Litigation Consulting
The legal system often deals with complex issues that require a deep understanding of human behavior and mental wellbeing. Attorneys are tasked with navigating these complexities and making informed and comprehensive decisions on behalf of their clients. However, in many cases, this can be a difficult task without the assistance of trained mental health professionals. As such, I provide consultation to attorneys and/or clients to assist in conceptualizing the case and providing feedback or recommendations that could play a vital role in the case as a whole.
Some of the major functions of litigation consulting include:
Assisting lawyers in deciding if they want to make mental health a point of emphasis for the case, and if so, to what degree
Providing a preliminary mental health evaluation of the client for attorneys to have a better understanding of what facts should be highlighted in court, as well as having an early understanding and developing strategy regarding issues opposing counsel will raise
Providing recommendations and coordinating mental health referrals on behalf of the attorney. If a client’s mental health issues are beyond the scope of a forensic LCSW, I have a network of forensic psychologists and forensic psychiatrists with varying specialties that can be contacted for an independent medical opinion.
Collaborating with attorneys in drafting questions and establishing facts for parties providing testimony
By integrating the expertise of mental health professionals into the legal system, attorneys can assist their clients to make informed and balanced decisions that take into account the individual's psychological and emotional needs. This can lead to better outcomes for clients, better outcomes for families, and better outcomes for society as a whole. Attorneys who understand this and seek consultation via psychotherapists or forensic mental health evaluators can provide an important service to the legal system, and to the clients they serve.
In the area of family law, for example, attorneys consulting with me can assist parents in developing parenting plans that take into account the mental health needs of their children. By working with parents to identify the psychological needs of their children, I can help attorneys develop co-parenting plans that are in the best interests of the child. We also consult with attorneys to understand the psychopathology of parents and provide clinically appropriate recommendations that will best serve the children in child custody cases.
In VA adjudication, PI, and SSI cases, I work to identify and explain the psychological impact of traumatic events, military service, or other stressors on their clients.
In probate court, I can work with families to identify and address mental health issues that may be affecting a party’s ability to make sound decisions.
In immigration law, attorneys can work with me as a litigation consultation to provide recommendations for individuals seeking asylum or other legal protections.
And in criminal mitigation, attorneys can work with me to identify and address underlying mental health issues that may have contributed to their alleged criminal behavior.
I enjoy serving in the role as a litigation consultant and can do so in-person anywhere in the metro Atlanta area, or via Zoom anywhere in Georgia. Because I am providing consultation to the attorneys and not serving as a treating provider, my recommendations are shielded from being subpoenaed.
My rate for litigation consulting is $300 an hour.