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White Grass

Forensic Services

UNDERSTANDING THE PSYCHOLOGICAL CONTEXT OF LEGAL MATTERS

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.

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These services are non-statutory—they are not ordered by the court and do not provide opinions on legal determinations such as fitness to stand trial or criminal responsibility. Instead, they offer clinical insight and evidence-based evaluation to support informed decision-making in legal, correctional, and occupational contexts.

 

FORENSIC PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT

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. These Non-Statutory assessments help clarify the psychological context surrounding an offence, including the presence of mental health symptoms, trauma, or stressors that may be relevant to sentencing or rehabilitation.

  • Trauma and Moral Injury Evaluation

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

  • Substance Use and Impulse Control Assessment

Evaluating the role of substance use, impulsivity, or self-regulation difficulties in behavioural and legal contexts.

  • 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.

  • Competency and fitness-related screening to identify cognitive, emotional, or behavioural factors that may impact an individual’s ability to understand or participate in legal or institutional processes. These screenings are not Criminal Code assessments but can help determine whether a formal evaluation may be warranted and inform treatment or risk management planning.

  • 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.

  • Clarifying the psychological context of an offence or incident, without providing opinions on ultimate legal issues such as guilt, fitness, or criminal responsibility.

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