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Forensic Services

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Navigating the legal system often involves complex questions about mental health, behaviour, and decision-making. Dr. Todd provides forensic assessment and legal consultation services designed to help legal professionals and individuals understand the psychological factors that may be relevant to a case.​​​​​​​

Forensic Psychological Services

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Dr. Todd conducts comprehensive assessments that explore how psychological and situational factors may relate to an individual’s involvement in the legal system. Assessments are tailored to the referral question and combine clinical interviews, record review, collateral information, and standardized testing.

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Areas of focus include: 

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  • Mental Health and Personality Assessment

Evaluating psychological functioning, emotional regulation, and coping patterns that may be relevant to legal proceedings or workplace functioning.

  • Risk and Violence Assessment and Treatment Planning

Structured evaluations of risk for violence, recidivism, or threat behaviour using validated tools (e.g., HCR-20, LS/CMI, or VRAG).

  • Sexual Risk Assessment and Treatment Planning

Assessing factors associated with sexual behaviour and risk for recidivism to guide supervision, treatment, and rehabilitation planning. Reports may include recommendations for evidence-based interventions to support risk reduction and healthy reintegration.

  • Mitigating and Aggravating Factors

Identifying psychological and situational factors that may have contributed to offending behaviour or influenced decision-making at the time of the incident. 

  • Trauma and Moral Injury Evaluation

Assessing the psychological impact of trauma, operational stress, or moral injury among justice-involved individuals and first responders.​

  • Rehabilitation and Treatment Readiness

Assessing treatment engagement, change motivation, and rehabilitation potential to inform case planning, probation, or parole decision-making.

  • Fitness for Duty Evaluations

Evaluations to assess an individual’s readiness to safely and effectively perform the duties of a law enforcement role. These evaluations consider cognitive, emotional, and behavioural functioning, as well as factors that may impact judgment, performance, and resilience in high-stress environments.​​​​​​​

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​​​​​​Legal and Professional Consultation

 

Dr. Todd offers consultation services to lawyers seeking clinical expertise in legally complex cases. These consultations are flexible and can range from brief record reviews to in-depth case consultation or report preparation.

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Consultation services include:

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  • Reviewing case materials to identify psychological factors relevant to mitigation or aggravation.

  • Consultation on matters related to Competency and criminal responsibility. Dr. Todd is able to conduct full assessments pertaining to competency and criminal responsibility as a second opinion.

  • Assisting counsel in understanding the impact of mental health or trauma on behaviour or credibility.

  • Providing case formulation, treatment recommendations, and risk management input for individuals involved in criminal, civil, or workplace proceedings.

  • Offering expert consultation on trauma, operational stress injuries, or offender rehabilitation.

  • Reviewing expert witness reports to assist legal counsel in preparing for depositions, direct examination, or cross-examination, including identifying strengths, limitations, and areas for clarification within psychological evidence.​​​​​​

Forensic Services FAQ's

How are services obtained?

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Forensic services are typically retained by legal counsel through a formal agreement outlining scope, referral questions, timelines, and fee structure. Counsel may contact my office directly to complete a referral form and schedule a consult to discuss the matter prior to formal engagement.

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Do you take an advocacy role?

 

No. My role is not to advocate for either party. I serve as an independent and neutral evaluator whose responsibility is to provide objective, evidence-based opinions that assist the court. I view my function as educating the court and legal professionals — translating complex psychological findings into clear, relevant, and defensible conclusions that support informed decision-making.

 

Are services provided in person?

 

No. At this time, forensic services are exclusively provided virtually via a PHIPA compliant platform.

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How do you maintain professional standards in forensic work?

 

I engage in ongoing professional development and specialized training within the forensic realm to ensure my work remains aligned with evolving legal standards, current research, and best practices in forensic psychology.

 

Do you have a waitlist?

 

Forensic matters are often time-sensitive, and I recognize the importance of timely scheduling and clear communication regarding availability. While there may be periods of high demand, I make every effort to assess referral timelines promptly and determine whether I am able to complete the evaluation within the required timeframe.

 

If I am unable to accommodate the matter within the necessary timeline, the referral may be assigned following consultation, to one of my associates who is a registered member of the College of Psychologists and Behaviour Analysts of Ontario and has declared competency in the area of forensic psychology. I personally review and assign referrals to ensure appropriate fit, scope alignment, and maintenance of professional standards.

 

What are your fees?

 

Forensic psychological assessments are typically offered at a flat fee, which reflects the scope and complexity of the referral question. The anticipated fee is discussed during the initial consultation so that counsel has clarity regarding costs before proceeding.

 

Other professional services including consultation, file review, report critique, and testimony are billed at an hourly rate.

All fees, billing practices, and retainer requirements are clearly outlined in a written fee agreement prior to the commencement of services, ensuring transparency and mutual understanding at the outset of the engagement.

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