Forensic Psychiatric & Psychological Services
Forensic Psychiatric & Psychological Services
Our Forensics Team is Designed to Collaborate.
Our forensic psychiatrists, psychologists and neuropsychologists take a team approach to ensure your needs are met by professionals with the clinical experience, legal understanding, and qualifications best suited for your criminal or civil cases. From evaluation and assessment to expert testimony, our team members cover a breadth of services and provide detailed recommendations and comprehensive reports that have been extolled by the bench.
When our experts are retained, you can expect clear communication, a detailed fee structure with accurate documentation of all work done, timely comprehensive reports as well as unbiased and independent opinions.
For more information, contact us at 616.258.7524
Forensic Services
- Child Custody Evaluations
- Competency to Stand Trial
- Disability Requests
- Expert Witness
- Fitness for Duty
- Guardianship and Testamentary Capacity
- Independent Medical Examination (IME)
- Juvenile Competence to Proceed
- Law Enforcement Evaluations: pre-employment and fitness for duty
- Legal Sanity
- Medical Negligence
- Parental Capacity
- Personal Injury
- Professional Consultation
- Violence Risk/Threat Assessment
Forensics Team
Daniel Post, PsyD, ABPP
Dr. Post is the lead forensic psychologist at Pine Rest. He received his Doctorate of Psychology from Wheaton College and completed his pre-doctoral internship and post-doctoral residency at Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Services. He is board certified in clinical psychology through the American Board of Professional Psychology (ABPP). His clinical expertise and experience includes outpatient therapy, clinical and forensic assessment and supervision. He works regularly with children, adolescents, adults, and families.
His current practice includes an active therapy and supervision caseload as well as general and forensic assessment. His forensic services include:
- School and workplace violence risk assessment
- Independent psychological evaluation
- Parental fitness
- Child custody
- Fitness for duty
- Law enforcement pre-employment evaluation
- Guardianship
- Personal injury
- Disability
- Juvenile Competence to Stand Trial
- Expert witness
- Professional consultation
Dr. Post is board certified in clinical psychology through the American Board of Professional Psychology (ABPP).
Weston Anderson, DO
Dr. Anderson received his Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree from Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences and completed his Adult Psychiatry residency at Pine Rest-Michigan State University. He completed a forensic psychiatry fellowship at Pine Rest-Michigan State University. He is Board Certified in Adult Psychiatry by American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. He is also eligible for Board Certification in Forensic Psychiatry by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. He has clinical experience in treating the full spectrum of mental illness in adults, and has worked with individuals incarcerated in the criminal justice system.
He provides expert evaluations on the following:
- Evaluations for FAA license
- Disability requests
- Fitness for duty
- Personal injury
- Medical negligence
- Guardianship
- Testamentary capacity
Dr. Anderson also provides criminal services including:
- Competency to stand trial
- Legal sanity
- Sentencing
- Witness competency
Christopher Baker, PhD, ABPP
Dr. Baker earned his Bachelor of Science degree from Northern Michigan University prior to attending the University of Cincinnati where he obtained his Ph.D. in clinical neuropsychology. He completed his pre-doctoral internship at Patton State Hospital in San Bernardino, California, a forensic psychiatric hospital. His two-year postdoctoral residency in clinical neuropsychology was completed at the Louis Stokes VA Medical Center in Cleveland, Ohio. His clinical expertise and experience includes adult neuropsychological assessment. He works with individuals with a wide range of neurocognitive disorders, including but not limited to differential diagnosis of dementia, brain injury, and a host of other medical/neurological conditions.
Dr. Baker’s forensic neuropsychological practice includes the assessment of adults in various civil and criminal contexts. These evaluations include, but are not limited to:
- Independent medical examinations (IMEs)
- Disability, Social Security, and return-to-work
- Guardianship and testamentary capacity
- Intellectual/developmental disability
- Evaluation of effort, deception and malingering
- Evaluation of neurocognitive conditions affecting competency to stand trial
- Evaluation of traumatic brain injury and post-concussive syndrome
- Evaluation of developmental disorders (e.g., ADHD/ADD) and academic accommodations
Dr. Baker is Board Certified in Clinical Neuropsychology by the American Board of Professional Psychology (ABPP).
Gary Burkhart, PhD, ABPP
Dr. Burkhart received a Masters of Applied Science degree at the University of Waterloo and his doctorate degree (Ph.D.) at the University of Windsor in Human Clinical Neuropsychology. He completed internships at the Montreal Neurological Institute and at Henry Ford Hospital in Neuropsychology. He is Board Certified in Clinical Neuropsychology with the American Board of Professional Psychology (ABPP).
Presently, he serves as the Chair of the Psychology Department at Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Services. He is also serving a three year term as the Chief Psychologist at Mercy Health Saint Mary’s and consults at several other local hospitals. He has conducted numerous forensic evaluations and is often called to testify to his findings.
