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CRIMINAL RESPONSIBILITY

The Court orders a criminal responsibility evaluation if a criminal defendant indicates that he/she is considering a plea of not guilty by reason of mental illness or deficiency.

PRE-PLEA OR PRE-SENTENCE PSYCHOLOGICAL EVALUATIONS

The Court may request a psychological evaluation if a defendant is considering a guilty plea (pre-plea), or if he/she is awaiting sentencing after a conviction.

These evaluations may influence legal proceedings by addressing aggravating or mitigating circumstances; the presence of a psychiatric disorder and related treatment considerations; and recommendations about confinement and/or community supervision.

FAMILY COURT PSYCHOLOGICAL EVALUATIONS

Psychological evaluations are ordered by the Court and/or referred by Custody/Parenting Time Evaluators. The scope of the evaluation addresses one or both parents’ mental health functioning, including whether they meet criteria for diagnosis of a psychological disorder, and how that impacts their daily functioning. The evaluation includes clinical interviews, mental status evaluations, psychological testing, collateral interviews, and record reviews. Inferences can then be made by the Court as to how this may affect parenting. Our expert evaluators also provide testimony as needed.

COMPETENCY TO PROCEED

The Court orders a competency evaluation if there is concern about a criminal defendant’s ability to:

1) rationally assist defense counsel; or,

2) understand the proceedings or participate in his/her defense due to mental illness or deficiency.

This type of evaluation may be ordered at any time during criminal proceedings.

RISK ASSESSMENTS PERTAINING TO VIOLENCE OR SEXUAL VIOLENCE

Risk assessments may be requested for a variety of reasons, including – but not limited to – the following:

1) Legal proceedings addressing an individual’s appropriateness for commitment

2) Situations involving concern about domestic or workplace violence; and,

3) Consideration of the necessary frequency/intensity of supervision after release from jail or prison

NEUROPSYCHOLOGICAL EVALUATIONS FOR ADULTS

Neuropsychological testing is an in-depth assessment of skills and abilities linked to brain functioning. The evaluation measures such areas as attention, problem solving, memory, language, intellectual functioning, visual-spatial skills, academic skills, and social-emotional functioning. Such evaluations are informative in many cases involving questions about the impact of declining functioning (e.g., dementia) or altered functioning (e.g., traumatic brain injury, stroke) in private (e.g., autism, attention disorders), criminal, and civil (e.g., family court) matters. Dr. Gerth, who conducts these evaluations, has extensive experience with correctional populations.

APPROPRIATENESS FOR COMMITMENT

Address whether an individual’s mental health condition renders him/her a danger to self or others. The specific criteria for commitment are described in MN Statute 253B. The majority of cases involve petitions for commitment as Mentally Ill, Chemically Dependent, or Developmentally Disabled. Minnesota law also provides for the indeterminate commitment of individuals as Mentally Ill and Dangerous, Sexually Dangerous Persons, and/or Sexual Psychopathic Personalities. Vantage Point evaluators have extensive experience completing evaluations of each commitment type.

PSYCHOSEXUAL EVALUATIONS FOR ADULTS AND ADOLESCENTS

The Court or attorneys may request a Psychosexual Evaluation prior to a defendant entering a plea or prior to the sentencing hearing.

These evaluations address issues similar to general psychological evaluation; however, they also specifically focus on an individual’s history of sexual interests, attitudes, thoughts, and behaviors. They often address an individual’s risk of recidivism as well.

Our evaluators are experts in conducting Psychosexual Evaluations with adolescents and adults.

TRAUMA-INFORMED THERAPY

Therapy is an effective way to identify personal strengths and challenges and to explore the impact of past experiences on current functioning. A trauma-informed approach appreciates the widespread impact of trauma on life experience and relationships, recognizing the role of trauma in the outlook, emotions, and behavior of a person with a trauma history. Trauma can be far more prevalent and disruptive than most people realize. One approach, Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR), is an effective approach for accessing and processing traumatic experiences to arrive at an adaptive resolution, including lessened psychological and physiological distress and improved interpersonal relationships. Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) is also offered as an evidence-based approach for assisting people to live in the present, develop healthy ways to cope with stress, regulate their emotions, and maintain connected and fulfilling relationships.

