Evaluations
Dr. Johnson is a forensically trained psychologist with extensive experience conducting court-ordered and private evaluations for federal and local governments, private attorneys, and child protective services across multiple states and the Pennsylvania counties of Philadelphia, Northampton, and Lehigh.
Why consider a forensically trained psychologist?
It is important that attorneys specifically work with psychologists who specialize in forensic assessment and consultation when deposition or testimony is expected. Forensic psychologists are specifically trained to question clients’ motives differently than traditional psychologists because their role is to provide the trier of fact with information to answer a psycho-legal question; not just assist the individual interviewed. Forensic psychologists are particularly skilled at explaining their findings to judges and juries. They are specifically trained in the law, forensic assessment, consultation, and testimony.
In addition to being a classically trained Forensic Psychologist, Dr. Johnson incorporates a trauma-informed lens. This means appreciating the impact of trauma on a person's functioning in all areas of life and creating personalized recommendations that capitalize upon inherent strengths and include efficacious, trauma-informed interventions.
Evaluations Offered
Psychological
Adult psychological evaluations are designed to clarify mental health diagnosis. Personalized recommendations are offered to support the individual in managing their mental illness and improving their overall quality of life. Assessment of malingering can also be incorporated. These can be utilized for Independent Medical Examinations (IMEs), development of legal strategies, and workman's compensation or personal injury cases.
Psychosexual
Juvenile and adult psychosexual evaluations evaluate the risk of re-offense, identify personal strengths (mitigating factors), and areas of future growth. The risk level is determined by empirically validated tools and thoughtful consideration of current circumstances. Treatment and contact recommendations are offered specific to each individual and referral question.
Competence to Proceed
Juvenile and adult evaluations focus on knowledge of, and appreciation for charges, potential outcomes, courtroom roles, and the adversarial nature of the level process, among other relevant factors. This includes, this includes incorporating the impact of their developmental level and mental health/trauma history upon their competence to proceed, particularly for juveniles or neurodivergent adults.
Mens Rea
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Mitigation
Evaluation of diminished capacity or identification of mitigating factors includes comprehensive evaluation of overall functioning, functioning at the time of the offense, and the factors that influence both. Diagnostic clarification and evaluation of malingering is incorporated.
Risk Assessment
Juvenile and adult evaluations of future violent or sexual risk are tailored to relevant research and risk assessment tools. Evaluation includes assessment of functioning at the time of the incident, current functioning, diagnostic clarification, and identification of protective factors. Treatment recommendations are offered dependent on their necessity or relevance to the referral question.
Independent Medical Examination
Adult assessment of individuals experiencing emotional distress as a result of hostile work environment, wrongful termination, work injury, or other employment-related litigation. Evaluations include assessment of functioning before the incident in question, current functioning, and offer diagnostic clarification. Malingering assessment is included Treatment recommendations are offered dependent on the referral question.
Forensic Consultation
Attorneys are provided with information to assist the early states of legal strategy formulation. This includes reviewing available records, such as psychological and neuropsychological reports. Consultation can also aid attorneys in devising the most useful questions for deposition, or cross-examination, of an opposing expert or treating clinician.
Other
At times the referral question doesn't quite fit into one of these clearly defined "boxes." In these instances, the psycho-legal question includes aspects of one or several of the aforementioned evaluations. Dr. Johnson is available to consult and determine if training and experience are sufficient to answer the unique psycho-legal question with a reasonable degree of clinical certainty.
Dr. Johnson professionally presents on topics such as fostering healthy sexuality for adults with intellectual disability diagnoses and the intersection of treatment, residential support, and forensic issues for adults with intellectual disabilities. She presents annually to professionals and paraprofessionals through the Pennsylvania Department of Health, Office of Developmental Programs (ODP). Dr. Johnson is also an external member of the Melmark Human Rights Committee. She is a Board Member of the Pennsylvania Sexual Offender Assessment Board and the sole provider of psychosexual evaluations for the Department of Health in Philadelphia. She is available for professional consultation and presentation on issues related to forensic evaluation and comprehensive support of those with problematic sexual behaviors, including conscientious community reintegration.