Forensic Evaluations

in Pennsylvania and New jersey

Objective and Professional Forensic Evaluations

At A Better Life Therapy, we provide comprehensive forensic mental health evaluations for individuals navigating legal, medical, and immigration-related challenges. Our licensed clinicians specialize in evaluations for emotional support animal (ESA) letters, Forensic Mental Health Competency Exams, personal injury, and other court-involved cases. All assessments are conducted with objectivity and clinical accuracy to ensure clarity, fairness, and credibility..

Types of Forensic Evaluations We Offer

All evaluations are conducted by licensed clinicians in our Ardmore, PA office or by telehealth when clinically and legally appropriate. Each assessment is handled with care, professionalism, and a strong commitment to objectivity. We can also arrange for forensic evaluations to occur at any of the following locations:

• Center City, Philadelphia

• Fishtown, Philadelphia

• New Hope, Pennsylvania

• Easton, Pennsylvania

• Galloway, New Jersey
  

Mental Health Forensic Evaluations

Our clinicians provide objective psychological evaluations for legal and forensic purposes. These evaluations may be requested in family court, criminal proceedings, or other legal matters where a person’s mental health or psychological functioning is relevant. For example, evaluations may help assess a parent’s psychological functioning and mental health in the context of custody or other family court proceedings, or address questions related to competency and other court-ordered matters.

Forensic evaluations are distinct from therapy and are conducted with an emphasis on objectivity, clinical assessment, and clear documentation. When appropriate, our clinicians provide comprehensive reports that address the specific referral question and may be used by attorneys, courts, or other legal professionals.

Emotional Support Animal (ESA) Letters

Many people feel confused about where to obtain a legitimate ESA letter. These letters should be based on an evaluation by a licensed mental health professional who can provide an objective assessment of whether an emotional support animal is clinically appropriate. To maintain objectivity, we do not provide ESA evaluations or letters for individuals who are currently receiving therapy from the evaluating clinician. When appropriate, our clinicians provide documentation consistent with applicable legal and housing requirements.

Personal Injury & Legal Evaluations

Our clinicians assess psychological symptoms related to accidents, injuries, or traumatic events for legal claims. These evaluations may address emotional distress, PTSD, adjustment disorders, functional impairments, and other psychological effects associated with an injury or event. When appropriate, we provide objective clinical documentation to support legal proceedings.

Bariatric Surgery Evaluations

Many bariatric surgery programs require a psychological evaluation before moving forward with surgery. These assessments help ensure patients are emotionally prepared for the significant behavioral, relational, and lifestyle changes that follow bariatric procedures. Our clinicians conduct thorough, objective evaluations that assess mental health history, coping skills, eating behaviors, support systems, and readiness for change. When appropriate, we provide clear documentation that meets medical and surgical program requirements.

What to Expect During a Forensic Evaluation

Forensic evaluations are structured assessments designed to inform legal, medical, or administrative decisions — not to begin or continue therapy. At A Better Life Therapy, our process is clear, professional, and focused on objectivity:

1. Initial Intake
   You’ll complete intake paperwork and submit any relevant background documents (e.g., legal notices, medical records, or referral letters).

2. Clinical Interview
   You'll meet with a licensed clinician for a structured interview, either in our New Hope office or via telehealth when appropriate. The assessment focuses on understanding your psychological history, current symptoms, and relevant context.

3. Assessment Measures
   If needed, your clinician may administer standardized psychological tests or symptom inventories to support diagnostic clarity and report accuracy.

4. Written Report
   Within 2-3 weeks (or more quickly if you choose a rush option), you’ll receive a professionally written report summarizing findings and providing clear, evidence-based conclusions.

5. No Ongoing Therapy
   To ensure impartiality, forensic evaluations are conducted separately from ongoing treatment. Your evaluator will not provide therapy or ongoing support following the assessment.

Note: If you are in need of a translator, we are able to collaborate with a translator at our practice.

Forensic Evaluators

Ariel Stern, LPC leads the Forensic Evaluations team at A Better Life Therapy. Ariel has been trained by The National Board of Forensic Evaluators. She has nearly 20 years of experience working with individuals and families, particularly those who struggle with challenging issues such as substance misuse, abuse, chaotic environments, divorce, and perinatal mental health.

She is certified in Ecosystemic Therapy, Gottman Method Couples Therapy, and Perinatal Mental Health with Postpartum International. These unique certifications alongside her license provide her with a deep understanding of not only individual mental health but also the health of the family system.

