FAQ — Forensic Psychology Evaluations, Columbus OH

Question 1

What is a forensic psychologist?

Accepted Answer

A forensic psychologist applies psychological science to legal and judicial questions. Forensic psychologists conduct court-ordered evaluations, provide expert witness testimony, and assist attorneys, judges, and courts in understanding psychological issues relevant to legal proceedings. Common evaluations include competency to stand trial, criminal responsibility (sanity), violence risk assessment, and sexual offender risk assessment.

Question 2

What does ABPP board certification in forensic psychology mean?

Accepted Answer

ABPP stands for the American Board of Professional Psychology. Board certification in Forensic Psychology is the highest credential available in the specialty. It requires a doctoral degree, licensure, substantial supervised forensic experience, peer review of work samples, and a rigorous oral examination by a panel of diplomates. Currently, there are less than 400 board certified forensic psychologists in the United States. Dr. Davis earned his ABPP Diplomate in Forensic Psychology in 2011 and is also a Fellow of the American Academy of Forensic Psychology.

Question 3

What is the difference between a forensic psychologist and a clinical or counseling psychologist?

Accepted Answer

A clinical or counseling psychologist focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of mental health conditions. A forensic psychologist applies psychological expertise to legal questions — their primary obligation is to the court or retaining party, not to the individual being evaluated. Forensic evaluations are not therapy; they are objective assessments conducted to answer specific legal questions. Dr. Davis is board certified specifically in forensic psychology and has practiced forensic psychology in Ohio for over 45 years.

Question 4

How do I find a board-certified forensic psychologist in Ohio?

Accepted Answer

The American Board of Professional Psychology (ABPP) maintains a searchable directory of board-certified psychologists at abpp.org. You can filter by specialty (Forensic Psychology) and state (Ohio). The Ohio Psychological Association also maintains a referral service. Dr. Daniel L. Davis, Ph.D. ABPP is a board-certified forensic psychologist located in Columbus, Ohio, serving courts and attorneys throughout the state.

Question 5

What is a competency to stand trial evaluation?

Accepted Answer

A competency to stand trial evaluation assesses whether a defendant has a sufficient present ability to consult with their attorney and a rational and factual understanding of the proceedings against them. Under Ohio law, a defendant who is found incompetent cannot be tried until competency is restored. Dr. Davis has conducted hundreds of competency evaluations for Ohio Common Pleas Courts, Juvenile Courts, and the United States District Court, Southern District of Ohio.

Question 6

What is a criminal responsibility (sanity) evaluation?

Accepted Answer

In Ohio, a criminal responsibility evaluation — sometimes called a sanity evaluation — assesses whether a defendant, at the time of the alleged offense, had a mental disease or defect that impaired their ability to know the wrongfulness of their actions.

Question 7

What is a violence risk assessment?

Accepted Answer

A violence risk assessment uses structured professional judgment and validated actuarial instruments to estimate the likelihood that an individual will engage in future violent behavior. These evaluations are used in sentencing, parole, civil commitment, and juvenile bindover proceedings. Dr. Davis uses evidence-based instruments including the HCR-20 and other validated tools.

Question 8

What is a juvenile bindover (waiver to adult court) evaluation?

Accepted Answer

A juvenile bindover evaluation — also called a waiver to adult court evaluation — assesses whether a juvenile should be transferred from juvenile court to adult criminal court. Ohio courts consider the juvenile's amenability to rehabilitation, the nature of the offense, and public safety. Dr. Davis has conducted bindover evaluations for juvenile courts throughout Ohio for decades and has presented on this topic at professional conferences.

Question 9

What psychological tests are used in forensic evaluations?

Accepted Answer

Dr. Davis uses a range of validated, forensically relevant instruments depending on the referral question.

Question 10

How do I refer a case to Dr. Davis?

Accepted Answer

Referrals are accepted from courts, attorneys (prosecution and defense), public defenders, the Ohio Public Defender, and other agencies. To make a referral, contact Dr. Davis by phone at 614-488-3680 or by email at drdandavis@drdandavis.com. Please provide the referral question, relevant case information, and any court orders. Dr. Davis serves courts throughout Ohio and is contracted with multiple Ohio Common Pleas Courts and Juvenile Courts. DR. DAVIS DOES NOT ACCEPT REFERRALS DIRECTLY FROM LITIGANTS OR PARTIES IN A CASE. DR. DAVIS DOES NOT PROVIDE CUSTODY OR DOMESTIC COURT CASES.

Question 11

Does Dr. Davis provide expert witness testimony?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Dr. Davis has provided expert witness testimony in Ohio Common Pleas Courts, Juvenile Courts, and the United States District Court, Southern District of Ohio. He has testified on competency to stand trial, criminal responsibility, violence risk assessment, sexual offender risk assessment, juvenile bindover, and mitigation.

Question 12

Where is Dr. Davis's office located?

Accepted Answer

Dr. Davis's office is located at 1335 Dublin Road, Suite 201-B, Columbus, Ohio 43215. The office is on the west side of Columbus, near the intersection of Dublin Road and West Fifth Avenue. Parking is available in the building lot. For directions and a map, visit the Map & Directions page.

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