forensic expert & clinician
Forensic Neuropsychologist in Palm Desert: How They Can Help You and Your Case
Dr. Wood is a California-based neuropsychologist who performs criminal and civil forensic assessments in Palm Desert. Click here to learn how she can help you.
What Does a Forensic Neuropsychologist Do?
Forensic neuropsychologists diagnose and treat patients with brain injuries, mental health issues, or neurological disorders. Some of these diagnoses may be linked to the trauma associated with criminal activities.
A forensic neuropsychologist provides comprehensive neuropsychological evaluations which consider evidence-based psychological assessments, psychological theories, and the most recent discoveries in neuroscience.
Forensic neuropsychologists are often called upon in court as expert witnesses.
They provide expert testimony in the form of neuropsychological assessment of individuals, which includes presenting clinical evidence of any mental or psychotic disorders. They can also assist law enforcement in gathering evidence to substantiate a criminal charge.
Forensic neuropsychologists can be instrumental in domestic violence cases involving families. They can help determine the emotional age of individuals affected.
These individuals can be:
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Adults
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Adolescents
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Children
What Is Forensic Neuroscience?
To appreciate what a forensic neuropsychologist does, you first need to understand forensic neuroscience.
Forensic neuroscience is the study of how the brain affects behavior, particularly concerning behavior subject to civil or criminal litigation. It also examines how brain injury or abnormality affects a person’s memory, intelligence, personality, and behavior.
Consult Dr. Stacey Wood for assistance with your civil or criminal case, including guidance on navigating undue influence cases.
Is Neuroscience a Neurobiology?
Neurobiology is the study of the nervous system and its functions. Board-certified neuroscientists are professionals who work in this field.
While neurobiology focuses on the brain’s structure and functions, neuropsychology assesses how abnormalities or changes in the brain’s structure affect cognitive functional skills and their impact on daily life.
Board Certified
in Geropsychology
One of the nation’s leading experts in the areas of forensic neuropsychology and geropsychology, Dr. Stacey Wood has vast experience as an expert witness in California and nationwide.
Years of Experience
Expert Analysis
Trials and Depositions
Board Certified
in Geropsychology
One of the nation’s leading experts in the areas of forensic neuropsychology and geropsychology, Dr. Stacey Wood has vast experience as an expert witness in California and nationwide.
Years of Experience
Expert Analysis
Trials and Depositions
Get help on
your next case
Get a hand from a proven California expert witness with deep experience in forensic neuropsychology.
What Does a Forensic Neuropsychologist Do vs. Clinical Psychologist?
A forensic neuropsychologist evaluates an individual for the court system or for attorneys. They are called upon to provide professional testimony in criminal cases.
Clinical psychologists work in the medical field and help people with mental health problems. They offer a range of services to those suffering from mental disorders. Services provided include psychotherapy and counseling.
A clinical psychologist will also work with the patient to develop treatment plans. They are often called upon to help patients with their mental health, substance abuse, or other psychological concerns.
They diagnose and treat emotional and behavioral disorders such as:
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Anxiety disorders
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Depression
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Eating disorders like anorexia nervosa
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Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
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Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
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Schizophrenia
Clinical psychologists work in various settings such as clinics, hospitals, private practices, colleges, and universities.
What Is the Role of a Forensic Psychologist?
Forensic psychologists examine human behavior and how it relates to law and justice.
They use principles and methods of forensic psychology when assessing:
- Competency or sanity
- Criminal behavior
- Criminal responsibility
- Mental illness
- Eyewitness testimony
They evaluate a defendant’s mental state and identify any mental illness. Such evaluation can be used to defend against criminal charges, such as a fraud charge based on an elder financial exploitation scheme.
Examination of a defendant’s mental state is also crucial in civil litigation cases, such as seeking compensation for personal injury.
What is Forensic Cognitive Psychology?
Forensic cognitive psychology deals with the human mind and its connection to a crime. It can include studies of:
- Memory
- Social behavior
- Perception
- Understanding
A forensic psychologist evaluates an individual’s mental condition or competency to stand trial. They also testify in court as expert witnesses on how a person may have behaved or thought under certain circumstances.
How Do You Hire a Forensic Neuropsychology Expert in Palm Desert?
Forensic neuropsychology is a relatively new field, so finding a qualified expert can be challenging.
Dr. Wood is a forensic neuropsychologist serving Los Angeles County, Riverside County, and San Bernardino county.
Contact Dr. Wood today for a consultation on your next case.