Forensic Psychological Evaluations​

A Fitness for Duty (FFDE) Psychological Evaluation is a specialized assessment used to determine whether an employee is mentally and emotionally capable of performing their job safely and effectively. Employers may request an FFDE when concerns arise about an individual’s psychological health and its potential impact on workplace safety, job performance, or the ability to manage high-risk responsibilities.

At KindestMind, our clinicians provide objective, evidence-based evaluations that balance organizational needs with employee well-being.

What the Fitness for Duty Evaluation Includes

Clinical Interview and Psychological Assessment
The process begins with an in-depth clinical interview to gather information about the employee’s job role, workplace challenges, and psychological history. This helps identify emotional, cognitive, or behavioral factors that may affect job performance.

Assessment of Psychological Functioning
Our clinicians assess:

• Emotional health – stress, anxiety, depression, trauma-related symptoms.
• Cognitive skills – memory, focus, decision-making, and problem-solving.
• Behavioral factors – regulation of emotions, workplace interactions, and conflict management.

Diagnostic Findings
If applicable, the evaluation may result in a formal diagnosis (such as anxiety, depression, PTSD, or adjustment disorders), clarifying how psychological conditions may impact safe and effective job performance.

Review of Relevant Records
Medical reports, workplace incident records, or prior evaluations may be reviewed to ensure consistency and accuracy in the findings.

Impact on Workplace Functioning
The evaluation highlights how psychological health may affect:

• Safety risks in carrying out job duties.
• Productivity and performance in meeting workplace demands.
• Team dynamics and professional relationships.

Recommendations and Next Steps
Our clinicians provide tailored, actionable recommendations, which may include:

• Return-to-work readiness or modified duties.
• Suggested workplace accommodations.
• Treatment or support options to strengthen employee well-being.

Comprehensive Reports for Employers

The final Fitness for Duty report includes a clear summary of findings, professional conclusions, and specific recommendations. These objective, evidence-based reports give employers the information needed to make fair, informed decisions while prioritizing both workplace safety and the employee’s rights.

A Parental Fitness Psychological Evaluation is a specialized assessment often required in family law cases, such as custody disputes, guardianship matters, or when concerns exist about a parent’s mental health, substance use, or past behavior. These evaluations help determine a parent’s ability to meet the emotional, psychological, and physical needs of their child.

At KindestMind, our clinicians conduct objective, evidence-based assessments to provide the courts with clear documentation that prioritizes the safety and well-being of the child.

What the Parental Fitness Evaluation Includes

Clinical Interview and History Review
The process begins with a thorough interview to gather background information about the parent, their relationship with the child, parenting practices, and any past or present concerns regarding caregiving capacity.

Assessment of Parenting Capacity and Psychological Functioning
The clinician evaluates:

• Emotional stability – stress management, emotional regulation, and relationship functioning.
• Decision-making and judgment – ability to make safe, responsible choices for the child.
• Parent-child relationship – quality of attachment, emotional connection, and nurturing behaviors.
• Consistency and structure – capacity to provide a stable, predictable home environment.

Assessment of Risk Factors
Potential concerns that may affect parenting are explored, including:

• Substance abuse or dependency.
• Criminal history or involvement in domestic violence.
• Mental health conditions that could impair caregiving abilities.

Parent-Child Observation (If Applicable)
In some cases, the evaluator observes direct parent-child interaction to assess communication, responsiveness, and the quality of the relationship.

Diagnostic Findings and Recommendations
If applicable, the evaluation may result in a formal diagnosis (such as anxiety, depression, or trauma-related disorders) that could influence parenting capacity. Recommendations may include:

• Parenting education or skills training.
• Therapy or mental health treatment.
• Supervised visitation or adjustments to custody arrangements.

Review of Relevant Records
The evaluator may also review medical, court, or prior assessment records to provide a comprehensive understanding of the case.

Comprehensive Report for Legal Proceedings

The final Parental Fitness Evaluation report offers an objective, evidence-based summary of findings, including parenting capacity, psychological health, and professional recommendations. These reports provide the court with reliable insights to guide custody, guardianship, and visitation decisions in the best interests of the child.

A Mental Health Assessment for Conservatorship is a detailed psychological evaluation that determines whether an individual can safely and effectively manage their personal, financial, and medical affairs. These assessments are often requested in court when concerns arise about cognitive decline, mental health conditions, or developmental disabilities that may affect decision-making abilities.

At KindestMind, our licensed psychologists conduct objective, evidence-based evaluations to help courts decide if a conservator is necessary, always balancing protection with respect for individual dignity and rights.

What the Conservatorship Evaluation Includes

Clinical Interview and Background Review
We begin with a thorough interview to gather information about medical, psychological, and personal history, including living arrangements, health conditions, and the individual’s ability to manage responsibilities.

Cognitive Functioning Assessment
The evaluation measures essential skills related to decision-making, such as:

• Memory and recall – retention and retrieval of important information.
• Judgment and problem-solving – capacity to make sound choices.
• Attention and concentration – ability to stay focused and process information.
• Executive functioning – planning, organizing, and handling daily tasks.

