Eric Cardwell is a Licensed Psychologist, Certified Forensic Mental Health Evaluator, Certified Child Custody Evaluator, and a trained Mediator. He has been conducting evaluations and working with individuals and families in crisis for 20+ years. He has extensive training in Psychological Evaluation, Competency to Stand Trial, Substance Abuse Issues, Parenting Skills & Approaches, Domestic Violence, Anger Management & Dispute Resolution, Marriage & Family, Mental Health Conditions, Custody Disputes, and a myriad of other issues facing those involved in the legal system.
Referrals may come from Attorneys, Judge/Court, or clients personally for testing, social/home studies, parent evaluations, or other services. In any event, the court or attorneys are attempting to answer difficult questions concerning children, who will be involved with them, and what their involvement will look like. The question to be answered will determine the service the court or attorney will use. Some of those services are listed here.
Psychological Evaluation and Forensic Services:
Psychological Evaluation: Testing/Assessment may include:
Personality Assessments (MMPI-2, MCMI-III, PAI, etc.)
Parent Stress Index, Parent/Child Relationship Inventory
Parent Evaluation of Custody
Behavior Checklists
Intellectual Assessment
Depression/Anxiety Inventory
Alcohol/Drug Assessment
Law Enforcement/Security Pre-Employment Evaluation
Adoption/Social/Home Studies: (see Social/Home Studies tab on this website for more information)
Equal Assessment of parties involved
Home visits to each parent/party
Collateral Interviews
Review of Collateral Information
Parent-Child Observations/Interviews (in offfice/in home)
Background History
Criminal Background
Central Registry for Child Abuse/Neglect
Custody Evaluation:
Includes information gathered in Social Study
Mental Status Exam
Mental Health Evaluation (Diagnostic Tools) of each child and parent
Diagnosis (if applicable)
Medical History (including Alcohol/Drug)
Assessment of Custody Suitability
Assessment of Abuse
Comprehensive Written Report-as ordered/requested
Parent Evaluation:
Evaluation of parent for fitness/capacity to parent
Other Forensic Services:
Expert Testimony
Mediation