Forensic Psychological Evaluations in Michigan
Court-accepted forensic evaluations for immigration, custody, competency, fitness for duty, and more — conducted by a licensed forensic psychologist with specialized training from Palo Alto University and the American Academy of Forensic Psychologists.
Comprehensive Forensic Evaluation Services
When legal matters require expert psychological insight, the stakes are high — for you, your family, or your client. At Bright Pine Behavioral Health, our forensic psychology services provide the objective, evidence-based evaluations that courts, attorneys, and legal proceedings demand.
Whether you are an individual facing a court-ordered evaluation, a family navigating custody proceedings, an immigration attorney supporting a hardship waiver, or an employer requiring a fitness-for-duty assessment, our evaluations are designed to meet the specific evidentiary standards of your case.
Every forensic evaluation at our practice is conducted by Dr. Stacy Nuar, PsyD, LP — a licensed psychologist with specialized forensic training in child custody and parenting evaluations from Palo Alto University and membership in the American Academy of Forensic Psychologists. Dr. Nuar combines rigorous clinical methodology with a clear understanding of how psychological findings translate into legal contexts.
All forensic psychology services are private pay. These evaluations are legal in nature rather than medical, and are not billed through health insurance. Fees are discussed directly after you submit an inquiry.
Our Forensic Evaluation Services
Select a service to learn more about the evaluation process, what to expect, and how to get started.
Competency Evaluation
Psychological evaluations assessing competency to stand trial, mental competency for legal proceedings, and decision-making capacity. Conducted when courts need to determine whether an individual can meaningfully participate in their own legal defense.
Immigration Psychological Evaluation
Psychological evaluations for immigration cases including VAWA petitions, asylum claims, hardship waivers, U-visas, and T-visas. These evaluations document psychological impact and support your immigration attorney’s legal strategy. No court order required.
Child Custody Evaluation
Comprehensive custody evaluations examining parenting capacity, parent-child relationships, and the best interests of the child. Evaluations include interviews with each parent (5–7 hours), the child, and additional parties as needed. Court order and release of liability required.
Fitness for Duty Evaluation
Objective assessments determining whether an employee can safely and effectively perform the essential functions of their position. Used by employers, human resources departments, and agencies when workplace behavior or functioning raises concern.
Court-Ordered Psychological Evaluation
General psychological evaluations ordered by the court to inform judicial decision-making. These may address mental health status, behavioral functioning, substance use, or psychological factors relevant to sentencing, probation, or case disposition.
Parental Fitness Evaluation
Evaluations of a parent’s psychological capacity to provide adequate care, safety, and stability for their child. Often requested in family court proceedings involving child protective services, termination of parental rights, or reunification planning. Court order and release of liability required.
Guardianship Evaluation
Psychological evaluations for guardianship proceedings that assess an individual’s cognitive and functional capacity to manage personal, medical, or financial decisions. Used to support petitions for guardianship or conservatorship in Michigan probate courts.
Forensic Neuropsychological Evaluation
Specialized neuropsychological assessments for legal contexts including personal injury cases, traumatic brain injury claims, and disability proceedings. Bridges our established neuropsychological testing expertise with the evidentiary standards required in forensic settings.
Your Forensic Psychologist
Dr. Stacy Nuar, PsyD, LP
Dr. Nuar brings extensive clinical and forensic experience to every evaluation. With a Doctorate of Psychology and specialized training in child custody and parenting evaluations from Palo Alto University through the AAFP, she conducts each assessment with the thoroughness and objectivity that legal proceedings demand.
Dr. Nuar stays current with evolving forensic methodology and ethical standards. Her evaluations are structured to be clear, defensible, and directly useful to attorneys, judges, and the individuals she evaluates.
Who We Work With
Individuals & Families
- Parents involved in custody or parental fitness cases
- Individuals facing court-ordered evaluations
- Immigration applicants needing psychological documentation
- People involved in guardianship or conservatorship proceedings
- Personal injury claimants requiring neuropsychological assessment
Attorneys & Referring Professionals
- Family law attorneys handling custody and parental fitness cases
- Immigration attorneys seeking hardship or asylum evaluations
- Criminal defense attorneys needing competency assessments
- Employers and HR departments requesting fitness for duty evaluations
- Probate attorneys involved in guardianship petitions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a forensic psychological evaluation?
A forensic psychological evaluation is a specialized assessment conducted to answer questions that arise in legal contexts. Unlike clinical evaluations that focus on diagnosis and treatment, forensic evaluations are designed to provide objective findings that inform legal decision-making — whether for a court, an attorney, or a government agency.
Do I need a court order to schedule a forensic evaluation?
It depends on the type of evaluation. Child custody evaluations, parental fitness evaluations, and some court-ordered assessments typically require a court order. Immigration psychological evaluations and fitness-for-duty evaluations generally do not require a court order. Contact us and Dr. Nuar will clarify the requirements for your specific situation.
Does insurance cover forensic evaluations?
Forensic evaluations are private pay and are not billed through health insurance. Because these assessments are conducted for legal purposes rather than for medical diagnosis or treatment, they fall outside the scope of health insurance coverage. Fees are discussed directly with Dr. Nuar during your consultation.
How long does a forensic evaluation take?
Evaluation length varies significantly depending on the type and complexity of the case. Some assessments can be completed in a single session, while comprehensive custody or neuropsychological evaluations may require multiple appointments over several weeks. Dr. Nuar will provide a clear timeline during your initial consultation.
Can attorneys refer clients directly?
Yes. Attorneys can refer clients by submitting an inquiry through the form on this page or by calling our office directly. We work closely with referring attorneys to ensure the evaluation scope aligns with the legal questions at issue in the case.
Where are forensic evaluations conducted?
All forensic evaluations are conducted in person at our West Bloomfield, Michigan office located at 5777 W. Maple Rd, Suite 145. In-person evaluation is essential for the validity and defensibility of forensic assessments.
