Gain reliable forensic insight to strengthen your case, guide decisions, and bring clarity to challenging situations.
Forensic Services
Valley Forensic accepts forensic mental‑health referrals throughout Arizona from attorneys, agencies, insurers, employers, and retained clients. Each matter is reviewed for role clarity, scope fit, and the presence of clearly defined clinical‑legal questions before engagement.
Current referral areas include:
Forensic Mental Health Evaluation & Consultation Case‑specific analysis of mental‑health factors relevant to legal questions.
Substance Use Evaluation Structured assessment of substance‑related concerns within legal contexts.
Diagnostic Clarification Focused evaluation to determine or refine diagnostic impressions.
Trauma‑Related Referrals PTSD, emotional‑distress evaluation, and other trauma‑related questions.
Other forensic matters — If your referral question is not listed here, you’re welcome to send a message. Some matters may be considered on a case‑by‑case basis.
Expert consultation and testimony are available when supported by completed evaluation findings and within the limits of scope and competence.
Matters may be handled independently or, when appropriate, in collaboration with qualified consultants or multidisciplinary specialists. All referrals undergo an intake review to ensure proper documentation, jurisdictional fit, and alignment with the evaluator’s role.
Darrina S. Bledsoe, LPC, CFMHE, CADAC, CPRSS
Licensed professional counselor, certified forensic mental health evaluator, certified alcohol and drug addiction counselor, and certified peer recovery and support specialist
AT A GLANCE
STATE CREDENTIAL
Arizona LPC #23456
CASE WORK
$300/hour
TESTIMONY
$400/hour
Questions? (623) 297-3014
Rates & Payment
Start with a free 15-minute consultation
Every prospective forensic matter begins with a brief consultation to review the referral question, scope, timeline, and evaluator fit. This helps determine whether the matter aligns with Valley Forensic’s role and jurisdiction.
Professional rates and billing increments
Forensic evaluation work: $300/hour.
Forensic consultation: $300/hour.
Deposition, testimony, and court appearance: $400/hour.
Professional activity is billed in 0.1‑hour increments (6 minutes). This includes record review, collateral contacts, attorney communication, testing procedures, scoring and interpretation, report writing, preparation, and consultation.
Initial retainer
The standard initial retainer is $1,500, which covers up to five hours of evaluation or consultation at the hourly rate. Higher retainers may be required when case complexity, record volume, deadlines, or travel justify additional prepaid time. All forensic work is prepaid.
When the available prepaid balance reaches roughly half of the most recent retainer amount, Valley Forensic reviews the remaining anticipated work and issues a new retainer request based on a reasonable estimate of expected scope. The new retainer is due immediately. Any unused funds remain credited and roll forward. Later retainers may be higher or lower depending on case needs.
If the prepaid balance reaches zero, non‑required work pauses until additional funds are received, unless a court order or legal requirement directs otherwise.
Testimony retainer
A separate advance retainer is required for deposition, testimony, and court appearances. The standard testimony retainer begins at $3,000, with the amount adjusted when case‑specific factors such as format, preparation needs, anticipated waiting time, or travel justify a higher deposit.
Minimum reserved‑time requirements apply:
Remote deposition or testimony: 2‑hour minimum
In‑person deposition: 3‑hour minimum
Half‑day court appearance: 4‑hour minimum
Full‑day court appearance: 8‑hour minimum
The reserved minimum is billed unless written cancellation or release is received at least seven calendar days before the scheduled appearance. Tentative or informal statements do not release reserved time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Still have questions? Take a look at the FAQ or reach out anytime. If you’re feeling ready, go ahead and book a consultation.
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A forensic evaluation is designed to answer a legal question. It is objective, neutral, and focused on how mental health, substance use, or functioning relates to a legal issue such as mitigation, risk, behavior, or case context. Forensic evaluations rely on structured methods, collateral information, and record review, and result in a clear, defensible report intended for attorneys, courts, or agencies—not for treatment.
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Substance use disorders
Addiction severity & progression
Relapse patterns and triggers
Treatment responsiveness
Psychiatric disorders
Psychosis
Posttraumatic stress disorder
Mood disorders
Personality disorders
Co-occurring disorders
Mental health + substance use
Mental health + addiction
Functional impact of symptoms
Send a message if you have questions about mental health and substance use disorders.
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Evaluations typically can take 1.5-3 hours. The timeline varies based on the referral question, record volume, and collateral needs. A defined timeframe can be provided when a consultation is complete and records and releases are received.
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Prior to the interview, relevant records—such as police reports, court documents, treatment records, and collateral information—are reviewed to ensure the evaluation is informed, accurate, and grounded in the context of the case.
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During the evaluation, the individual participates in a comprehensive clinical and forensic interview that explores mental health history, substance use patterns, trauma history, behavioral functioning, and other factors relevant to the legal issue. Standardized assessment tools may be used to evaluate substance use severity, psychiatric symptoms, risk factors, or the consistency of reported symptoms. When appropriate, collateral information from family members, treatment providers, or supervising officers may be incorporated to support accuracy and provide additional context.
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Following the interview and data collection, all information is integrated into a clear, neutral, and defensible written report. The report includes clinical impressions, diagnostic clarification, analysis of substance use or mental health factors, and direct answers to the legal referral question. Upon completion, findings are available for consultation with the referring attorney to support case strategy, mitigation planning, or treatment recommendations.
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Reports provide objective, evidence‑based findings, diagnostic impressions, analysis of mental health or substance‑use factors, and clear answers to the legal referral question. Recommendations may be included when appropriate.
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Yes. Consultation can address behavioral health factors relevant to plea negotiations, sentencing, and treatment alternatives that may support mitigation.
