rapid Results: Efficient Forensic Evaluations Without Compromising Thoroughness
Legal timelines wait for no one. When courts set hearing dates or attorneys need expert reports, delays can jeopardize case outcomes. FC PsychExperts understands the time sensitive nature of forensic psychology work in Palm Beach Lakes and throughout Florida.
Our practice delivers prompt, comprehensive evaluations that meet tight deadlines without sacrificing quality. With 17 years of dedicated forensic psychology experience since 2008, we have refined our assessment process to maximize efficiency while maintaining the rigorous standards courts expect.
What makes our approach fast and reliable? First, we dedicate three quarters of our practice exclusively to forensic work. This specialization means we are not juggling therapy appointments that could delay your evaluation. Second, our Florida licensed psychologist (PY9058) has conducted thousands of assessments, bringing practiced efficiency to every case. Third, we maintain strong working relationships with courts across the 1st, 15th, 17th, 19th, and 20th judicial circuits, understanding exactly what documentation judges require.
Attorneys appreciate our responsiveness. When you call with an urgent evaluation need, we work to accommodate your timeline. Our reports are clear, comprehensive, and delivered when promised. Court appointed evaluations receive the same priority as privately retained cases. Whether you need a competency assessment completed before a hearing or a mitigation evaluation for an approaching sentencing date, FC PsychExperts responds with the speed your case demands.
Rapid turnaround never means rushed work. Every evaluation includes thorough clinical interview, appropriate psychological testing, comprehensive record review, and detailed written reports. We simply eliminate the delays that occur when forensic work competes with a busy clinical caseload. The result is efficiency that serves everyone, timely assessments for legal proceedings, defensible evaluations that withstand scrutiny, and professional service that attorneys can rely on case after case.
Benefits: How Expert Forensic Psychology Strengthens Your Legal Position
The right forensic evaluation can transform case outcomes. Whether you are an attorney building a defense strategy, a prosecutor presenting evidence, or a family navigating custody proceedings, expert psychological assessment provides the foundation for informed legal decisions.
In criminal cases, competency evaluations determine whether defendants can proceed to trial. A thorough assessment protects constitutional rights while giving courts the information needed to make proper rulings. Criminal responsibility evaluations, examining mental state at the time of an offense, can be the difference between conviction and acquittal or between severe sentences and appropriate mental health interventions.
Mitigation evaluations benefit sentencing outcomes by providing courts with comprehensive psychological context. Judges consider this information when determining appropriate sentences, often resulting in more favorable dispositions. Downward departure assessments document factors that support sentence modifications, giving courts the evidence needed to exercise judicial discretion appropriately.
Family law matters require objective psychological assessment to cut through conflicting claims. When custody is disputed, a professional evaluation examines parenting capacity, child welfare concerns, and family dynamics. Courts rely on these assessments to make decisions genuinely serving children’s best interests. Our evaluations provide the clarity that helps resolve custody disputes and guides appropriate parenting plans.
Risk assessment serves multiple legal purposes. Violence risk evaluations inform decisions about release, supervision, and treatment planning. Sexual offender assessments apply specialized protocols to evaluate recidivism risk, information critical for sentencing, civil commitment, and supervision decisions. These assessments must be thorough and defensible because the stakes are high for public safety and individual liberty.
Expert witness testimony amplifies the value of written evaluations. FC PsychExperts has testified in thousands of cases, explaining complex psychological concepts in language judges and juries understand. Cross examination does not rattle experienced forensic psychologists who testify regularly. Our expert testimony withstands scrutiny because it rests on sound methodology and comprehensive assessment.
Forensic and Clinical Psychology Services
We are proud to offer a wide range of specialized forensic psychology services to meet the needs of the judicial and legal systems. Our team of experienced forensic psychologists provides personalized assessments, expert testimony, consultation, and training.
Forensic Evaluations
Our experts provide services to defense attorneys and prosecutors in a variety of areas of criminal law. Criminal Law CasesCompetence to Stand TrialCriminal Responsibility…
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Neuropsychological Evaluations
A Neuropsychological Evaluation looks at how the brain works. Possible reasons for a neuropsychological evaluation (not limited to):Traumatic Brain InjurySports ConcussionAlzheimer’s…
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Psychoeducational Testing
A psychoeducational evaluation offers a snapshot of a child’s current cognitive and educational functioning. The psychologist will need a thorough history…
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The Team Difference: Credentials and Experience That Command Courtroom Respect
Professional qualifications matter in forensic psychology. Courts, attorneys, and opposing experts scrutinize credentials, training, and experience. FC PsychExperts meets and exceeds the standards for forensic psychology expertise.
Our practice is led by a Florida licensed psychologist holding license PY9058. This license represents meeting rigorous educational requirements, passing comprehensive examinations, and maintaining continuing education in psychological practice. Florida licensure ensures accountability to professional standards and state regulatory oversight.
Forensic specialization sets us apart from general clinical psychologists. Since 2008, our psychologist has dedicated the majority of practice time to forensic work. This is not a side interest or occasional service. Seventy five percent of our work involves forensic evaluation and expert testimony, demonstrating genuine specialization rather than dabbling in forensic matters.
Professional memberships reflect ongoing commitment to excellence. The American Professional Society on the Abuse of Children (APSAC) membership demonstrates expertise in child maltreatment assessment. Association for the Treatment of Sexual Abusers (ATSA) membership shows specialized knowledge in sexual offender evaluation and risk assessment. Association of Family and Conciliation Court (AFCC) membership connects us with best practices in family law and custody evaluation. American Psychological Association (APA) membership maintains connection with the broader psychology profession and ethical standards. Physicians for Human Rights (PHR) membership reflects commitment to human rights principles in forensic work.
