What is a Psychologist Expert Witness?

Psychologists are trained to conduct, administer, and assess clients using several psychological tests, making them ideal for independent medical examinations for evaluating a person’s mental capacities and current state of mind. The court may require psychologists in situations involving highly specialised knowledge, complex factual issues, or both. Thus, it is important to instruct a psychology expert witness to testify about their expertise in the relevant topic and how it relates to the specific circumstances.

A Psychology Expert Witness is…

An independent individual who is requested by the court to offer his independent expert opinion based on the information presented. Expert witness psychologists are used in various contexts, including arbitrations, tribunals, trials, litigation, and other hearings. Thus, a psychology expert witness is a medicolegal professional who conducts independent psychological assessments and behavioural interventions to access a person’s:

• The Current mental state
• The Capacity to provide testimony
• The extent of psychological (mental, emotional) damages

Psychologists who testify as experts in court assess for the clients state of mental health, this can be done in collaboration with psychiatrists. However, the most significant difference between psychologists and psychiatrists is that while psychologists are considered doctors due to their PHD level certification, they are classified as medical doctors and can prescribe medication. An expert witness psychologist will present facts to courts and tribunals in various cases, including criminal trials, personal injury lawsuits, and family law disputes.

Role of a Psychologist Expert Witness

An expert witness duty is to the court always, regardless of the instructing party. Psychologist expert witness must uphold ethical standards ensuring an unbiased account of findings are presented objectively and are impartial, honest, and independent. Expert witness Psychologists are bound by court or tribunal orders, along with any set dates to abide to.

A Psychology Expert Witness Will…

Respond to inquiries like these after spending time with a solicitor’s client and/or looking over their medical records:

• Has a claimant experienced psychological harm due to an injury or ailment brought on by the defendant’s alleged negligence?
• Has an employee been accused of bullying or sexual misconduct? Is this employee suffering from mental health conditions?
• What happens when a kid is removed from their home? How would it affect the mental health of the parties involved?
• Whether a defendant in a criminal case was compliant? Does a claimant or defendant have a mental capacity to stand trial?
• Would seeking therapies or psychological treatments improve a defendant or claimant’s mental health projection, and for how long?

A Psychology Expert Witness Will Not…

Follow any terms and conditions for your case because they act as an independent identity in any criminal or civil proceedings. They will also not:

• Comment outside their area of expertise in civil or criminal court proceedings
• Give guidance and advice or engage in negotiation in the courtroom settings
• Accept appointments if they present a conflict of interest (unless resolvable by disclosure)
• Accept any appointment that comes with stipulations that are dependent on how the case turns out
• Look for evidence for you, offer a strategy for your case, or act as your advocate in the court proceedings

Need an Expert Witness Psychologist?

Concise Medico has a panel of 50+ psychology expert witnesses operating out of 100+ clinics across the UK. Since 2012, we have offered solicitors, insurers, and medical agencies the necessary support. We guarantee nationwide coverage along with:

• Convenient appointments scheduled according to your region
• Qualified, verified and HPCC-registered experts for all assessments
• CPR-compliant reports within 15 days of being assessed by an expert