Courts and agencies may request a Capacity to Consent to Treatment Evaluation when there are questions about an individual’s ability to understand and make informed decisions about medical or psychological care. The Institute of Forensic Psychology (IFP) provides impartial, evidence-based evaluations that help clarify whether a person has the capacity to consent, ensuring both autonomy and the protection of vulnerable individuals.
Our Approach
IFP conducts these evaluations through a comprehensive, structured process:
- Clinical interviews to assess comprehension, reasoning, and communication abilities.
- Standardized assessments designed to evaluate decision-making and judgment.
- Review of records, including medical, psychiatric, and legal documentation.
- Collateral contacts with providers, caregivers, or family members when appropriate.
- Application of findings to the legal and clinical criteria for capacity.
What We Address
- Ability to understand information about treatment options.
- Capacity to appreciate the consequences of accepting or refusing treatment.
- Ability to reason and compare choices in a meaningful way.
- Ability to communicate a consistent decision.
- Factors that may temporarily or permanently impair decision-making (e.g., psychiatric conditions, cognitive impairments).
Reporting
IFP delivers clear, impartial reports that tie psychological findings directly to the referral question. Reports are structured to help courts, providers, and agencies determine whether the individual has the capacity to consent to treatment, with recommendations that respect both autonomy and safety.
Why Choose IFP
IFP delivers evaluations that are objective, evidence-based, and trusted in court. Our multi-credentialed team employs a thorough and impartial process to ensure that findings are clear, relevant, and legally useful. We prioritize timeliness without sacrificing quality, and every evaluation is conducted with professional respect and cultural competence.
We look forward to working with you and supporting the critical decisions entrusted to the courts.
Supporting Civil-Legal and Probate Courts
IFP provides impartial, evidence-based evaluations to assist with matters such as the capacity to consent to treatment. Our reports are clear, objective, and tailored to the unique needs of civil and probate courts, enabling judges and attorneys to make informed, legally sound decisions.
To request an evaluation, please contact IFP directly, and a member of our team will follow up with you shortly.