General

The patient/client will not receive results, an interpretation of results, diagnostic opinions, or therapeutic recommendations directly. Such information may be included in a report sent to the requesting/paying party (attorney) and must be obtained directly through that party's usual and customary manner.

Forensic evaluations are conducted objectively and independently, regardless of which party retains Dr. Pleshchuk. Dr. Pleshchuk’s role is not to advocate for the defense, prosecution, plaintiff, or respondent, but to provide an impartial professional opinion based on the available information and appropriate psychological methods. Dr. Pleshchuk considers information that may support or challenge the referral question and clearly identifies the basis and limitations of my opinions. The goal is to provide the court and legal professionals with a thorough, balanced, and scientifically grounded assessment.

The records needed will depend on the type and purpose of the forensic evaluation. Relevant materials may include medical and mental health records, school records, employment records, legal and court documents, police reports, treatment records, prior evaluations, and other case-related documentation. Attorneys are encouraged to provide all records relevant to the referral question. Dr. Pleshchuk will review the available information carefully to determine what additional records or collateral information are needed to conduct a thorough, well-supported evaluation.

Dr. Pleshchuk is available to travel when a case requires in-person services, including evaluations, interviews, consultations, depositions, and court appearances. Travel arrangements depend on the location and specific needs of the case. Many services can also be conducted remotely when appropriate.

While Dr. Pleshchuk primarily works throughout Northern California, she can serve clients and legal professionals in all counties throughout California. Depending on the needs of the case, I may provide services remotely, allowing Dr. Pleshchuk to work with clients and attorneys statewide. Dr. Pleshchuk also provides forensic psychological services in New Hampshire.

Dr. Pleshchuk provides expert witness testimony in legal proceedings when appropriate. Testimony may include explaining forensic evaluation findings, psychological concepts, diagnostic considerations, and the basis for professional opinions. Whether testifying in court, participating in a deposition, or consulting with attorneys, the goal is to communicate findings clearly, objectively, and within the scope of forensic psychological expertise

RPK Forensic Psychology provides forensic psychological evaluation, consultation, and expert witness services to attorneys and legal professionals on both the defense and prosecution sides of a case. Our role is not to advocate for either side, but to provide objective, scientifically grounded psychological expertise. We conduct thorough evaluations, review relevant records and information, and clearly communicate our findings so that attorneys, courts, and other decision-makers can better understand the psychological issues involved. Dr. Pleshchuk’s approach is grounded in professional ethics, clinical expertise, and impartiality. Whether retained by the defense, prosecution, or appointed by the court, the goal remains the same: to provide an accurate, independent, and well-supported professional opinion.
Forensic psychology is the intersection between the clinical practice of psychology and the law. Forensic psychology is a specialty area in the broad field of psychology which focuses on the application of psychological principles and practices to answer psycho-legal questions.  Forensic psychologists assist the court in examining specific mental health aspects within the legal context. The focus is to address the legal question at hand to help the courts make appropriate decisions using empirically based research, actuarial instruments and objective psychological tests. Unlike traditional clinical psychological evaluations, where the client is frequently the person that is being assessed, in forensic psychological evaluations, the client is often the retaining party, which can either be the court, attorney, or an agency. The forensic psychologist’s role is to maintain objectivity and better inform the legal system or process with expert knowledge of mental health and human behavior. Forensic psychologists have a combination of specialized training and experience beyond the doctoral degree and provide evaluations, expert testimony in courts, and consultations to attorneys and judges throughout the legal system. These psychologists may also assist with jury selection, a process called voir dire examination.
The purpose of our forensic psychology evaluations is to assess psychological and cognitive functioning of individuals involved in legal and other administrative proceedings. Forensic psychologists conduct a forensic psychological evaluation, which will include a thorough clinical interview, comprehensive review of records, case law, collateral data, and psychological tests. Forensic evaluations can be utilized by the court to address legal issues such as competency to stand trial, criminal responsibility, transfer to adult court, sanity, risk for violence and sexual dangerousness. The forensic evaluation must adhere to very strict guidelines to insure that the findings and recommendations meet certain legal standards. When requested by the attorneys or ordered by the court, forensic psychologists conduct these evaluations in civil or criminal court cases, as well as in correctional and law enforcement settings. Unlike counseling and clinical psychological evaluations, the evaluations that are requested for the courts do not carry the same confidentiality assurances for the client. We explain and discuss these issues at the start so that the client may make a fully informed decision about their participation in the process.  Depending on the findings, we may identify and diagnosis a mental health disorder and provide recommendation for treatment planning. We also try to address the particular concerns or issues that were provided to us by the requesting party (e.g., attorney, case worker, probation officer, etc.)  Other psychological evaluations that may also be considered forensic can include, but are not limited to, evaluations of personal injury, fitness for duty, disability, parental fitness and competency to testify.
Assessing risk for violence can help courts make appropriate decisions on issues such as sentencing, granting privileges, and community reintegration. If an individual is assessed to be a high risk for future violence, a judge has grounds to order a more restrictive setting compared to someone who is a lower risk for recidivism. By tailoring court decisions based on accurate psychological evaluations, the community is safer while the defendant’s rights are also protected.