Claire Lankford, PhD
Clinical and Forensic Psychologist
My Approach and Services
In my forensic practice, I provide forensic mental health assessments, which are evaluations conducted by psychologists or psychiatrists, to address legal questions or issues within the criminal or civil justice system (e.g., competence to stand trial, federal sentencing, juvenile commitment, juvenile decertification, and occasional evaluations in the civil domain such as fitness for duty or personal injury).
These assessments involve the application of clinical expertise to assess an individual's mental state, psychological functioning, or competency in relation to specific legal contexts. They are used to provide objective, evidence-based information to courts, attorneys, or other legal entities.
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Dr. Lankford is licensed in Alabama and can provide in person or secure Telehealth evaluations that meet court standards
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Is a holder of the PSYPACT Authority to Practice Interjurisdictional Telepsychology (APIT) which allows me to provide psycholegal evaluations remotely via HIPAA compliant audio/visual platforms across 42 states.
Types of Forensic Mental Health Assessments:
Competency to Stand Trial: Determines if a defendant has the mental capacity to understand the legal proceedings and assist in their defense
Mental State at the Time of Offense: Evaluates whether a defendant was mentally incapable of understanding the nature or wrongfulness of their actions at the time of the offense.
Risk Assessment: Assesses the likelihood of future violent or criminal behaviors, often used in sentencing, parole, or release decisions.
Sentencing and Mitigation: Provides insight into a defendant's mental health to inform sentencing decisions
Personal Injury and Psychological Harm: Examines the psychological impact of events like workplace accidents or trauma for civil litigation
Fitness for Duty: Evaluates whether an individual (e.g., law enforcement officer) is psychologically capable of performing job duties.