Psychotechology and the Law

The expertise of a psychologist bears on many areas of the law and litigators are becoming increasingly aware of the value of such input in areas such as:

Psychological Testing

As an expert, the psychologist has the advantage of being able to draw on the well-established technology of psychological assessment.   Using scientifically developed and validated instruments, the psychologist's opinions are thoroughly grounded in objective data, supported by clinical experience.

Literature Search

Researching the psychological literature can provide useful ammunition in many kinds of cases.  Using internet database technology, this can be done quickly and cost effectively.

Psychotherapy

Counseling can help clients comply with terms of probation and provide substantive evidence of rehabilitation efforts.  For substance abusers, SMART Recovery (Self-Management and Recovery Training) can provide a scientific alternative to traditional twelve-step programs.  Therapy can also help divorcing couples reduce emotional conflicts and reach a workable outcome.  This not only minimizes long-term psychological damage to themselves and their children, but also makes the attorney’s job easier.

  Areas of Expert Testimony

Personal Injury

Evaluation of your client serves as a basis for expert testimony on emotional trauma, brain dysfunction and vocational consequences of an injury. It can also help rule out malingering and establish the need for personal and/or vocational counseling.

Criminal Law

Psychological testing of your client can provide credible information regarding the character, intelligence and mental condition of the person. Such information can be used to support arguments about issues such as probation, competence, insanity, diminished capacity, mitigating circumstances and need for treatment. It can also be useful in plea-bargaining and pre-sentence investigation.

Family Law

Assessment of family members individually and conjointly provides insight into emotional stability and parenting skills of the adults, emotional states and primary attachments of the children, and dynamics within the family. Expert testimony can provide objective, data-based opinions regarding custody and visitation arrangements. Providing the parties with a mental health perspective can also facilitate a mediated resolution (see Ending the Divorce Wars).

Attorney Coaching Services

Consultation with Dr. Sarmiento can assist you in preparing for cross-examination of mental health experts.  He can also help you optimize your courtroom image and influence as well as enhancing the appeal and attractiveness of your client.  Dr. Sarmiento has also counseled many attorneys on stress management and career issues.

For more information, please call 281 679-0001 or email sarm@cyberpsych.com.