Singapore Psycho-Legal Service
Our Psycho-Legal Services
Supported by an in-house legal counsel, our clinical psychologists provide an evidence-based, neutral and professional psycho-legal (sometimes known as medico-legal) service with a reasonable degree of psychological certainty.
Our Experiences
Our psychologists have experience in assisting the Singapore Courts (Family Justice Courts of Singapore, Syariah Courts) and foreign Courts, family and divorce lawyers, plaintiff lawyers, plaintiffs and defendants, patients and their families.
Our psychologists have experience in the following:
Ψ Psychological Reports / Impact Reports assessing impacts of Road Traffic Accidents (RTA), Personal Injury Claims, medical negligence, resulting in DSM-5 mental disorders such as anxiety, post-traumatic stress and depression;
Ψ Custody Evaluation Reporting
Ψ Supervised Access
Ψ Psychological Evaluation and Therapy for Child Protective Service (CPS)
Ψ Psychosexual evaluations/child pornography/Sexual Offences
Ψ Mental Capacity assessment
Ψ SAF/Military Enlistment and Adjustment Issues
Ψ Intellectual Disability / Disability Evaluation
Ψ Evaluation of psychological trauma caused by abuse or physical injuries such as disfigurement, mental impairment, disability or brain injury
Our Value Add Services
In addition to acting as expert witnesses in court proceedings, early instruction of a psychologist allows us to provide behind-the-scenes expert advice on approaching and dealing with claims and defences involving a psychological element.
Our Value Add Service Include (only on psychological matters):
Ψ Commenting on reports prepared by other medical or mental health professionals (Psychiatrists, General Practitioners, Psychologists);
Ψ Explaining best practices in jurisdictions where the practice of psychological is regulated under national law (i.e. Australia - AHPRA);
Ψ Consultation on strengths and weaknesses of opposing counsel’s case theory, psychological test data and expert witnesses;
Ψ Supervised/Facilitated Access at any of our clinics conveniently located in Novena or Thomson.
Ψ Prognosis and management plans;
Ψ Pre-litigation consultation;
Ψ Guiding clients on available public, community and private psychological resources.
Psychological impacts on a person do not disappear following resolution of the legal suit.
Our psychologists will make suitable referrals to the client to ensure that a therapeutic environment that is safe, neutral and non-judgmental is available to help the client work through the impact and trauma during and after the litigation process.
How to Instruct a Psychologist for Legal Proceedings
A psycho-legal instruction is commenced by your solicitor in order to prepare a medico-legal report as part of your claim.
Ψ With your consent, your solicitor will issue direct instructions to us to provide a psychological assessment and/or report. We will advise costs and other matters to your solicitor at this stage.
Ψ We will follow up with you and explain next steps. At your first appointment, our Psychologist will explain the way the interview will be conducted, perform a psychological intake assessment, and will take notes while discussions are taking place.
Ψ Following completion of intake (which might take between 2 - 4 sessions depending on complexity), we will prepare a medico-legal report which may include a review of your medical notes if appropriate.
Instructions to Lawyers
Please use this form below to arrange a non-obligatory evaluative chat (not exceeding 30 minutes) to discuss and evaluate potential next steps in assisting you and your client.
The Role of a Psychologist in Court Proceedings: Bridging Mental Health and the Legal System
Psychologists play a vital role in court proceedings, offering their expertise to address mental health issues and behaviour-related factors that influence legal cases. Whether it’s a child custody evaluation or assessing psychological trauma, psychologists provide essential insights that help courts make fair and informed decisions.
Why Psychologists Are Involved in Court Cases?
Psychologists are often called upon in court cases where psychological reasons or mental health plays a significant role. Common reasons include:
Ψ Assessing mental competence for legal proceedings: Determining, as part of a multidisciplinary team, if an individual is suffering from a psychological disorder affecting his or her mental capacity
Ψ Evaluating the psychological impact of trauma or injury: Offering psychological insights in cases like personal injury claims or workplace disputes
Ψ Conducting child custody evaluations for family court: Assessing parenting capacity and the best interests of children in divorce or custody cases
Ψ Providing criminal responsibility assessments: Examining the role of mental illness in criminal behaviour
What Does a Psychologist Do as an Expert Witness?
Psychologists frequently serve as expert witnesses in court. Their primary responsibilities include:
Performing detailed psychological assessments: Using standardised psychological assessment and tools, clinical interviews, and collateral data to conduct Mental Status Examination (MSE) so as to understand the individual’s mental state
Providing expert testimony in court cases: Explaining findings in clear, non-technical language for judges and lawyers
Maintaining objectivity in legal proceedings: Offering unbiased opinions based solely on evidence-based practices, psychological evidence and ethics
Key Areas Where Psychologists Contribute to Court Proceedings
Psychologists play a crucial role in various types of legal cases, such as:
Family Court Proceedings
Child custody evaluations: Assessing parenting ability and the child’s psychological well-being
Domestic violence cases: Evaluating the mental health effects on victims and children
Criminal Court Cases
Competency to stand trial: Determining if the defendant understands the legal process
Risk assessments: Gauging the likelihood of reoffending or dangerous behavior
Personal Injury Lawsuits
Psychological impact of workplace accidents or car crashes: Documenting trauma for claims
Employment Law Disputes
Workplace harassment investigations: Exploring the emotional and psychological toll of toxic environments
Challenges Psychologists Face in Legal Cases
Working within the legal system presents unique challenges for psychologists, such as:
Balancing psychological nuance with legal clarity: Translating complex psychological findings into simple, legally relevant terms.
Remaining impartial in adversarial court settings: Maintaining neutrality despite being hired by one party.
Communicating effectively with non-specialists: Breaking down technical psychological concepts for judges, lawyers, and juries.
Why Choose Annabelle Psychology for Court-Related Services?
At Annabelle Psychology, we bring our years of experience in clinical psychology to courts and counsel. Here’s why clients trust us:
Comprehensive psychological assessments for legal cases: We use evidence-based and scientifically validated tools to ensure reliable and unbiased results
Clear and effective communication: Our experts present findings in a way that is easy for non-mental health professionals to understand
High ethical standards and professionalism: We are committed to objectivity and evidence-based practices
FAQs About Psychologists in Court Cases
What does a psychologist do in a custody evaluation?
A psychologist assesses the child’s needs and parenting abilities to recommend the best custody arrangement.How does psychological trauma impact legal cases?
Trauma can affect memory, decision-making, and emotional health, all of which may be relevant in legal disputes.Can a psychologist help with workplace disputes?
Yes, psychologists can evaluate the psychological effects of harassment or discrimination in employment law cases.
Psychologists Are Essential in Court Proceedings
Psychologists provide useful and insightful clinical evidence to help the courts and lawyers better understand the psychological and mental health aspects of an individual.