Psychological and Emotional Health Review
The clinician also evaluates mental health and emotional well-being, including:

• Symptoms of dementia, depression, anxiety, or psychosis.
• Stress management and emotional regulation.
• Insight into personal needs and the ability to recognize risks.

Functional and Risk Assessment
We assess practical daily abilities, such as:

• Self-care – nutrition, hygiene, and medical management.
• Financial management – paying bills, budgeting, and asset handling.
• Vulnerability to exploitation – risks related to confusion, decline, or dependency.

Record Review
Medical records, prior evaluations, and reports from healthcare providers or family may be reviewed to provide additional context.

Findings and Recommendations

Following the evaluation, our clinicians provide evidence-based recommendations, which may include:

• Full conservatorship for all personal and financial decisions.
• Limited conservatorship for specific areas where support is needed.
• Alternative supports such as services or community resources when a full conservatorship is not required.

Comprehensive Report for Legal Proceedings

The final Conservatorship Evaluation report includes a detailed summary of the individual’s cognitive, emotional, and functional abilities. This professional, objective documentation assists judges, attorneys, and families in making informed decisions that protect safety while honoring independence whenever possible.

A Psychological Assessment for Guardianship is a comprehensive evaluation that helps determine whether an individual requires a legal guardian to manage their personal, medical, and financial affairs. Courts often request these evaluations when there are concerns about cognitive impairments, developmental disabilities, or mental health conditions that may affect an individual’s ability to make safe, informed decisions.

At KindestMind, our licensed psychologists provide objective, evidence-based evaluations designed to protect vulnerable individuals while respecting their dignity, rights, and independence.

What the Guardianship Evaluation Includes

Clinical Interview and Background Review
We begin with a detailed interview to gather information about the individual’s medical, psychological, and personal history, including daily functioning, living arrangements, and health conditions.

Cognitive Functioning Assessment
Our evaluations measure key areas of decision-making and independence, including:

• Memory and recall – the ability to retain and apply information.
• Judgment and reasoning – capacity for sound and safe decision-making.
• Attention and concentration – ability to stay focused and process information.
• Executive functioning – planning, organizing, and managing daily tasks.

Emotional and Psychological Health
The evaluation explores mental health and emotional well-being, assessing for:

• Conditions such as depression, anxiety, dementia, or psychosis.
• Emotional regulation and ability to cope with stress.
• Insight into personal needs, risks, and limitations.

Functional Abilities and Risk Factors
We evaluate practical abilities and vulnerabilities, including:

• Self-care – hygiene, nutrition, and medical management.
• Financial management – capacity to budget, pay bills, and handle assets.
• Vulnerability to exploitation – risk factors related to memory decline, confusion, or dependency.

Review of Medical and Legal Records
To ensure a full understanding, our clinicians may review prior medical records, court reports, and caregiver input.

Findings and Recommendations

Following the assessment, our clinicians provide a professional opinion on whether guardianship is appropriate and, if so, the recommended scope:

• Full guardianship – for individuals unable to manage all aspects of daily life and decision-making.
• Limited guardianship – for those capable of managing some areas of life but requiring targeted support.
• Alternatives to guardianship – such as supportive services or community resources when full guardianship is not necessary.

Comprehensive Report for Legal Proceedings

The final Guardianship Evaluation report provides courts with a detailed, objective summary of the individual’s mental health, cognitive functioning, and daily living abilities. These professional findings ensure decisions are based on accurate information while prioritizing safety, fairness, and quality of life.

Our criminal court evaluations help the court answer specific questions about an individual’s mental health and functioning in the justice system.

Competency to stand trial
This evaluation looks at whether someone understands the legal process and can work with their attorney to participate in their defense.

Juvenile court evaluations
This assessment provides the court with information about a young person’s emotional, behavioral, and cognitive functioning to guide decisions about services, treatment, or placement.

Sentencing mitigation evaluations
This evaluation gives context about a person’s background, mental health, and life experiences that may be important for the court to consider during sentencing.

Risk and safety assessments help the court and other decision-makers understand potential risks to self or others and identify the supports or interventions that may be needed.

Violence risk assessments
This evaluation examines the likelihood that someone may engage in violent behavior and provides recommendations to reduce risk.

Substance abuse evaluations
This assessment looks at patterns of alcohol or drug use, their impact on functioning, and the level of treatment or support that may be needed.

Civil commitment evaluations
This evaluation helps determine whether a person meets the legal criteria for involuntary treatment due to mental illness or safety concerns.

Civil and behavioral evaluations provide the court or other parties with insight into emotional, behavioral, and psychological factors that may affect civil cases or personal well-being.

Personal injury evaluations
This evaluation examines the psychological effects of an injury or accident, such as trauma, anxiety, or changes in daily functioning.

Emotional distress evaluations
This assessment looks at the impact of stressful or harmful experiences on someone’s mental health and overall quality of life.

Domestic violence evaluations
This evaluation explores the presence, impact, and patterns of domestic violence to guide the court in making informed decisions about safety and treatment needs.

Anger management evaluations
This assessment identifies challenges related to anger and impulse control and provides recommendations for intervention or treatment.