Clear And To The Point – Every Time.​

WELLNESS CHECKS

Police Officers and other First Responders meet with a trauma-informed professional and confidentially discuss any issues of concern, such as problems at work, at home, or in the community. These difficulties may stem from a variety of sources, including the unpredictable and long hours associated with these professions, traumatic events that occur on the job, etc. Wellness evaluations:

1) Focus on an individual’s coping and resiliency skills during stressful or traumatic events

2) Identify what skills are currently effective

3) Provide recommendations for more effective coping and management strategies to improve one’s functioning and well-being

STUDENT RISK ASSESSMENTS

Typically requested by school staff after a student has threatened the safety of others. These evaluations focus on understanding the thoughts, emotions, attitudes, and behaviors that underlie such threats. Vantage Point experts identify the individual’s specific risk factors; strive to understand how mental health conditions may contribute to violence risk; and provide practical and effective recommendations for intervention. Our evaluators work respectfully and collaboratively with schools, students, and families to promote safer environments and healthier attitudes and behaviors.

ADHD ASSESSMENTS

Address whether an individual suffers from Attention Deficits/Hyperactivity Disorder. Often, this condition interferes with the ability to function at an optimal level in school, at work, and/or in relationships. A comprehensive ADHD assessment includes:

1) Cognitive testing to identify strengths and problems in information processing

2) Achievement testing to rule out the presence of learning disorder(s)

3) Administration of computerized measures of auditory and visual attention

4) Additional psychological testing to identify other mental health conditions that may impact an individual’s attention and concentration

Based on the results, Vantage Point evaluators will offer recommendations for effective strategies and interventions for the individual to use at home, work, and/or school.

GENERAL PSYCHOLOGICAL EVALUATIONS (INCLUDING COURT-ORDERED EVALUATIONS)

Involve the accurate diagnosis of mental health conditions (e.g. post traumatic stress disorder, learning disorders, ADHD, autism spectrum disorders, mood or psychotic disorders, personality disorders). However, such assessments also may address a wide range of issues, such as family dynamics, cognitive strengths and weakness, recommendations for improved academic performance, etc. General psychological evaluations always involve an in-depth interview that focuses on the referral question in a given case. Our evaluator may also administer psychological testing, review pertinent records, and interview collateral sources (e.g., family members) as part of the assessment process. Based on this information, Vantage Point experts provide practical and effective recommendations pertaining to the matter at hand. We work effectively and compassionately with individuals, support people, treatment professionals, and institutions to improve the understanding of individuals’ behavior and enhance their functioning.

Other Services We Provide

Other Services we Provide

Attorney Consultation:

Vantage Point experts consult with attorneys about a variety of issues, such as providing feedback about other evaluators’ forensic reports and the extent to which they:

1) Conformed with best practices

2) Utilized appropriate psychological tests

3) Accurately interpreted assessment results

4) Provided accurate diagnoses based on the evidence at hand

5) Correctly applied or interpreted statutory criteria and relevant case law

6) Offered opinions supported by the available data and relevant research findings

7) Completed the evaluation in an unbiased manner

Additional consultation areas include reviewing records to identify mental health concerns or provide a recommendation for further evaluation or a second opinion; providing feedback about evaluators’ academic and professional experience; assisting with the development of questions and/or strategy for direct or cross-examination of mental health experts; reviewing research articles and literature relevant to the case; providing expert testimony on mental health issues and best practices in forensic evaluation; and more.

Case Consultation For evaluators:

Forensic psychologists often encounter complex cases, which involve a myriad of issues impacting the diagnostic process and the formation of one’s psycholegal opinion. Consultation with another forensic expert can help ensure that one has considered all relevant issues in a case, as well as appropriate statutory criteria and case law. Vantage Point evaluators  can assist other forensic psychologists in these areas and others, including effective communication of one’s opinion in writing and on the witness stand.

Main Office/Eden Prairie
8905 Aztec Drive
Eden Prairie, MN 55347

Otsego Office
16201 90th Street
Suite 200
Otsego, MN 55330

Contact Us

info@vppsychology.com
P | 952-500-9324
F | 612-440-2180

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