Forensic Mental Health Evaluation Services in New Jersey
Independent. Objective. Rigorous.
Criminal Forensic Mental Health Evaluations
Violence Risk Assessments
Assess factors relevant to the risk of future violence. Findings may inform bail, sentencing, or probation decisions, depending on the referral question.
Substance Use Evaluations
Examine the role of substance use in an alleged offense and provide clinical findings relevant to treatment court or diversion considerations.
Sentencing Mitigation Evaluations
Identify psychological, developmental, substance use, or trauma-related factors that may be relevant to sentencing.
Mental State at the Time of an Offense
Assess a defendant’s psychological functioning at the time of an alleged offense. This evaluation addresses a specific referral question and is distinct from an evaluation of competency to stand trial or criminal responsibility.
Civil Forensic Mental Health Evaluation
Personal Injury and Emotional Distress
Assess psychological symptoms and functional effects following an accident, injury, or traumatic event when those issues are relevant to a civil matter.
Disability Evaluations
Examine psychological functioning and functional impairment in connection with Social Security, workers’ compensation, or long-term disability matters.
Civil Capacity Evaluations
Assess psychological functioning as it relates to a specific legal or administrative capacity question. Evaluations may be requested by attorneys, insurers, or agencies.
Immigration Mental Health Evaluations
Asylum Evaluations
Document the psychological impact of reported trauma, persecution, or violence for consideration in immigration proceedings.
Extreme Hardship Evaluations
Assess the potential psychological and emotional impact of separation or relocation on a qualifying relative in connection with a hardship waiver application. Referrals typically come from immigration attorneys.
Pre-Surgical
Bariatric Surgery Evaluations
Assess psychological and behavioral factors relevant to preparation for bariatric surgery and post-operative follow-through.
Spinal Cord Stimulator Evaluations
Assess psychological and behavioral factors relevant to spinal cord stimulator implantation, fusions, and ongoing pain management. Referrals may come from surgical practices or pain management clinics.
Psychometric Testing
Psychometric testing may be requested as a standalone service or included in a forensic evaluation. Depending on the referral question, testing may address personality functioning, psychopathology, cognitive ability, and response validity. Instruments are selected to fit the purpose of the evaluation. Ovais Ahmed has qualifications to administer advanced instruments; such as MMPI-3 and PAI Plus as well as detection of malingering.
Forensic Case Consultation for Attorneys
Records Review
An independent clinical review of psychological, medical, and evaluation records can help clarify a referral question or determine whether a formal evaluation may be useful.
Expert Testimony
When appropriate to the engagement, Ovais Ahmed may explain his findings and methods in deposition or court testimony.