Civil Evaluations
THE PROCESS OF
01
Competency Evaluations
A forensic psychiatrist can evaluate for an individual’s competence. Competence is defined as an individual's mental capacity to understand and participate meaningfully in legal proceedings. Competency is most commonly assessed in criminal proceedings, however it is also applicable to civil proceedings.
Examples of civil competencies a forensic psychiatrist can be called to evaluate include the following: to make a will, to enter into a contract, to manage money, to practice a profession and more.
02
Worker’s Compensation, Psychic Harm, and Employment Evaluations
Forensic psychiatrists may be asked to provide consultation on a variety of employment-related matters. These types of evaluations can include fitness for duty (FFD), worker’s compensation matters, and psychic harm.
When an employer has concerns about their employee’s ability to safely perform their essential job duties they may request a FFD evaluation. An employer may request this type of evaluation if for example their employee has displayed violent or disturbing workplace behaviors.
Emotional or psychological injury (i.e. psychic harm) can often result due to another party’s actions or negligence (e.g. sexual harassment, workplace discrimination, etc.). An individual may claim damages for emotional distress or psychiatric related conditions. A forensic psychiatrist may be retained to evaluate for the presence and/or severity of the psychological harm. They can also be called to offer expert opinions on prognosis, treatment needs, and the impact on the individual’s functioning.
A forensic psychiatrist may evaluate other workplace related issues including worker’s compensation for occupational injury, insurance claims, and/or Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) claims.
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Malpractice Evaluations
Medical malpractice is defined as any act or omission by a provider during treatment of a patient that deviates from the standard of care resulting in injury to the patient. The injured patient must show the provider acted negligently which subsequently resulted in their injury. A forensic psychiatrist may be retained in these types of evaluations to assess whether the provider’s treatment fell below the standard of care and determine if that deviation directly contributed to that patient’s injury.
Criminal Evaluations
THE PROCESS OF
01
Competency Evaluations
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) defines malingering as the intentional production of false or grossly exaggerated physical or psychological symptoms, motivated by external incentives.” Individuals may malinger for various reasons - criminal defendants might simulate mental illness to pursue a verdict of not guilty by reason of insanity, while civil plaintiffs may exaggerate or fabricate symptoms to seek compensation for claimed psychological harm. A forensic psychiatrist can evaluate to assess if malingering is present in specific cases.
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Criminal responsibility Evaluations
A forensic psychiatrist may be asked to evaluate for criminal responsibility. In California, examples in which criminal responsibility may be a factor is in determining if an individual was not guilty by reason of insanity at the time of their crime. Other examples include diminished actuality defenses.
03
Competency Evaluations
A forensic psychiatrist can evaluate for an individual’s competence. Competence is defined as an individual's mental capacity to understand and participate meaningfully in legal proceedings. Competency is most commonly assessed as it relates to an individual’s competency to stand trial. Other areas of criminal competency can include competence to confess to a crime, waive miranda rights, represent oneself, be a witness and more.
Our fees for patient services are as follows
01
Consultation
- Reproductive Consultation (90 minutes): $550
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This can be a great option if you are already working with another provider (e.g. psychiatrist, primary care physician, OB/Gyn physician, etc.) and need a second opinion or are planning for conception.
Psychiatric Care
- New Patient Evaluation (75-90 minutes): $550
- Follow Up Evaluation(40 minutes): $400
- Medication Refill Visit (20 minutes): $200
During your first appointment—which can last up to 90 minutes—we’ll take time to understand your mental health symptoms, history, and what you're hoping to get out of treatment. I’ll share my recommendations, and together we’ll come up with a personalized plan that may include therapy, medication, and, when helpful, integrative approaches.
Psychotherapy
- 45 minute sessions: $300
If you're not already working with a therapist, I offer therapy on its own or alongside other psychiatric care.
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Other Professional Services
These are for services requiring longer than five minutes such as letter writing, secure portal messaging, etc. These services will be charged to the patient.
Providing compassionate, expert psychiatric care tailored to your reproductive mental health
Dr. McClendon is a board certified psychiatrist with expertise in women's reproductive mental health and forensic psychiatry, elevating wellbeing and expertise with compassionate, evidence-based care.
She offers preconception counseling, medication management, and therapy, creating a supportive, empowering space where women feel heard and understood. Her approach combines compassion with evidence-based care to address the unique challenges women face.
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Questions about the process?
We're here to walk you through every step, whether you're a client looking for care or an attorney needing a forensic evaluation. Reach out to get answers to all your questions.
