Introduction to Becoming a Mental Health Evaluator

Description

What is a Court Order Evaluation?

Individuals may be required to undergo behavioral health evaluations in certain legal situations, such as state guardianship. These assessments are crucial in determining a person’s mental state and when mental competency is a concern. The goal is to provide the court with expert insight into an individual’s psychological condition, which can influence decisions on sentencing, custody, or the need for treatment. 

What is a Mental Health Evaluator?

Mental health evaluations involve a comprehensive assessment conducted by a licensed professional counselor. This evaluation aims to diagnose any mental health conditions, understand the severity of symptoms, and recommend appropriate treatments. (See the LPCs scope of practice law here) Any LPC interested in becoming recognized by the Probate Court Judges should investigate trainings that will equip them with the knowledge and skills to assess an individual's mental state and capacity to participate in legal proceedings. 

Please join us and Dr. Tommy Black, PhD, LPC, LMHC as he introduces this topic and explains how to become a Mental Health Evaluator.

Dr. Tommy Black's primary work is in forensic assessments to aid with family, criminal, and civil court cases. He has been in private practice since 1998, covering rural Georgia and Florida. He provides mental health evaluations in several states. He is adept at performing and delivering forensic evaluations and is frequently requested to provide expert testimony and consultation in court cases across the U.S. Dr. Black presents nationally on ethics, professional development, testing, assessment, testifying, and other forensic topics. 

He served as a member of the Georgia Composite Board for Professional Counselors, Social Workers, and Marriage & Family Therapists for nine years. For seven of those years, he was a member of the Cognizant (Complaint) Committee, where he worked closely with the Secretary of State staff, other professionals, and the Attorney General of Georgia’s office to investigate professional and ethical violations. He was also the Ethics Co-Chair for the Licensed Professional Counselors Association of Georgia for two years. During his time on the Composite Board, Dr. Black worked diligently to update the rules related to professional counselors to ensure the quality of services provided to the citizens of Georgia. 

A veteran of the Gulf War (1990–1991) while serving in the U.S. Army, Dr. Black has years of personal and professional experience in understanding and helping others cope with the specific trials of military service for active-duty individuals and their families. Dr. Black has extensive experience and training in Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT), and Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT). He works with a myriad of life issues but has particular expertise in grief/loss, depression, anxiety disorders, PTSD/trauma, impulse control issues/ADHD, relationship difficulties, and adjustment difficulties. 

With his extensive knowledge and experience in this topic, he will provide valuable insight that you won't want to miss!