Dr. Thorpe specializes in forensic psychology, focusing on families involved in divorce and family court matters. Her expertise lies in providing evaluations and therapeutic interventions, tailored to address complex parenting and co-parenting challenges during and after separation or divorce.
Forensic Evaluations
Comprehensive Assessments for Family Court Cases
- Parenting Time/Child Custody Evaluation/Best Interests
These terms are often used interchageably within legal and mental health fields. You may consent or the court might refer your family for this type of evaluation to assist with what is in the best interest of your children. The evaluator may be retained by one parent or jointly by both parties.
The evaluation process is thorough and objective, adhering to standards set by the NJ Board of Psychological Examiners and professional organizations. This process typically invoves:- Interviews with parents, children, and other significant adults.
- Home visits to observe interactions.
- Psychological assessments and substance abuse testing, if needed.
- Reviewing documentation and reaching out to professionals, such as therapists, doctors or teachers, as well as collateral contacts who have observed the parents.
The final product is a detailed report used by clients, attorneys, and judges to make decisions in the best interests of the children.
- Relocation Evaluation
- Settlement-Based Parenting Time/Child Custody Evaluation: the evaluation process is still comprehensive and the same as that of a traditional Parenting Time Evaluation, the primary difference is that the results and recommendations are presented in a briefer written format with the aim to promote the settlement of custody disputes and to lower the cost and expedite the process. If a settlement is not reached, a comprehensive report may then be written.
- Focused Evaluation when there is a question such as psychological and/or cognitive functioning.
- Risk Evaluation to assist the court in determining whether there will be parental access and the impact of alleged risks on the child.
- Bonding/Attachment Evaluation to determine the nature and quality of a child’s relationship to the birth parent or other parental figure.
- Psychological Parent Evaluation which is typically conducted prior to petitioning for parenting time
- Grandparent Visitation Evaluation to establish whether a child will be harmed if their grandparents application to the court for visitation is denied, pursuant to the Grandparents’ Visitation Statute.
Why Choose Dr. Thorpe for Forensic Services?
Dr. Thorpe understands that divorce is one of the most challenging times in a family’s life. Her compassionate yet professional approach helps families transition smoothly while prioritizing the well-being of the children. She is dedicated to finding practical solutions that minimize conflict and promote healthier relationships.
Are Forensic Family Services Covered by My Mental Health Insurance?
No, they’re not. It’s also important to know that the rates for forensic services are typically higher than rates for psychotherapy. Also, a retainer is usually requested.
Forensic services are different from psychotherapy in that there is no identified patient, no clinical diagnosis is given and there are no CPT codes. Therefore, forensic clients aren’t able to submit claims to insurance.
Dr. Thorpe’s Forensic Family Training:
Dr. Thorpe has attended intensive courses including, but not limited to, those listed
below.
- Certified in Family Mediation, NJ Institute for Continuing Legal Education (ICLE), New Brunswick, NJ.
- Basic Interdisciplinary Collaborative Practice Training, Center for Mediation and Collaborative Divorce, Wall, NJ.
- Parent Coordinator Training, Association of Family and Conciliation Courts (AFCC), Madison, WI
- Children and Divorce: The Voice of the Children and Interventions When Children Resist Parental Contact, AFCC, Madison, WI
- New Ways For Families, High Conflict Institute, San Diego, CA, a program helping families transition through separation/divorce
- Advanced Issues in Child Custody, AFCC, Madison, WI
NJ Chapter of the Association of Family and Conciliation Courts (AFCC):
Dr. Thorpe serves on the Board of Directors and is the Membership Chair (2022 – present).
Speaking topics:
Parent-Child Contact Problems, Affairs and Step-Parenting most recently at the AFCC national conference, ICLE and other psychology related venues.