She conducts forensic evaluations at our Ardmore, Pennsylvania office and by telehealth. Ariel offers forensic mental health evaluations related to family court issues, personal injury, and more. She is licensed in several states and can provide forensic evaluations in the following states:

• Massachusetts

• Arizona

• New Jersey

• Pennsylvania

Psychological & Forensic Evaluations: What to Expect

A psychological or forensic evaluation can feel intimidating, particularly when the results may be relevant to a legal, medical, or other significant life decision. Understanding what to expect can make the process feel more manageable.

At A Better Life Therapy, our clinicians conduct thorough, objective evaluations designed to answer the specific question for which the evaluation was requested. The process varies depending on the type of evaluation, but most evaluations involve a combination of document review, clinical interview, and psychological assessment.

The Evaluation Process

Review of Relevant Records

Before or during the evaluation, your clinician may review relevant records and documents related to the referral question. Depending on the circumstances, these may include medical records, mental health records, legal documents, educational records, or other information provided by the individual or referring professional.

Reviewing available documentation allows the evaluator to develop a more complete understanding of the individual's history and circumstances rather than relying solely on information discussed during the interview.

Clinical Interview

The evaluator will meet with you for a detailed interview about your background, current circumstances, and the reason for the evaluation.

The interview may include discussion of:

• Personal and family history

• Mental health and medical history

• Relationships and social history

• Significant life experiences or traumatic events

• Current emotional and psychological functioning

• Symptoms, coping strategies, and areas of difficulty

• Employment, education, or other relevant functioning

• The specific circumstances that led to the evaluation

The evaluator may ask detailed questions about difficult or sensitive experiences. These questions are intended to help the clinician understand the full context of your circumstances and provide an accurate, clinically informed assessment.

Mental Status and Psychological Assessment

As part of the evaluation, the clinician will assess current psychological functioning and may conduct a mental status examination. Depending on the type of evaluation and referral question, standardized psychological measures or other assessment tools may also be used.

The evaluator may assess areas such as mood, anxiety, trauma-related symptoms, cognitive functioning, personality characteristics, coping, behavioral functioning, and other areas relevant to the referral question.

When appropriate, the evaluator may use diagnostic criteria, including the DSM-5-TR, to determine whether an individual's symptoms are consistent with a particular mental health diagnosis. A diagnosis is not necessarily required for every type of evaluation, and the assessment is tailored to the specific question being addressed.

Clinical Formulation and Report

Following the interview, record review, and any psychological testing, the evaluator integrates the available information to develop an objective clinical formulation.

The final report typically describes the information reviewed, relevant history, clinical findings, and the evaluator's conclusions regarding the specific referral question. The format and content of the report will depend on the purpose of the evaluation.

Our goal is to provide a clear, thorough report that allows attorneys, courts, physicians, or other appropriate professionals to understand the clinical information relevant to the matter being considered.

How Long Does an Evaluation Take?

The timeline varies depending on the type and complexity of the evaluation. Some evaluations can be completed within a few weeks, while more complex forensic evaluations may require additional interviews, records, testing, or collateral information.

Before beginning an evaluation, we can provide an estimated timeline based on the nature of the referral and the information available.

Expedited evaluations may be available for an additional fee, depending on clinician availability and the complexity of the evaluation.

In-Person and Telehealth Evaluations

Evaluations may be available in person at our offices or virtually through a confidential Telehealth platform, depending on the type of evaluation and the requirements of the referral.

We also work with interpreters when an evaluation requires a language other than English.

Objectivity Matters

A forensic or psychological evaluation is different from therapy. The purpose of an evaluation is not to provide ongoing treatment or to advocate for a particular outcome. Instead, the evaluator's role is to conduct an independent, clinically informed assessment and provide an objective opinion based on the information available.

For this reason, our clinicians approach evaluations with curiosity, thoroughness, and attention to information that may both support and complicate the referral question.

Cost

The cost of an evaluation depends on the type of evaluation, the complexity of the referral question, the amount of record review required, and whether psychological testing or additional interviews are necessary.

Please contact Info@abetterlifetherapy.com for more information about scheduling and pricing.

Scheduling an Evaluation

To inquire about a psychological or forensic evaluation, please contact Info@abetterlifetherapy.com. When contacting our office, it is helpful to provide the general purpose of the evaluation and any relevant deadlines so that we can determine which clinician and evaluation format may be the best fit.