Clinical & Forensic Psychology FAQs

Q: How much will the evaluation cost?

A: An initial consultation (2 hrs) is provided to ascertain if Dr. Perrotti can be of assistance with referral issues to provide input and direction for cases. Estimate of cost provided at initial consultation. Valuable information can be provided to legal counsel in terms of direction for a case. As well as initial impressions.

 

Q: How much are therapy sessions?

A: $240.00 per 45 min; sliding scale available and student discount.

 

Q: Is therapy effective?

A: Empirical studies demonstrate that with modifications such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, the probability of a positive outcome is substantially increased.

 

Q: What makes your services different from other forensic psychologists?

A: Dr. Perrotti has over 30 years’ experience in clinical and forensic neuropsychology. He has broad and extensive training in many specialties, recognition in natural Honor societies, and has held faculty positions at prestigious universities (USC). Referral sources have described Dr. Perrotti as extremely thorough. Dr. Perrotti takes pride in providing assistance on difficult criminal and forensic assessments, providing assistance and conducting evaluations that follow professional standards and guidelines. Cutting edge research is applied to referral issues. Video and graphic presentation of evaluation findings are presented to juries. Comprehensive assessments provide accurate diagnosis and treatment plan to enhance the therapeutic process.

 

Q: What is the value of Forensic Mental Health Assessment (FMHA)?

A: Immeasurable

• In Child Custody, 730 evaluations can provide invaluable objective information to shed light on “he said – she said” issues. Objective testing, parenting assessment and bonding studies can be quite helpful in achieving a better understanding of a case.
• In Personal Injury and Work Place Issues as well as Independent Medical Examinations, contested allegations of Abuse/ Trauma, objective testing can be beneficial in assessing the reliability and validity of information
• In Criminal, FMHA may demonstrate that a psychometric profile of a subject is dissimilar to what is alleged. Absent a FMHA, an individual becomes a case number. A FMHA is of help in humanizing a  subject to the Court, in evaluating criminal intent, reliability of abuse allegations, eyewitness ID and False Confessions.

 

Q: Will anyone believe I was injured?

A: A FMHA can be quite helpful in legitimizing complaints such as with a certificate of merit.

 

Q:What distinguishes your approach to Couples Therapy, Family Therapy, Individual Therapy?

A: Our treatment approach is assessment- driven. Whereas many Therapists begin by deriving clinical impressions from speculation; Dr. Perrotti utilizes objective testing for personality assessment or in the case of couples objective testing generates similarities and differences between a couple in terms of personality attributes.  Thereafter, a treatment plan can be formulated.

 

Q: Is Dr. Perrotti’s treatment approach conducive to improved physical health?

A: Yes, Dr. Perrotti utilizes hypnosis, relaxation therapy and biofeedback which is conducive to decreasing anxiety which has a positive impact on respiration , blood pressure etc.

 

Q: Dr. Perrotti is a Neuropsychologist. He is certified in neuropsycholgy by LA County Superior Court. He also was Assistant Professor, Psychology and Behavioral Science. Keck School of Medicine USC and conducted complex neuropsychogical assessments for USC.

What is a neuropsychologist and what are the applications?

A: As a neuropsychologist, Dr. Perrotti has experience in assessment and treatment of concussive events, neurodegerative disorders, traumatic brain injury and seizure disorder. Dr. Perrotti has been part of a multidisciplinary treatment team in neurocognitive treatment programs to benefit his patients.

 

Q: I am having problems with my disability with SSI. Can forensic assessments be helpful?

A: Yes, Dr. Perrotti served as an expert for the Office of Hearings and Appeals, Social Security Administration. He can offer a second opinion in cases of denial in disability cases. He also conducts assessments of short and long range disability for insurance companies and conducts Independent Medical Examinations which can shed light on medical issues that are in dispute. He also has been a expert witness in arbitration hearings.