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Frequently Asked Questions

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.
A comprehensive forensic evaluation can help facilitate better-informed legal decision making, or assist you as the attorney by performing evaluations that (depending on their outcome) may be useful in representing your client. A forensic evaluation can help address forensic questions such as “Does my client or defendant qualify for mental health diversion in California?” or “What is my client’s risk to public safety if released and treated in the community?” or “Does my client experience symptoms of PTSD and how has that impacted him?” Secondly, if a person (defendant) has a history of emotional distress, mental health treatment, special education, or cognitive impairment, an evaluation can be used for looking at mitigating factors and showing how the said disability/impairment impacts the client’s (defendant’s) decision making or functional abilities and how it relates to the instant offense. Please call the office of RPK Forensic Psychological and Consultation Services Inc. for a free 20-minute case consultation to find out how one of our specialized evaluations can assist you and your client. If you are a client interested in this service, please have your attorney reach out to us first. Issues that may warrant a forensic evaluation when being involved in a legal matter:
  • History of Trauma (sexual/physical/emotional abuse and/or general neglect)
  • History of Learning Difficulties
  • Traumatic Brain Injury
  • Memory Impairment
  • Intellectual Difficulties
  • Attention/Concentration Impairment
  • Mental Health History
  • Current Emotional Distress
Forensic evaluations are not covered by insurance as they are not medically necessary. They are for the purpose of psycho-legal matters.
We pride ourselves on an efficient turnaround time. In most cases, this will be upon conclusion of the in-person interview. However, in some cases, we will need to request and review additional records. Typically, after you retain our services and provide discovery and other records, we will schedule the evaluation and any collateral interviews. Scheduling turnaround time is between two and eight weeks. If your case needs to be expedited, we can discuss arrangements to complete the evaluation and report in a shorter time frame. We typically send the report within two weeks of the session. Please discuss any time constraint issues with Dr. Pleshchuk before scheduling.

We offer different types of evaluations. Each one is customized to meet your or your client’s needs. Forensic evaluations vary in hours needed. You are welcome to email our office to discuss the estimated total cost for your specific evaluation. For private firm attorneys, we can send a retainer agreement and fee schedule for your review. Our office can send you the detailed breakdown of hours, psychological tests, and total fees for the court order.

Usual and customary rates are posted in the Services & Fees section. The hourly rate is $400 per hour (record review, psychological testing, clinical interview, report writing, attorney consultation, etc). Following an initial consultation, a retainer of 5 hours ($2000) is customarily submitted along with this office's fee agreement. To begin work on a case, you must submit all retainer payments and the signed contract. Schedule A letters are $750 to cover the evaluation, record review (if applicable), and letter.

Although we do not have a sliding scale, in cases where the referral source does not have the means to pay our usual and customary fee we are open to negotiating the fee.
Yes, we conduct telemedicine appointments using a HIPAA-complaint service provider (Doxy) as long as you reside in the State of California or New Hampshire. Depending on the type of evaluation, however, this type of evaluation may not be appropriate. If you contact us, we can clarify if this sort of approach would meet your needs.
RPK Forensic Psychological and Consultation Services Inc. is 100% focused on psychological assessments in clinical, forensic, and public safety situations. Therefore, we do not provide therapy or counseling services at this time. We could provide a referral for these services if you are interested.
You have the right to receive a "Good Faith Estimate" explaining how much your health care will cost. Under the law, health care providers need to give patients who don't have insurance or who are not using insurance an estimate of the bill for medical items and services.
  • You have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate for the total expected cost of any non-emergency items or services. This includes related costs like tests, consultation and other service fees.
  • Make sure your health care provider gives you a Good Faith Estimate in writing at least 1 business day before your  service. You can also ask your health care provider, and any other provider you choose, for a Good Faith Estimate before you schedule a service.
  • If you receive a bill that is at least $400 more than your Good Faith Estimate, you can dispute the bill.
  • Make sure to save a copy or picture of your Good Faith Estimate.
For questions or more information about your right to a Good Faith Estimate, visit www.cms.gov/nosurprises or call HHS toll free 1-877-696-6775