OUR METHODOLOGY

WHY WE ARE THE EXPERTS

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Medicolegal Assessments - A Dual-Method Approach

SMC has pioneered a unique and innovative dual-method approach to medicolegal assessments. It is unique in its application and unmatched in its effectiveness. This innovative methodology delivers comprehensive and cost-efficient reports, providing substantial advantages in case preparation and presentation by ensuring precision and thoroughness.

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Our model integrates detailed psychiatric assessments with thorough psychometric testing conducted by a qualified clinician. This approach ensures that SMC reports offer:​

  

• Timely and Detailed Reports: Receive comprehensive reports promptly, enhancing case preparation and decision-making.

• In-Depth Assessments: We provide in-depth assessments that offer a complete and nuanced understanding of the client’s mental health, supporting robust legal arguments and well-informed case strategies.

• Reliable Evidence: Obtain reports grounded in evidence-based practices, increasing the credibility of your case.

 

 

What to Expect​

SMC’s assessments are conducted by a psychiatrist and a clinician trained in psychometric testing, who collaborate throughout the process. This ensures continuity, consistency, and a thorough understanding of the client's presentation. The collaborative approach enhances the accuracy of the diagnosis and recommendations, providing a holistic view of the client's mental health. The assessment typically takes between 90 minutes and 4 hours. 

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1. Psychiatric Assessment:

The process begins with a psychiatric evaluation conducted by our psychiatrist, who has extensive training in both medicine and psychiatry. This unique expertise allows them to understand the complex relationship between the body and mind, assessing mental health within the broader context of an individual’s medical history.

Psychiatrists are equipped to interpret psychometric test results, integrating them with clinical findings, medical history, and observations to provide a comprehensive and medically informed assessment, and making diagnoses based on established medical practices.

 

2. Psychometric Testing:

Psychometrics is the scientific study of psychological tests and measures, involves developing, interpreting, and evaluating tools used to assess behavioural variability and its connection to psychological phenomena. In evaluating the quality of psychological measures, key considerations include test reliability (consistency), validity (accuracy of interpretations and use), and fairness (equivalence of usage across different groups).

 

Psychometric testing involves the use of a range psychological tests to measure an individual's mental capabilities, personality traits, behavioral style, and other psychological attributes. These tests are scientifically designed to provide objective data that can be used to assess various aspects of an individual's psychological functioning and corroborating our expert's diagnosis.

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Psychologists and Clinical Support staff are specially trained and licensed to administer and score psychometric tests. They have a deep understanding of the tests' methodologies, norms, and standardisation processes, ensuring that the tests are administered correctly and consistently. The Clinician's role is to conduct these tests in a controlled and reliable manner, ensuring the validity and reliability of the results.

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Following the psychiatric assessment, the psychiatrist and the trained Clinician decide on the appropriate psychometric tests. These tests are designed to measure various aspects of a person’s mental health, such as cognitive abilities, personality traits, and behavioural styles. They are useful for identifying issues like malingering (faking symptoms) and deceitfulness that might not be obvious from interviews alone.

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The Clinician administers these tests, while the psychiatrist oversees the process to ensure accuracy and provide support. If needed, more detailed testing—such as assessments for personality disorders or risk evaluations—can be included.

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Most psychometric tests are conducted electronically, either by having the client complete them on an iPad, through a link sent to them, or with the clinician guiding the client through the process. The results of these tests are available immediately and provide clear data to support psychiatric opinions and recommendations.

 

3. Reporting and Legal Compliance:

The psychiatrist drafts the medicolegal report, which is then reviewed for accuracy by the Clinician. Both professionals sign the report, ensuring it meets all court requirements. Full results for public domain tests are included with the report, while only interpretations are provided for copyrighted tests.

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Why a Dual-Approach?

We ensure our reports are supported by evidence-based tools such as psychometric testing and up-to-date, widely accepted literature. Our opinions are meticulously substantiated with referenced evidence, presented in a footnote format for clear and easy reference by legal practitioners and the Court.

 

The division of responsibilities between psychiatrists and psychologists is based on their distinct areas of expertise, and this dual-faceted assessment ensures that both the subjective and objective aspects of a client's mental health are rigorously evaluated. By combining the strengths of both professions, SMC ensures that the psychometric testing is conducted rigorously, and the results are interpreted accurately, providing highly reliable and defensible reports.

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It is important to note, that whilst there are two clinicians involved in the assessment, the report and the conclusions reached remain the opinions the psychiatrist.

 

SMC's approach has received widespread acclaim from legal and medical professionals for the accuracy and reliability of our reports. SMC's commitment to innovation is evident in the electronic administration of tests, ensuring swift and precise results.

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Accessibility

Our experts are strategically located throughout rural and regional areas of Queensland, enabling us to facilitate assessments both in person and via video. This expanded presence ensures that more individuals can access our specialised services, regardless of their location. Additionally, we are committed to going the extra mile—literally. Our team travels to assess your clients in person, including visits to regional and rural areas, and even to prisons.

 

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​EXPERT TESTIMONY 

FEARLESS IN THE FACE OF COURT ​​​​

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Duty to the Court 

Our clinicians understand their duty to assist the Court in delivering judgments through their medicolegal opinions, taking this responsibility seriously. They actively participate in pre-trial conferences, conclaves, and court proceedings, balancing clinical commitments with availability for in-person, and video expert testimony.  

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Contact Us​​

Our services span criminal law, family law, civil litigation, disability, DVA, workers' compensation, insurance, medical negligence, and more. With extensive expertise across multiple disciplines, our capabilities include a diverse range of reports and services, with flexibility to accommodate specific needs beyond those listed. Our knowledgeable staff are available to assist and guide you, ensuring your requirements are met as we understand that Legal practitioners may not always be familiar with required assessments for their matters. Contact us to discuss your specific assessment and reporting needs, availability, and for personalised quotes.

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REPORTS 

SUBJECT BUT NOT LIMITED TO

TAILORED TO YOUR NEEDS

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