Service. This statement is provided as a disclosure of information for a person being evaluated in a forensic matter. A forensic psychological evaluation is one that is undertaken for potential legal, administrative, or personnel purposes. This consultation or evaluation is not for the purposes of therapy or treatment and is not protected as a therapist-patient relationship. Dr. Young’s client is the retaining attorney or the court or administrator/ official who ordered evaluation. Dr. Young will not necessarily advocate for any particular outcome. Rather, his findings, impressions, conclusions and recommendations are independent and may be adverse and detrimental to any particular party. Please also note that Forensic Evaluation cannot be billed to medical insurance plans because Forensic Evaluation is undertaken for legal or administrative purposes, not for clinical/medical necessity.

Confidentiality. The laws of the State of Washington require that most issues discussed in the course of professional therapeutic contact with a psychologist are privileged and confidential. However, because this is a forensic evaluation, that therapeutic privilege does not apply. The contents of our interviews, test results and collateral contacts will not be confidential; rather, those contents will be shared with the attorneys or administrators who are involved. This usually will involve a report or testimony in a deposition, a hearing or a trial. Be aware that the laws of the State of Washington require Dr. Young to disclose privileged information in situations of suspected child or elder abuse, of potential harm to oneself or another, and in instances where the court orders the disclosure of privileged information and shall subpoena records.

Results. Written reports are not always needed, but usually are requested by the retaining attorney or by the court or administrator/official. Dr. Young’s report will be forwarded to the retaining attorney or to both attorneys if the evaluation is ordered by the court or by agreed order. The report also may be forwarded to a Guardian ad Litem if one is involved. Please note that because the information compiled for forensic reports is generally derived from a wide variety of sources, the resulting database may contain inaccurate information. If there are any corrections required in a report, please inform Dr. Young and indicate in writing any information that you believe is inaccurate.

Guidance. Dr. Young does not provide legal or psychological advice. Legal advice and strategy are the expertise of your attorney, and psychological advice is the arena of your therapist. Please consult with your attorney or therapist before taking any action that may have legal or therapeutic implications.

Emergencies. Dr. Young’s office telephone number at Interlake Psychiatric Associates may be used to leave messages about a crisis or emergency that may require rescheduling an appointment. However, Dr. Young’s office is not expected or intended to respond to clinical or legal emergencies, and it is likely that Dr. Young would not get the message until the next business day. Dr. Young’s role as forensic examiner is not compatible with providing therapy. The provision of therapy is not part of forensic evaluation. Keep available the number of the area’s Crisis Clinic.

Please consult with your attorney or the referring administrator if you have any questions about any aspect of the evaluation.

Sincerely,

Delton W. Young, Ph.D.
Licensed Psychologist
                                                                        

Forensic Policy Statement