When you work with FC PsychExperts, you benefit from credentials that command respect, experience that brings efficiency, and professionalism that serves your legal needs effectively.
Meet the Team
Dr. Cathy Colet
Forensic PsychologistDr. Cathy Colet is a Licensed Clinical and Forensic Psychologist and founder of Forensic and Clinical PsychExperts, LLC.
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Dr. Lauren Miller
Clinical and Forensic NeuropsychologistDr. Miller has nearly 20 years of experience as a clinician, consultant, lecturer, and writer.
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Dr. Matthew J. Jalazo
Forensic PsychologistDr. Matthew J. Jalazo is a licensed psychologist who has practiced forensic psychology on a full-time basis for the last fifteen years.
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Dr. Elizabeth Blackburn
TherapistA distinguished Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Compliance Auditor with a Doctorate in Social Work.
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Stephanie Newberg, M.Ed, MSW, LCSW
TherapistStephanie Newberg, has over 25 years of experience as a clinician working with individuals, families, and couples.
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Ten Common Situations Requiring Forensic Psychology Services
- You are defending a client whose competency to stand trial is questionable, and you need an evaluation from a psychologist judges trust.
- You are involved in a custody battle where psychological evaluation could provide the objective evidence the court needs to make decisions.
- You are prosecuting a case where expert testimony about the defendant’s mental state or risk level will be crucial to achieving justice.
- You are facing criminal charges and your attorney has explained that a sanity evaluation or mitigation assessment could significantly impact your case outcome.
- You are a parent seeking custody and need a professional evaluation to demonstrate your parenting capacity and address false allegations.
- You are working on a juvenile case where competency evaluation or risk assessment will inform whether the youth is tried as an adult or receives rehabilitation focused intervention.
- You are representing a client in a sentencing phase where comprehensive mitigation evidence could mean the difference between prison and probation or between a lengthy sentence and a reasonable one.
- You are dealing with a family law matter where one parent’s mental health or substance abuse is affecting their ability to parent safely.
- You are handling a case involving sexual offense allegations where specialized risk assessment will inform sentencing, civil commitment, or supervision requirements.
- You are navigating involuntary commitment proceedings where a thorough evaluation will determine whether hospitalization is legally justified.
Serving Palm Beach Lakes and the Greater West Palm Beach Area
FC PsychExperts proudly serves Palm Beach Lakes residents, legal professionals, and courts throughout West Palm Beach and Palm Beach County. Our location provides convenient access whether your legal matters bring you to the Governmental Center on North Dixie Highway or you are working with attorneys near the Palm Beach Lakes Boulevard corridor.
The Palm Beach Lakes community includes diverse residential neighborhoods, local businesses, and families navigating various legal challenges. We understand the local court system, maintain professional relationships with attorneys and judges in the area, and provide services tailored to the needs of our community.
Palm Beach Lakes sits in the heart of West Palm Beach, surrounded by established neighborhoods and convenient to major thoroughfares. Whether you reside near Okeechobee Boulevard, work in the downtown area, or are coming from surrounding communities, our practice offers accessible forensic psychology services.
Frequently Asked Questions About Forensic Psychology in Palm Beach Lakes
What types of cases require forensic psychological evaluation?
Forensic evaluations are needed in diverse legal situations. Criminal cases may require competency evaluations, sanity assessments, or risk evaluations. Family law matters often need custody evaluations or parenting assessments. Civil cases might involve personal injury claims with psychological components. Juvenile cases require specialized evaluations considering developmental factors. Essentially, any legal proceeding where psychological questions affect legal outcomes may benefit from forensic evaluation. FC PsychExperts handles the full spectrum of forensic assessment across all legal domains.
How is forensic psychology different from regular therapy?
Forensic psychology focuses on evaluation for legal purposes rather than treatment. The relationship is fundamentally different. In therapy, the psychologist serves the client’s therapeutic interests. In forensic evaluation, the psychologist serves the court’s need for objective information. Forensic evaluations are not confidential in the same way therapy is. Reports go to courts and attorneys. Forensic psychologists must remain objective and cannot advocate for the person being evaluated. This objectivity is essential for credible expert testimony.
Can the same psychologist do both my evaluation and my therapy?
No. Professional ethics require clear separation between forensic evaluation and treatment roles. If a psychologist conducts a forensic evaluation of you, they cannot simultaneously provide you therapy. This boundary protects the objectivity required in forensic work. If you need both services, separate professionals must provide them. FC PsychExperts maintains this ethical boundary strictly, though we can provide referrals for therapeutic services when needed.
How long does a forensic evaluation take from start to finish?
Evaluation timelines vary based on complexity and the type of assessment. Simple competency evaluations might be completed in one session lasting several hours, with reports finished within days. Comprehensive custody evaluations typically require multiple sessions over several weeks, including interviews with all family members, home visits, and extensive record review. Mitigation assessments for criminal sentencing often take several weeks to gather records, conduct interviews, and complete testing. FC PsychExperts works efficiently and can discuss realistic timelines for your specific case type.
Will you testify in court about your evaluation findings?
Yes, providing expert witness testimony is a core component of forensic services. FC PsychExperts has testified in thousands of cases throughout Florida. Our psychologist is experienced in explaining evaluation findings clearly, withstanding cross examination, and helping judges and juries understand complex psychological concepts. Expert testimony is typically included as part of comprehensive forensic services when cases proceed to hearing or trial. We prepare thoroughly for testimony and present findings in a professional, credible manner.
Call FC PsychExperts Now to Begin Your Forensic Psychology Evaluation
When legal proceedings require expert psychological assessment in Palm Beach Lakes or anywhere in Florida, choose the forensic psychologist with 17 years of specialized experience and thousands of cases of proven courtroom credibility.