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What is forensic psychology?
Forensic Psychology is the application of the science and profession of psychology to questions and issues relating to law and the legal system. The word "forensic" comes from the Latin word "forensis," meaning "of the forum," where the law courts of ancient Rome were held. Today forensic refers to the application of scientific principles and practices to the adversary process where specially knowledgeable scientists play a role.*
In my private practice, I have provided expert evaluation and testimony in cases involving children, adolescents and adults, in both civil and criminal courts. In 2003, I served as one of the expert witnesses in the Lee Malvo ("Beltway Sniper") trial.
My practice of forensic psychology includes:
- Psychological evaluation and expert testimony regarding criminal forensic issues such criminal responsibility, death penalty mitigation, domestic violence, addictive disorders and substance abuse, and sexual disorders (including sexual compulsivity/addiction).
- Testimony and evaluation regarding civil issues such as personal injury, child custody, post-traumatic stress, and professional malpractice.
- Assessment, treatment and consultation regarding individuals with a high risk for aggressive/sexually inappropriate behavior in the community, in the workplace, in treatment settings and in correctional facilities.
- Parenting Coordination - for more information please visit the website of the Parenting Coordination Council of Delaware at http://www.parentingcoordinationde.com
- Specialized treatment service to individuals involved with the legal system.
In addition, I provide:
- Consultation and training to mental health systems and practitioners on forensic issues.
- Teaching, training and supervision of graduate students, and psychology interns.
I am one of only a handful of psychologists nationwide with court-certified special expertise in the psychology of undue influence, and group and individual psychological coercion (e.g., "destructive cults").
Experienced. Efficient. Expert. Effective...
I deal with a wide assortment of civil and criminal concerns. As of December 2004, my colleague Dr. Linda Dubrow-Marshall and I have been certified as expert examiners and/or witnesses in almost every jurisdiction in southeastern Pennsylvania, by three state licensing boards and one addictions certification board, by jurisdictions in Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, the District of Columbia, Florida, Indiana, and by three Federal courts. We have provided forensic evaluations in over a dozen malpractice lawsuits against one cultic psychotherapy practice alone. Our employment experience has included full-time positions in forensic, addictions and correctional settings, which has provided us with an extensive clinical background necessary to qualify us in a variety of court cases. [Dr. Dubrow-Marshall's practice is limited to the United Kingdom.]
I am a full-time clinician and not a full-time forensic psychologist, which provides me with two major advantages as an expert witness: (1) I am always in touch with clinical "realities," and (2) I am very selective about which forensic cases I take (I only take about 50% of the cases referred to me), which helps mitigate against accusations of being a "hired gun."
My goal is to provide clients with competent forensic psychological services in a setting that is respectful of human dignity and civil rights. I make appointments quickly, at times that are as convenient as possible, and at reasonable rates. I have an established reputation for working with highly controversial and difficult cases.
...and reasonable. Because I am primarily a clinician, my fees for forensic services tend to be about $50 per hour less than the fees charged by most full-time forensic psychologists and psychiatrists in the greater Philadelphia/Delaware region.
Forensic psychology services include:
- Psychological testing: full-range testing, including intelligence and personality assessment in civil and criminal cases.
- Assessment of substance abuse, chemical dependency, and addictive disorders: Careful, expert assessment of alcohol abuse, substance abuse, compulsive gambling, and sexual compulsivity; assessments of DUI cases, including probable responsiveness to treatment.
- Post-traumatic and acute stress disorders, emotional/psychological harm and pain: Harm caused by accidents, discrimination, assaults, threats, domestic violence, and abusive professional or personal relationships.
- Mental health malpractice.
- Undue influence: We are nationally-recognized experts in the psychology of undue influence, including psychological manipulation, group coercion, abuse by professionals, unethical and/or incompetent use of hypnosis and other suggestive techniques.
- Custody evaluations & divorce/custody mediation: Competent assessment and/or mediation in childrens' best interest; assessment of parental alienation syndrome.
- Objective assessment of juvenile delinquency.
- Sensitive assessment of special populations: Incest survivors, sexual abuse, domestic violence, sexual minorities.
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For Potential Clients and other Professionals To download Dr. Eichel's curriculum vitae (c.v.), click here.
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*As defined by the American Board of Forensic Psychology (see http://www.abfp.com/brochure.asp).
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