This page provides information for attorneys, courts, governmental agencies, healthcare organizations, employers, insurers, and other authorized entities seeking independent forensic psychiatric evaluations or expert consultation through the Forensic Psychiatry Division of BeyondBridge.
Who May Request a Forensic Evaluation?
Referrals are accepted from:
- Attorneys
- Courts
- Governmental agencies
- Healthcare organizations
- Employers and institutions
- Insurance carriers
- Other authorized entities
What Types of Referrals Are Accepted?
The Forensic Psychiatry Division maintains a selective consultation practice focused on:
- Criminal Forensic Evaluations
- Psychiatric Standard-of-Care Evaluations
- Immigration Forensic Psychiatric Evaluations
Only matters within Dr. Almanzar’s areas of expertise are accepted.
How Do I Initiate a Referral?
Please contact BeyondBridge to discuss the referral. Before an engagement is accepted, the following information is generally requested:
- Referral question(s)
- Case summary
- Jurisdiction, if applicable
- Anticipated deadlines
- Available medical, psychiatric, legal, or institutional records
- Contact information for retaining counsel or the referring entity
A preliminary review is conducted before any engagement is accepted.
How Are Cases Evaluated Before Acceptance?
Each referral undergoes an initial review to determine:
- Whether the referral falls within Dr. Almanzar’s expertise
- Whether sufficient information is available to address the referral question
- Whether adequate time is available to complete the evaluation
- Whether any actual or potential conflicts of interest exist
Submission of a referral does not constitute acceptance of the engagement.
What Does the Evaluation Process Include?
Depending on the referral, the evaluation may include:
- Comprehensive record review
- Forensic psychiatric interview
- Collateral information when appropriate
- Diagnostic formulation
- Review of applicable psychiatric literature when relevant
- Preparation of a detailed written forensic report
The scope of each evaluation is tailored to the specific legal or administrative question.
How Long Does the Process Take?
Timeframes vary depending on the complexity of the matter, the volume of records, scheduling availability, and court or administrative deadlines. Estimated timelines are discussed after a referral has been accepted and sufficient records have been received.
Are Deposition and Trial Testimony Available?
Yes. When requested as part of an accepted engagement, Dr. Almanzar is available for deposition testimony, hearings, and trial testimony, subject to scheduling availability.
How Are Professional Fees Handled?
Professional fees are billed on an hourly basis. A signed engagement agreement and retainer are required before professional services begin.
Additional information is available on the Professional Fees & Engagement Policies page.
Does a Forensic Evaluation Establish a Physician-Patient Relationship?
No.
Forensic psychiatric evaluations are performed for legal and administrative 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.
Who Receives the Report?
The written report is provided to the retaining attorney, court, governmental agency, or other authorized entity, consistent with the terms of the engagement and applicable legal requirements.
Contact the Forensic Psychiatry Division
To discuss a potential referral, please contact BeyondBridge. Every inquiry is reviewed individually to determine whether the matter is appropriate for forensic consultation and consistent with the Division’s areas of practice.