Psycho-legal Evaluations for Mental Health Diversion Eligibility in Los Angeles CA
If you're seeking objective, thorough psycho-legal evaluations for mental health diversion eligibility in Los Angeles, CA, I’m here to help at Sarah DeMarco, Psy.D. Clinical & Forensic Psychology, I provide impartial assessments designed to answer the court’s critical legal questions. My role isn’t to advocate for any party, but to offer a clear, clinically grounded opinion that can assist in fair and informed decision-making.
A Trusted, Objective Voice in Complex Legal Matters
I’m Dr. Sarah DeMarco, a licensed psychologist with a clinical and forensic focus. My work bridges the gap between mental health and the legal system. Whether retained by defense attorneys, prosecutors, or appointed by the court, I offer evaluations rooted in psychological science. I do not offer therapy in this context; my role is strictly evaluative, providing expert opinions on psycho-legal matters with neutrality and clarity.
Turning Legal Complexity Into Clarity
The individuals I evaluate often face serious legal consequences tied to complex psychological histories. Many individuals are living with conditions like PTSD, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, or major depression, which can deeply affect their behavior and decision-making. When someone seeks mental health diversion, the stakes are high, and the path forward can feel overwhelming. This is where a thorough, objective evaluation becomes essential. I assess whether a qualifying mental illness is present, whether it influenced the offense, and whether treatment outside of incarceration is a viable option.
As part of my psycho-legal evaluations for mental health diversion eligibility in Los Angeles, CA, I answer specific legal questions outlined in California's statute, helping the court understand whether the defendant meets the requirements for diversion. My evaluations are designed to be honest, reliable, and informed by data.
What to Expect From the Evaluation Process
When you or your attorney reaches out to initiate the process, I begin with a consultation to determine whether I can provide an objective opinion. If there’s any potential for bias or dual relationships, I will decline to proceed. Once retained, I conduct a comprehensive review that may include clinical interviews, psychological testing, medical records, legal documents, and collateral information.
Throughout the process, I remain focused on the specific legal questions outlined by the court. In cases involving psycho-legal evaluations for mental health diversion eligibility in Los Angeles, CA, this includes assessing whether a qualifying diagnosis exists, whether the disorder was a contributing factor to the alleged offense, whether treatment would reduce symptoms, and whether the individual poses a risk to public safety if treated in the community.
Why an Objective Evaluation Matters
The court relies on neutral experts to provide insights it cannot gather on its own. My evaluations help inform decisions that can impact a person's future, whether that means incarceration or access to mental health treatment in the community. Because I do not advocate for either party, my reports carry weight due to their impartiality and adherence to the law.
Working with someone who specializes in this kind of evaluation means getting an assessment tailored specifically to legal standards. My training, experience, and ongoing work in forensic psychology allow me to deliver high-quality reports that withstand legal scrutiny and support judicial clarity. The ultimate benefit? A fairer process for everyone involved.
Ready to Take the First Step?
If you’re an attorney, legal professional, or someone seeking a court-ordered evaluation, I invite you to reach out. At Sarah DeMarco, Psy.D. Clinical & Forensic Psychology, I provide psycho-legal evaluations for mental health diversion eligibility in Los Angeles, CA, with professionalism, precision, and integrity. Let’s start with a consultation to explore whether this evaluation is the right fit for your case.