EVALUATIONS
EVALUATION SERVICES IN PITTSBURGH, PA
EVALUATIONS
We provide comprehensive evaluations in the following circumstances:
Custody-Related Substance Abuse Evaluations
These evaluations are conducted by Dr. Herman. They take place when there are allegations of substance abuse in child custody matters. Using in-depth face-to-face interview(s) with the client, recognized pen and paper screening and testing instruments, appropriate drug and alcohol testing, and interviews with collateral contacts, as indicated, the information gathered is used to provide a comprehensive picture of the client related to drug and alcohol use. A thorough written summary of findings is provided that includes a discussion of the chief concerns, and clinically indicated recommendations. Clients are given Informed Consent information to help ensure they understand the scope of my evaluation, and to help clarify my role.
These evaluations are conducted by Dr. Herman. They take place when there are allegations of substance abuse in child custody matters. Using in-depth face-to-face interview(s) with the client, recognized pen and paper screening and testing instruments, appropriate drug and alcohol testing, and interviews with collateral contacts, as indicated, the information gathered is used to provide a comprehensive picture of the client related to drug and alcohol use. A thorough written summary of findings is provided that includes a discussion of the chief concerns, and clinically indicated recommendations. Clients are given Informed Consent information to help ensure they understand the scope of my evaluation, and to help clarify my role.
Evaluations for Forensic/Legal Matters
These evaluations are conducted by Dr. Herman. There are areas where psychological and legal concerns intersect. Dr. Herman's involvement is to provide professional evaluation and expert opinion regarding criminal/forensic issues concerning the presence and severity of addictive disorders and the client's current circumstances. These services include, but are not limited to:
These evaluations are conducted by Dr. Herman. There are areas where psychological and legal concerns intersect. Dr. Herman's involvement is to provide professional evaluation and expert opinion regarding criminal/forensic issues concerning the presence and severity of addictive disorders and the client's current circumstances. These services include, but are not limited to:
- Evaluation and recommendation
- Alcohol & other drug testing
- Addiction-specific testing
- Reporting to the Court
Clients are given Informed Consent information to help ensure they understand the scope of my evaluation, and to help clarify my role.
EXPERT WITNESS
Issues and circumstances related to drug and alcohol problems can be confusing. The lines and distinctions between substance use, misuse, abuse, and addiction are often subtle, and can be difficult to assess. This process can become even more complicated when there are legal dynamics as well.
Dr. Herman has over 20 years experience in substance abuse evaluation, recommendation, and treatment. He has conducted over 6,000 such evaluations, including cases that have involved impaired professionals, child custody matters, out-of-state DUI/DWI, and other forensic/legal concerns. He also has specific training and experience regarding the criteria used to properly place individuals into different types of treatment programs.
His involvement in these situations is to provide professional evaluation and recommendation(s) regarding the issues at hand concerning the individual's current circumstances. When necessary, he can provide expert testimony regarding the evaluation, findings, and interpretation of clinically significant information.
Dr. Herman has over 20 years experience in substance abuse evaluation, recommendation, and treatment. He has conducted over 6,000 such evaluations, including cases that have involved impaired professionals, child custody matters, out-of-state DUI/DWI, and other forensic/legal concerns. He also has specific training and experience regarding the criteria used to properly place individuals into different types of treatment programs.
His involvement in these situations is to provide professional evaluation and recommendation(s) regarding the issues at hand concerning the individual's current circumstances. When necessary, he can provide expert testimony regarding the evaluation, findings, and interpretation of clinically significant information.
Other Expert Witness related services
- Second Opinion Evaluations
- Dr. Herman conducts these evaluations, and they typically occur when an individual, or a referral source, seeks clarification regarding the results of a previous evaluation. The purpose of this evaluation is generally to challenge or to reinforce a previous recommendation. Dr. Herman will furnish a report outlining his recommendation(s), and the clinical reasons supporting his opinion.
- Document Review
- In situations where there is ambiguity related to substance abuse evaluation, recommendation, or treatment, Dr. Herman will review the appropriate clinical records, and offer a professional opinion based on diagnostic or addiction-related criteria. This service is used either by clinicians who want an opinion on particulars relating to substance abuse matters, or by attorneys regarding cases in which substance abuse concerns may have legal or financial ramifications.