A Psychosexual Evaluation are specific assessments that allow an individual to focus on the aspects of their sexuality. When someone undergoes a psychosexual evaluation, which can also be referred to as a risk evaluation, it is because it typically part of an order through a court proceeding. They may also be requested from defense attorneys, prosecutors, and social service organizations, or can be ordered as part of a child protective services case. These evaluations are performed by a state licensed mental health professional. This evaluation is able to help determine if an individual is a risk for committing a sexual offense, and recommend treatments to help diminish that risk.
The evaluation process will typically be between two office visits. One visit will be designated for the six hours of psychological testing, while the other two to three hour visit will be for a face-to-face interview. These visits generally take place within the office, but in certain cases can be performed during an individual’s incarceration. Resources such as questionnaires, indexes and assessments which are specifically designed to evaluate sexual behavior problems will be performed and completed. The ultimate objective is for the psychologist to be able to:
• Identifying deviant sexual behavior patterns
• Determine the risk of sexual and non-sexual tendencies and/or repetition
• Estimating if there is a threat to the community
• Assess if they should be allowed contact with minors
• Clarifying diagnostic impressions
• Offering treatment recommendations
• Identifying specific elements that should be targeted during patient’s treatment
• Rendering suggestions regarding community supervision
Further contact may be made with patient’s family, community service officer, investigating office, attorney, or a treatment provider to be able to better understand the patient’s criminal and personal history.
There are times when individuals believe that they are in need of a psychosexual evaluation, however, unless a court or judge has requested this form of assessment, then chances are they do not need one. For those who are aiming to gain assistance with diagnosing a problematic sexual behavior and conduct treatments, they can still be evaluated, however, it will be under a regular diagnostic assessment and through psychological testing. Although highly unusual, a child may be asked to undergo a psychosexual evaluation, which may be slightly altered from that of an adult’s testing.
Many clients and patients will wonder if this is a court mandated evaluation, how confidential their results will remain. After the psychosexual evaluation is completed and is obtained as part of the defense case preparation, it is completely confidential, with only the client and their attorney being provided with it. The attorney will determine if the evaluation is beneficial to their clients, in which case they may decide to use it in court. More often than not, it is typically only used during the plea-bargaining stages of the case, or during a sentencing of a trial.
When choosing your
Orlando psychosexual evaluations
it is important to remain open and honest with your health professional, not only will it create an accurate and reliable assessment, but it can also be beneficial in your case.