At Counselling Services for Men in Surry Hills, Sydney, we specialise in providing independent psychological assessments and treatment services tailored for forensic and legal matters. Our expert in this field is Christian Acuña, a registered psychotherapist and counsellor from the University of New South Wales. He is also a dedicated member of The Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA), with a strong passion for forensic matters. Christian possesses a deep understanding of the intricacies of court processes, procedures, and the relevant NSW legislation.
Christian Acuña boasts extensive experience in preparing reports for various legal purposes, including pre-sentencing reports and reports for the Court Diversion Program. His unwavering commitment is to deliver psychological services to forensic client groups that not only facilitate the best possible rehabilitative outcomes but also uphold the principles of social justice. He is particularly interested in early identification and targeted interventions for individuals at risk of continued offending, such as youth and individuals with mental health issues. Christian also specialises in conducting general risk assessments as well as specific assessments related to drug and driving offenses. He is readily available to provide expert opinions and court reports on various forensic psychological matters. Christian consistently updates and enhances his clinical and forensic expertise through continuous interdisciplinary professional development.
Reports
A Legal Psychological report is a comprehensive document that plays a pivotal role in legal cases, compensation claims, and disputes. Our reports adhere to the protocols of various entities, including Victims of Crime Referral and Assistance Tribunal, Medicare, and the legal system. These reports address specific concerns and generally include:
- History: A detailed account of relevant personal and psychological history.
- Presenting problems: A clear description of the issues the individual is facing.
- Factors contributing to presenting problems: Analysis of factors such as coping style, unhelpful thoughts, and the effectiveness of current treatments.
- Responses of significant others: Insights into how family and close ones are reacting to the situation.
- Any perceived barriers to recovery and/or return to work: Identification of obstacles hindering progress.
- Impression and diagnosis: Assessment based on criteria outlined in DSM-IV.
- Recommendations: Guidance on suitable courses of action.
Cost of The Legal Reports
Our Psychotherapy Legal reports are priced in accordance with the recommended hourly rate by The Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA) (plus GST). The process typically spans a minimum of three sessions, with each session lasting one hour. These sessions include face-to-face interviews, the administration of specific psychometric questionnaires, and a thorough review of relevant documents and correspondence. Please note that not all sessions can be conducted via Telehealth. The comprehensive report is subsequently prepared, and the entire process usually takes place over a 4-6 week period. If your situation requires a shorter timeframe, please inform us, as alternative options can be explored.