Dr. Burkhart’s specialty is in independent neuropsychological examinations.
Folabo Dare, MD
Dr. Dare received her doctorate of osteopathic medicine degree from Des Moines University College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed her Psychiatry residency at Mayo Clinic. She completed a forensic psychiatry fellowship at the University of Cincinnati. She is Board Certified in both Adult and Forensic Psychiatry by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology.
Dr. Dare’s forensic practice includes the assessment of adults in various civil and criminal contexts. These evaluations include, but are not limited to:
- Independent medical evaluations (IMEs)
- Fitness for duty
- Guardianship
- Testamentary capacity
- Risk of violence
- Legal sanity
- Competence to stand trial
Shannon Drabek, PsyD
Dr. Drabek received her PsyD in clinical psychology from Mercer University. She completed her pre-doctoral internship and post-doctoral training at Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Services. She regularly works with children, adolescents, and adults in outpatient therapy, inpatient hospital consultations, psychological testing, and forensic assessment. She also serves as a supervisor for pre-doctoral interns and limited licensed psychologists.
Dr. Drabek provides the following forensic evaluation services:
- Violence risk assessments
- Independent psychological evaluations
- Fitness for duty
Selina Hill-Lee, PhD, ABPP
Dr. Hill-Lee received her PhD from Tennessee State University in 2010. She completed her pre-doctoral internship and post-doctoral year at Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Services. Her clinical experience consists of providing comprehensive diagnostic evaluations, inpatient consultations, and outpatient therapy.
Dr. Hill-Lee has been board certified by the American Board of Professional Psychology in clinical psychology since 2023.
Dr. Hill Lee’s current practice includes general assessments for children and adults, while also supervising psychiatry residents. In her forensic practice, civil and criminal assessments include, but are not limited to:
- School and workplace risk assessments
- Independent Medical Examination
- Fitness for duty
- Criminal responsibility
- Competency to stand trial
- Pre-employment assessment for firefighter and law enforcement personnel
Jarrad Morgan, DO, JD
After earning his Juris Doctor from Seattle University, School of Law, Dr. Morgan practiced in the civil arena for several years before returning to school. He earned his Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree (DO) from Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences, College of Osteopathic Medicine in Yakima, Washington. Subsequently, he completed he General Psychiatry residency with Michigan State University/Pine Rest and his Forensic Psychiatry fellowship with the University of Michigan/Center for Forensic Psychiatry, where he was also certified as a state forensic examiner for criminal responsibility and competency to stand trial evaluations. He is certified in both General and Forensic Psychiatry by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology.
Dr. Morgan provides evaluations in the civil realm for the following:
- Federal Aviation Administration licensing
- Mental health disability
- Personal injury
- Medical malpractice
- Testamentary capacity
- Violence risk assessments
Dr. Morgan also provides evaluations in the criminal realm for the following:
- Competency to stand trial
- Not guilty by reason of insanity
- Competency to confess
- Risk assessments for sentencing
- Child abuse
William Sanders, DO
Dr. Sanders received his doctorate of osteopathic medicine degree from Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed his Psychiatry residency at Michigan State University. He completed a forensic psychiatry fellowship at the University of Florida. He is Board Certified in Adult Psychiatry by the American College of Osteopathic Neurologists and Psychiatrists and the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. He is also Forensic Board Certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology.
He provides expert evaluations on:
Disability requests
Fitness for duty
- Personal injury
- Medical negligence
- Child custody and visitation
- Guardianship
- Testamentary capacity.
He also provides criminal services including:
- Competency to stand trial
- Legal sanity
- Child abuse
- Sentencing
- Witness competency
In the news
Justin Sides, PsyD, ABPP, Licensed Psychologist
Dr. Sides received his Doctorate of Psychology degree from Regent University. He completed his pre-doctoral internship and post-doctoral residency at Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Services. He works regularly with children, adolescents, and adults in the areas of outpatient therapy, psychological assessment, and forensic assessment.
Dr. Sides has been board certified by the American Board of Professional Psychology in clinical psychology since 2023. He is currently the clinic manager at Pine Rest’s Psychological Consultation Center.
Dr. Sides’s forensic psychological practice includes the assessment of individuals in various contexts, which include, but are not limited to:
- ADHD
- Learning disabilities
- Cognitive ability
- Autism spectrum disorders
- Emotional functioning
- Guardianship and testamentary capacity
- Risk of violence
- Fitness for duty
Brant VanOrman, PsyD
Dr. VanOrman earned his Doctor of Psychology degree at Wheaton College. During that doctoral training, he received extensive training in issues related to child abuse/neglect and parental competency.
He joined Pine Rest in 1999 and, since 2002, his clinical practice has been devoted to psychological assessment and testing. During that time he has conducted various types of assessments, including but not limited to:
- Evaluation of risk of violence in the school and workplace
- Cognitive abilities
- AD/HD
- Autism spectrum disorders
- Learning disabilities
- Pre-surgical evaluations
Since 2007, he has served as Training Director for Pine Rest’s American Psychological Association-accredited doctoral psychology internship.
