Understanding Family Law Forensic Mental Health: A Personal Journey
Family law forensic mental health sits at the intersection of psychology, law, and social welfare, addressing the complexities that arise during family disputes, custody battles, and other legal matters involving families. This field focuses on evaluating and addressing emotional and behavioral issues that arise in legal matters involving family relationships. As a professional in this field, I have found immense value and purpose in practicing forensic mental health within family law.
I started my career excited to be a family law attorney and to practice with my mother in her local law firm. However, once I began litigating, I felt like I was only advocating for one perspective, rather than addressing the totality of the needs of the family. This made me feel part of the problem, rather than the solution. As a result, I shifted my practice, led with my mental health credentials, and dedicated my doctoral studies to studying the effects of conflict on divorcing parents. Today, as an LICSW and PhD in social work, as well as a family law attorney, I feel tremendous fulfillment in my work as my practice considers the psychological well-being of individuals involved in family law cases. I prescribe to the notion of therapeutic jurisprudence where I am actively aiming to facilitate legal and therapeutic interventions that promote healing and positive outcomes for court-involved clients and families.
Here’s why I believe this area is crucial and how it shapes my work.
The Role of Forensic Mental Health in Family Law
Forensic mental health professionals play a vital role in family law cases.
Forensic mental health professionals play a vital role in family law cases.
We do this by:
Evaluating individuals involved in legal disputes;
Providing expert testimony and consultation;
Providing therapeutic support for court-involved clients; and
Providing appropriate psychoeducation and coaching.
Our assessments help the court understand the psychological dynamics at play, whether it's determining the best interests of a child in custody cases or evaluating the mental health of individuals in divorce proceedings. Our expert feedback can help direct legal actors – including attorneys and judges – to the psychological and systemic needs of the family and our therapeutic support can provide much needed relief to families in crisis.
Making a Difference
One of the most compelling reasons I practice in this field is the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives. Family law cases often involve high emotions, trauma, and significant life changes. By providing thorough assessments, skilled therapeutic interventions, and meaningful insights, I can help ensure that decisions made by the clients and court prioritize the well-being of children and families. It’s rewarding to know that my work can lead to healthier outcomes and support individuals during some of their most challenging times.
Bridging the Gap Between Legal and Psychological Needs
Family law forensic mental health serves as a bridge between the legal system and the psychological needs of individuals. Many clients come to us feeling misunderstood or overwhelmed by the legal process. By offering a compassionate perspective and expert guidance, I strive to help clients navigate their circumstances with clarity and support.
The Complexity of Family Dynamics
Every family is unique, with its own dynamics and challenges. In my practice at SDFS, I encounter a wide range of situations, from complex custody issues to allegations of abuse or neglect. Understanding the psychological factors at play allows me to provide tailored insights that reflect the nuances of each case. This level of understanding is essential for the courts to make informed decisions that truly reflect the best interests of the family.
Continuous Learning and Growth
The field of family law forensic mental health is ever-evolving, requiring ongoing education and training. I am committed to staying current with the latest research and best practices, which not only enhances my skills but also enriches my capacity to serve my clients effectively. This commitment to continuous learning fuels my passion and ensures that I can provide the best possible support. I am grateful to be part of a team at SDFS that is committed to this continuous growth.
Family law forensic mental health is my calling
Practicing family law forensic mental health is more than just a job for me; it’s a calling. The blend of mental health and law offers a unique and impactful way to support families through difficult transitions. I am dedicated to promoting understanding, healing, and positive outcomes for those I work with, and I believe that by doing so, I contribute to a more just and compassionate society.
If you have questions about family law forensic mental health or want to learn more about my practice, please feel free to reach out. Together, we can navigate the complexities of family dynamics and work towards healthier resolutions.
