*Dr. McPherson is an expert in the areas of PTSD and neurological testing/assessment which are the most common reasons for these evaluations. These evaluations include an assessment of pre-trauma functioning, trauma exposure, social support system of the person injured, other mental health issues that are present with trauma, ruling out malingering, and the person’s response to trauma.

*Personal injury cases to evaluate any situation (such as an accident) where an individual has been injured physically or psychologically, medical malpractice resulting in psychological injury, and sexual abuse, harassment, or any other misconduct cases resulting in psychological injury. Typically, a psychological evaluation is done when a request for damages is made in the legal setting (lawsuits).

* Dr. McPherson is trained to assess malingering (faking or exaggerating injury) in comprehensive evaluations that include a person’s personality characteristics, environment, and other factors that indicate the presence of a clear reason for a person to malinger.

*Competency to stand trial evaluations are typically done for individuals with severe mental illness and/or to determine if there is a level of cognitive impairment such that the defendant cannot participate in the legal proceedings due to their mental/cognitive state. Dr. McPherson will seek to determine if the client can consult with and assist their attorney, has a factual understanding of their legal case, and has decision making abilities sufficient to process the information required to make decisions about their case.

*Juvenile justice system evaluations are often court ordered and must be conducted with the age/developmental level of the juvenile in mind. These evaluations help determine the emotional, cognitive, and verbal development of the juvenile in order to determine their competency to stand trial or mental state at the time of the offense committed.

*To indicate mental health conditions that have developed as a result of your incarceration.