Independent Psychiatric Evaluations & Expert Consultation
BeyondBridge Forensic Psychiatry Division provides independent criminal forensic psychiatric evaluations and expert consultation for attorneys, courts, and governmental agencies involved in criminal legal proceedings.
Evaluations are conducted by Santiago Almanzar, MD, a dual board-certified psychiatrist with fellowship training in Forensic Psychiatry. Dr. Almanzar provides objective psychiatric opinions through comprehensive evaluation, accepted forensic methodology, and independent medical judgment.
Criminal forensic psychiatry applies psychiatric expertise to legal questions arising within the criminal justice system. Unlike clinical psychiatric treatment, the purpose of a forensic evaluation is to answer a specific legal question—not to establish a therapeutic relationship or advocate for either party.
Every opinion is developed through comprehensive review of the available records, forensic interview when appropriate, collateral information when available, and independent psychiatric analysis. Written reports are prepared with attention to clarity, scientific rigor, and the applicable legal standards.
Practice Areas
Competency to Stand Trial
- Evaluation of a defendant’s present ability to understand the nature of criminal proceedings and to assist counsel in the preparation of a defense.
Criminal Responsibility (Insanity)
- Retrospective psychiatric evaluation of an individual’s mental state at the time of the alleged offense to address the applicable legal standard for criminal responsibility.
Diminished Capacity
- Evaluation of psychiatric factors relevant to specific mental state issues when permitted under the applicable jurisdiction.
Sentencing Mitigation
- Comprehensive psychiatric evaluation addressing mental illness, neuropsychiatric disorders, trauma, developmental factors, and other psychiatric issues that may be relevant during sentencing.
Evaluation Process
Each evaluation is tailored to the referral question and may include:
- Comprehensive review of legal, psychiatric, medical, correctional, educational, employment, and other relevant records
- Forensic psychiatric interview
- Review of collateral information when appropriate
- Psychological or psychiatric assessment measures when clinically indicated
- Diagnostic formulation using current psychiatric standards
- Preparation of a detailed written forensic report addressing the referral questions
When requested, Dr. Almanzar is available for consultation with retaining counsel, deposition testimony, and expert witness testimony in state and federal courts.
Professional Independence
Objectivity is the cornerstone of forensic psychiatric practice. Every opinion is developed through independent medical judgment following careful review of the available information and application of accepted psychiatric principles.
The role of the forensic psychiatrist is to assist the court by providing an impartial, scientifically grounded medical opinion rather than advocating for either party.
Separation from Clinical Practice
The Forensic Psychiatry Division of BeyondBridge operates independently from the practice’s clinical psychiatric services.
Criminal forensic evaluations are conducted exclusively for legal purposes and do not establish a physician-patient relationship. No psychiatric treatment, medication management, psychotherapy, or ongoing clinical care is provided as part of a forensic engagement.
The client in a forensic matter is the retaining attorney, court, governmental agency, or other authorized entity. Information obtained during the evaluation may be incorporated into written reports or disclosed during depositions, testimony, or other legal proceedings consistent with the purpose of the evaluation.
Professional Fees
Forensic psychiatric services are billed at:
- $700 per hour for record review, interviews, consultation, report preparation, and related professional services
- $900 per hour for deposition testimony (two-hour minimum)
- $900 per hour for hearing or trial testimony (half-day minimum)
A retainer is required before work begins. Professional fees are based solely on the professional time devoted to the matter and are never contingent upon the outcome of any legal proceeding.
Case Acceptance
BeyondBridge accepts a limited number of criminal forensic referrals each year to ensure that every matter receives the time, attention, and scholarly analysis it deserves.
Before accepting an engagement, Dr. Almanzar conducts a preliminary review to determine whether the referral falls within his areas of expertise, whether sufficient information is available to address the referral question, and whether adequate time exists to complete the evaluation to the highest professional standards.
BeyondBridge reserves the right to decline any referral because of conflicts of interest, scheduling limitations, insufficient available information, or when the requested services fall outside the scope of Dr. Almanzar’s expertise or professional judgment.