Facing criminal charges can be an overwhelming and stressful experience — and knowing where to turn for the right support isn’t always easy. At Associated Psychology Practice in Kingswood, NSW, we offer brief forensic psychological assessments in a calm, confidential and non-judgemental setting, conducted by Emily Liddle, Psychologist, who has undertaken specific training and ongoing professional supervision in forensic assessment.
Our goal is simple: to help you feel informed, supported and prepared, while providing the court with clear, professional psychological information about your mental state at the time of the alleged offence — for example, to support a s14 application under the Mental Health and Cognitive Impairment Forensic Provisions Act.
We understand that everyone who comes to us is facing a difficult point in their life, and we’re committed to making the assessment process as straightforward and reassuring as possible. The resulting report is prepared for the court and your legal representative to consider alongside all other evidence. It doesn’t determine the outcome of your matter on its own, and please note the assessment does not include an opinion on risk of reoffending — but it can give the court valuable insight into your circumstances at the relevant time.
What to Expect: Our Assessment Process
We’ve designed our process to be thorough yet efficient, so you can move through it with confidence and minimal disruption to your life. It’s completed across three clear stages, totalling approximately eight hours of assessment, scoring and report writing time:
- Stage 1 — Initial Consultation (1 hour): A relaxed first appointment where we get to know you, understand your situation, and confirm the assessment is the right fit.
- Stage 2 — Full Assessment (3 hours): A supportive clinical interview together with the Personality Assessment Inventory (PAI), giving Emily a comprehensive picture to work from.
- Stage 3 — Report Writing (6 hours): Emily carefully prepares a clear, professional report for the court and your legal representative.
Once your report is complete, we send it directly to you — there’s usually no need for a follow-up appointment, unless Emily feels one would be helpful.
In some cases, Emily may recommend a little extra support — such as cognitive testing or an ADHD assessment — if it would strengthen the picture for your matter. If this applies to you, we’ll talk it through with you directly, including any additional time or cost, so there are no surprises before you decide to proceed.
Is This Service Right for You?
You’re likely a good fit for this service if:
- You’re an adult (18+) currently facing criminal charges (this service is not for Family Court matters)
- Your matter is being heard in the Local Court and involves a relatively minor charge, rather than a severe indictable offence (not the District or Supreme Court)
- Your solicitor has raised, or you’d like to discuss, a possible s14 application
We’re able to assist with a wide range of charges, including:
- Supply and possession of substances
- Assault
- Domestic Violence Orders (DVOs) and Apprehended Violence Orders (AVOs)
- Break and enter
- Driving offences
- Theft
- Weapons charges
If you’re unsure whether your situation fits, please don’t hesitate to reach out — our friendly reception team is happy to talk it through with you.
When We’re Not Able to Help
To make sure you get the right support, this particular service isn’t suitable if:
- Your charges involve a sexual offence
- Your matter is in the District or Supreme Court
- Your charge is a serious or indictable offence (this service is intended for relatively minor, summary matters heard in the Local Court)
- You’re seeking a risk-of-reoffending assessment (this isn’t something we provide)
If any of the above applies to you, our reception team can still help point you toward the kind of support that may be more appropriate.
Making a Referral or Enquiry
We warmly welcome referrals from solicitors, as well as enquiries from individuals and their legal representatives directly. When you reach out, our friendly reception team will ask a few initial screening questions to make sure this service is the right match for your situation before booking your appointment — so you can feel confident from the very first phone call.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a s14 application?
A s14 application is a request made to the Local Court under the Mental Health and Cognitive Impairment Forensic Provisions Act, asking the court to deal with a matter without recording a criminal conviction, on the basis of a person’s mental health or cognitive impairment at the time of the alleged offence. A psychological report can give the court helpful, relevant information to consider as part of this application.
How long does the assessment take?
The assessment is completed across three stages: a 1-hour initial consultation, a 3-hour assessment involving a clinical interview and the Personality Assessment Inventory (PAI), and up to 4 hours of report writing — around 8 hours in total. We aim to move through this as efficiently as possible while giving your matter the care and attention it deserves.
Will the report guarantee a particular outcome in court?
We’re not able to promise a specific result. The report is prepared for the court and your legal representative to consider alongside all other evidence in your matter. It doesn’t determine the outcome on its own — that decision always rests with the court — but it can provide meaningful psychological context to support your case, where appropriate.
Do you provide an opinion on risk of reoffending?
No. This assessment focuses solely on your mental state at the time of the alleged offence. We don’t provide risk-of-reoffending assessments as part of this service.
Will I need any additional testing?
In most cases, our standard three-stage process gives Emily everything she needs. Occasionally, additional assessment — such as cognitive testing or an ADHD assessment — may be recommended if it’s relevant to your matter. If so, we’ll talk you through it clearly, including any extra time or cost, before you decide whether to proceed.
Can my solicitor refer me directly?
Absolutely. We welcome referrals from solicitors, and enquiries are just as welcome from individuals and their legal representatives directly. Our reception team will ask a few initial screening questions to check suitability before booking your appointment.
What if my matter involves a sexual offence, or is in the District or Supreme Court?
Unfortunately, we’re not able to assist with these matters, as this service is designed for relatively minor, summary matters heard in the Local Court. Our reception team can still help point you in the right direction.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Reaching out is often the hardest part — and we’re here to make it as easy and reassuring as possible. If you, or someone you’re representing, may benefit from a forensic psychological assessment, our warm and understanding reception team is ready to help. Call us on (02) 4722 3137 or email info@associatedpsychologypractice.com today, and we’ll guide you through the initial screening questions and next steps — at your own pace, with no pressure.
