A forensic mental health evaluation is an objective, court-informed assessment conducted to address a specific legal or administrative question. Unlike psychotherapy, which is treatment-focused and confidential, forensic evaluations are evaluative in nature and designed to inform legal decision-making. They may be requested by attorneys, courts, employers, or agencies and often involve review of records, clinical interviews, collateral information, and the use of evidence-based assessment tools.

The evaluator’s role is neutral and independent. Findings are documented in a formal report and may be shared with referral sources or the court, as appropriate. Forensic mental health evaluations adhere to professional, ethical, and legal standards and are not intended to provide advocacy or ongoing treatment.

Breana Ridges is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LCMHC) in North Carolina, a National Certified Counselor (NCC), and a Certified Forensic Mental Health Evaluator (CFMHE). Her professional credentials reflect advanced training in clinical practice, forensic assessment, ethical decision-making, and the application of mental health principles within legal and court-involved contexts.

Ms. Ridges holds a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice, a Master of Science in Criminal Justice, and a Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Her educational background provides a strong foundation in both legal systems and mental health assessment, allowing her to approach forensic evaluations with an integrated understanding of psychological functioning, risk assessment, and legal standards.

In addition to her formal education and forensic training, Ms. Ridges has extensive experience working with high-risk and crisis-involved populations, including conducting suicide risk assessments and collaborating with multidisciplinary systems. All forensic evaluations are conducted with professional neutrality and in accordance with ethical and legal standards, and are distinct from psychotherapy or advocacy services.

No. Forensic mental health evaluations are evaluative, not therapeutic. They are conducted to address a specific legal or administrative question and are distinct from psychotherapy, which is treatment-focused and confidential.

Evaluations may be requested by attorneys, courts, employers, agencies, or other authorized parties depending on the nature of the case.

Evaluations may include a clinical interview, review of relevant records, collateral information, and the use of evidence-based assessment tools. The specific components depend on the referral question.

Expert testimony may be provided on a case-by-case basis when appropriate and within the scope of the evaluation.