FAQs

How do I get the process started?

In most cases, a psychological evaluation is initiated by one party, their attorney, by stipulation of both parties, or the Court. It is important for the initiating party to confirm Dr. DiCarlo’s availability before beginning the process. There may be a wait list to start a new evaluation, as Dr. DiCarlo only begins one evaluation per month. Please direct all inquiries to Dr. DiCarlo’s forensic case manager, Kelli Benavides.

How much does this service cost?

The cost of a psychological evaluation varies considerably. Factors affecting cost include the complexity of the issues, the cooperation of the person, and the availability of information. An “advance fee” of $4,000 is due at the onset of the process. Dr. DiCarlo bills his normal forensic rate of $350 per hour for all clinical/forensic services. The final cost usually exceeds the initial advance fee, and replenishment of funds may be necessary to complete the evaluation. Dr. DiCarlo will utilize forensic assistants to reduce cost to any degree possible. The cost of the evaluation does not include expert testimony by deposition or in court, if requested.

What can I expect out of the process and procedures?

Most psychological evaluations include the following procedures, which may help in estimating cost. This is an estimation only, and individual evaluations may differ.

• 30-minute initial attorney teleconference (if represented and if desired)

• 2-3 hours of clinical interviewing with the examinee

• 1-2 hour of clinical interviewing with the other parent/litigant

• Psychological testing

• 5+ hours of record review

• 6+ hours of report writing

How long does the process take?

Typical psychological evaluations take between 2-3 months to complete. Like cost, the duration of the evaluation varies based on the complexity of issues, availability of information, and cooperation of the parties. Dr. DiCarlo aims to produce a written report within 60-90 days of the initial interviews.

How should I communicate with the appointee or therapist?

It is important that the parents/litigants do not communicate with Dr. DiCarlo directly before the evaluation begins for the integrity of your case. One parent communicating with the evaluator can lead to allegations that the parent has biased the evaluator. Procedural questions or to schedule a joint case consultation, please contact Dr. DiCarlo’s forensic case manager, Kelli Benavides. Attorneys and Parties should not share specific case facts or allegations with Dr. DiCarlo’s office before an evaluation begins unless specifically asked and both parties or their representatives are present. Attorneys and Parties should not send Dr. DiCarlo’s office unsolicited documents or records unless specifically asked to do so.

Does Dr. DiCarlo make recommendations during the evaluation process?

Dr. DiCarlo will not make recommendations to the parties or the Court until the final report is produced. Please do not request legal or therapeutic advice from Dr. DiCarlo or his office staff before or during the evaluation process. If you have questions about how to implement your parenting time schedule or legal decision-making authority during the evaluation process, please speak with your attorney or seek legal advice.