Business Details
Forensic Psychology Evaluations & Court Services in South Charleston
At Saar Psychological Group, we bring over two decades of specialized expertise in forensic, clinical, and geriatric psychology to serve individuals and legal systems across West Virginia. Our team of licensed psychologists delivers court-accepted evaluations for criminal, juvenile, and family court matters, maintaining the highest standards of professional integrity and scientific rigor. With direct experience in competency assessments, parenting plan development, and trauma-informed evaluations, we provide actionable insights that meet judicial requirements while prioritizing client dignity. Our practice combines tele-health accessibility with in-person services to accommodate diverse client needs, ensuring continuity of care during evolving public health landscapes.Backed by extensive courtroom testimony experience and professional affiliations, we maintain rigorous documentation practices that meet legal discovery standards. Our commitment to excellence extends to continuing education presentations that advance forensic psychology practices in criminal and family court applications. Through personalized attention to each case, we uphold our mission to deliver quality psychological services that support informed legal decision-making.
Services
Forensic Evaluations
Clinical Assessments
Family Court Services
Geriatric Psychology
Competency Assessments
Highlights and features
- 20+ years of forensic psychology experience
- Team of licensed psychologists with court testimony experience
- Tele-health services maintain continuity during restrictions
- Court-accepted evaluations across multiple legal domains
- Direct collaboration with legal professionals
Services
Forensic Evaluations
Our forensic evaluations provide court-accepted psychological analyses for criminal, juvenile, and family law cases. We assess competency to stand trial, criminal responsibility, and parenting capacity using standardized protocols. Our reports meet legal discovery requirements and include expert courtroom testimony when needed.
Clinical Assessments
Comprehensive clinical assessments evaluate cognitive functioning, emotional disorders, and behavioral patterns. We employ validated diagnostic tools to create treatment recommendations for individuals across the lifespan, focusing on accurate diagnosis and treatment planning.
Family Court Services
We conduct parenting capacity assessments and custody evaluations that prioritize child welfare. Our services include parenting plan development and recommendations for visitation arrangements based on psychological findings and family dynamics.
Geriatric Psychology
Specialized geriatric assessments evaluate cognitive decline, dementia, and mental health in older adults. We provide capacity evaluations for legal decision-making and treatment recommendations tailored to age-related psychological needs.
Competency Assessments
Our competency evaluations determine an individual's ability to participate in legal proceedings. We assess understanding of court processes, communication with counsel, and decision-making capacity using established forensic standards.
People
Timothy S. Saar
Licensed Psychologist
Dr. Saar specializes in forensic, clinical, and geriatric psychology with over 20 years of courtroom testimony experience. He provides competency assessments and forensic evaluations accepted by courts across West Virginia.
Beverly A. Branson
Licensed Psychologist
Ms. Branson conducts forensic evaluations with focus on criminal responsibility and competency assessments. She maintains active licensure and participates in continuing education to stay current with forensic psychology standards.
Barbara Nelson
Licensed Psychologist
Dr. Nelson specializes in family court services and forensic evaluations. She has extensive experience with child custody matters and parenting capacity assessments for West Virginia family courts.
Eric Walls
Licensed Psychologist
Dr. Walls provides forensic evaluations for criminal and juvenile courts. His practice focuses on competency assessments and psychological testing that meets judicial requirements for admissibility.
Kaitlin Dobbins
Operations Director
Ms. Dobbins coordinates forensic services and manages case logistics. She serves as primary contact for evaluation requests and ensures timely communication between legal professionals and psychologists.
Questions
What types of forensic evaluations do you provide?
We offer competency to stand trial assessments, criminal responsibility evaluations, parenting capacity assessments, and other court-ordered psychological evaluations for criminal, juvenile, and family court matters.
Do you offer tele-health services?
Yes, we provide tele-health psychological services during office closures or health restrictions while maintaining the same quality standards as in-person evaluations.
Are your psychologists court-qualified?
All our psychologists hold active West Virginia licenses and have extensive courtroom testimony experience with evaluations accepted by multiple jurisdictions.
What documentation will I receive?
Clients receive comprehensive evaluation reports meeting legal discovery standards, including test results, diagnostic impressions, and professional opinions with supporting rationale.