Courts, attorneys, and agencies across Northern Kentucky and the greater Cincinnati area rely on Critical Stress and Wellness Center for objective, thorough, and legally defensible forensic psychological evaluations. Our licensed psychologists — with backgrounds in both clinical and law enforcement settings — understand how to communicate findings clearly for legal proceedings.
Forensic psychological evaluations in Northern Kentucky
Criminal Responsibility Assessment
A criminal responsibility evaluation examines a defendant’s mental state at the time of the alleged offense to determine whether psychiatric conditions, cognitive impairments, or developmental issues affected their capacity to understand the wrongfulness of their actions. Our evaluations combine clinical interviews, psychological testing, and records review to produce a clear, court-ready forensic opinion addressing sanity, competency, and risk.
Competency to Stand Trial
Before a criminal case moves forward, the court may require an evaluation of whether the defendant can meaningfully participate in their own defense. We assess cognitive functioning, understanding of legal procedures, and ability to communicate rationally with counsel. Our reports are written to meet Kentucky legal standards and are designed to be usable immediately by attorneys and judges.
Guardianship Evaluation
When a family member or court is concerned that an individual can no longer safely make decisions for themselves, a guardianship evaluation provides an evidence-based, person-centered assessment of their cognitive and functional capacity. We review medical records, conduct structured interviews and standardized testing, and produce a detailed report that addresses the least-restrictive appropriate options — from supported decision-making to full guardianship.