Nicole Wyngarden, PhD, ABPP
Dr. Wyngarden received her PhD in clinical psychology from Northern Illinois University. She completed her pre-doctoral internship and post-doctoral training at Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Services. She is board certified by the American Board of Professional Psychology. Her clinical experience includes outpatient therapy, inpatient consultation, as well as clinical and forensic assessment services. She also has a faculty appointment at Michigan State University and provides teaching and supervision for psychiatry residents. She works regularly with children, adolescents, and adults.
Dr. Wyngarden’s current practice includes an active therapy and supervision caseload as well as clinical and forensic assessment. These assessments include, but are not limited to:
School and workplace violence risk assessment
Law enforcement pre-employment evaluations
Fitness for duty
Guardianship
Independent medical evaluation
General diagnostic evaluation
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
Tips & Info From Our Experts
What is a ‘Fitness for Duty’ Assessment, and Can My Employer Make Me Take One?
A Fitness for Duty Assessment (FFD) is a mental health evaluation in which a psychologist performs tests and provides feedback about an employee’s mental fitness to perform a specific job. These evaluations are usually done when a circumstance...
Attorney or Psychologist? When Legal Matters and Mental Health Issues Overlap
When legal matters overlap with mental health issues, things can get a bit muddy, and it can be difficult to know where to turn first.
Frequently Asked Questions
Forensic psychiatry and psychology are specialty applications of medical and psychological knowledge, research, and assessment techniques used in the service of legal work. It very often involves work with courts, attorney’s, judges and other parties around potential litigation.
Forensic psychiatrists are licensed medical doctors (M.D. or D.O.) and forensic psychologists are licensed clinical psychologists (Ph.D. or Psy.D) who have completed their doctoral training along with additional specialty training and ongoing continuing education related to various interfaces of mental health and the law.
These evaluations are very often ordered by a judge during court proceedings, recommended by a retained lawyer, or required by academic or vocational settings. They can be useful in a wide variety of settings including civil and criminal litigation, disability, risk, and fitness for duty. Our team individually considers each request for forensic assessment to ensure it is an appropriate and answerable forensic question and that it is scheduled with the correct specialist in a timely manner.
This can be done by anyone who needs this specialty assessment but it is most helpful and expedient if the source of the referral (i.e., attorney, human resources director) contacts FPPS directly to clarify the reason and specific needs of the evaluation.
A typical evaluation may consist of:
- A thorough review of pertinent records
- Interviews with relevant parties
- Consultation with attorneys and other professionals
- Administration, scoring and interpretation of reliable and valid psychological assessments
- Comprehensive, timely report
- Participating in court related activities (deposition, testimony)
It will be essential that proper releases of information be completed with one’s attorney and other individuals involved in the evaluation to ensure critical communication can occur in a timely manner. We recommend signing the release with your attorney first so that they can facilitate the proper evaluation.
The cost of a forensic assessment varies based on the specific provider required and breadth of assessment required.
We require a retainer of $500-$1050 (depending on provider specialty) be paid before a forensic evaluation can start. This cost covers the initial two hours of time with the balance being due before the report is released.
Evaluation rates for our providers vary based on specialty from $250 per hour to $350 per hour. These fees include all time reviewing the case, conducting the evaluation, preparing a forensic report, and testifying in court (if required).
With each individual case we strive to give an estimate of the potential costs and will communicate directly with the individual or attorney should there be any significant changes to the overall cost of the assessment. Upon completion you will receive an itemized receipt of all time spent on the evaluation.
Ethically, we are not able to bill insurance for forensic assessment services as these services are not deemed medically necessary which is essential for billing to medical insurance.
We understand that things can change quickly in the legal system and strive to be fair.
For cancellations with notice of more than 48 hours we are able to provide a refund of the retainer fee.
For cancellations with less notice or no notice this fee is forfeited.
We appreciate open and timely communication which allows us to respond appropriately and care for the specific needs of our clients.
A completed report is generated at the completion of the evaluation and released upon full payment. Final reports typically take 1-2 weeks to generate, but if special circumstances require faster reporting it can be discussed and accommodated.
Yes, our experts are able to provide expert opinions in court related to the evaluations performed or other issues that fit within their areas of expertise.
Pine Rest Forensics in the News
- Pine Rest discusses aging concerns & dementia, WOOD (3/29/22)
- Pine Rest talks Brain Injury Awareness Month, WOOD (3/22/22)
- Pine Rest discusses brain myths for Brain Facts Week, WOOD (3/15/22)
- Pine Rest opens new psychological testing center in Byron Center, WOOD (3/8/22)
- Determining a defendant’s competency using forensic psychology, Fox17 (12/2/16)
