FREQUENTLY ASKED
QUESTIONS  |
REGARDING
FORENSIC PSYCHOLOGICAL SERVICES |
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| Why is my attorney referring me
to a psychologist? |
| Your attorney has reviewed the circumstances
that confront you and has determined that a psychological
assessment and consultative services may be helpful in
representing you. The role of your psychologist will depend
upon the details of your situation and what caused you
to become involved with the legal system (e.g., criminal
charges, a child custody dispute, or personal injury).
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| If I follow this recommendation,
will I be in “therapy”? |
| Forensic psychological assessments and
consultative services are not "therapy," and
you and your psychologist will discuss your needs and
circumstances during your first visit. If therapy seems
to hold promise for you, you will be offered therapy services via a referral.
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| Will my insurance pay for it? |
Forensic psychological assessments and
consultative services provided to your attorney are not
covered by insurance programs, because such services are
not driven by medical necessity.
Psychotherapy services associated with a valid psychiatric
diagnosis are often covered benefits, subject to limitations
of medical necessity. Details regarding coverage are discussed
in materials that are available from your insurance carrier.
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| Can I combine the two roles? |
| The roles of forensic psychologist and psychotherapist cannot be combined for a variety of reasons.
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The interpersonal
warmth, acceptance, and support that facilitate
therapy often provide a means by which a therapist's
credibility is challenged when called upon to provide
evidence (documents and/or testimony) in legal proceedings. |
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A forensic psychologist is ethically
required to operate with scientific detachment in
providing consultative services, documentation,
and/or testimony. This detachment often enhances
the evidentiary value of what the psychologist has
to say. |
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The doctrine that protects the
confidentiality of attorney work product usually
extends to the documentation that is developed in
the forensic relationship. Generally speaking, this
privilege is stronger than the confidentiality of
the therapist-patient relationship, in which information
regarding therapy patients (e.g., history, diagnosis,
treatment, and progress) is routinely discussed
with managed care gatekeepers and is stored in insurance
databases -- the security of which is uncertain. |
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| Your attorney is the best source of
information regarding confidentiality and privilege. |
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| How much do forensic psychological
services cost? |
Fees for forensic psychological services depend upon the
complexity of the referral questions, the cooperation
of the client, the seriousness of the charges, and whether
or not circumstances require testimony. Oyster Point Psychological
attempts to provide cost-effective services that are responsive
to your unique legal needs and financial circumstances.
To discuss your particular circumstances, call Oyster
Point Psychological Practice at 804.435.6777.
We look forward to working with you.
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