Psychological vs. Psychosexual Evaluations: When Are They Used?

When legal, clinical, or institutional decisions depend on a person’s mental health or behavioral risk, choosing the right type of evaluation is essential. Among the most commonly requested assessments in forensic mental health are psychological and psychosexual evaluations. Though the terms are sometimes used interchangeably, they are distinctly different in scope, purpose, and application.

At New York Mental Health Group, we provide both types of evaluations with objectivity, expertise, and sensitivity. Below, we break down what each assessment involves, who typically requests them, and when they are most appropriate.

What Is a Psychological Evaluation?

A psychological evaluation is a comprehensive mental health assessment used to understand an individual’s cognitive, emotional, and behavioral functioning. It can provide diagnostic clarity, treatment recommendations, and insight into a person’s psychological strengths and limitations.

When Is It Used?

Psychological evaluations are typically requested in the following contexts:

• Criminal cases: To assess competency to stand trial, criminal responsibility (insanity defense), or mitigation during sentencing.

• Family law: To determine parental fitness or evaluate mental health in custody disputes.

• Civil cases: In claims involving emotional distress, disability, or psychological injury.

• Educational or workplace settings: For accommodations, disability determinations, or return-to-work evaluations.

Who Requests It?

• Attorneys (criminal defense, family, civil)

• Judges or courts

• Employers or schools

• Mental health providers

What’s Included?

• Clinical interview

• Mental status examination

• Review of records

• Standardized psychological testing (e.g., personality, intelligence, trauma inventories)

• Diagnostic impressions (DSM-5-TR)

• Treatment or risk-related recommendations

What Is a Psychosexual Evaluation?

A psychosexual evaluation is a specialized assessment focused on an individual’s sexual development, attitudes, behaviors, risk factors, and potential for future sexual offending. This evaluation is most often used in legal cases involving sexual misconduct, sexual abuse, or sexually inappropriate behavior.

When Is It Used?

Psychosexual evaluations are generally requested when:

• An individual is facing criminal charges involving sexual behavior (e.g., sexual abuse, exploitation, indecent exposure).

• There are allegations of inappropriate sexual conduct involving minors or vulnerable adults.

• A court or treatment team needs to assess risk of sexual recidivism, treatment readiness, and treatment needs.

• Agencies are making placement decisions (e.g., foster care, residential facilities).

Who Requests It?

• Defense or prosecuting attorneys

• Judges or probation officers

• Child protective services or family court

• Sex offender treatment providers

What’s Included?

• Detailed sexual history and behavioral analysis

• Clinical interview and collateral interviews

• Review of criminal, mental health, and social history

• Standardized risk assessment tools (e.g., STATIC-99R, STABLE-2007, ABEL Assessment)

• Assessment of paraphilic interests, deviant sexual arousal, and impulse control

• Treatment recommendations and risk management planning

Note: Psychosexual evaluations are not therapy sessions and are conducted with strict neutrality. Informed consent and appropriate legal protections are essential due to the sensitive nature of the topics.

Which Evaluation Does Your Client Need?

If you are unsure whether a psychological or psychosexual evaluation is appropriate for your case, consider:

• What is the primary legal question?
  If it relates to general mental functioning, behavior, or parenting capacity → Psychological.
  If it concerns sexual behavior, risk, or misconduct → Psychosexual.

• What outcome do you need the evaluation to support?
  Are you seeking mitigation, diagnosis, treatment planning, or risk containment?

• Will the evaluation be used in court?
  Both types of evaluation can be court-admissible, but the required methodology and documentation may differ.

Expert Forensic Evaluations at the NYMHG

At New York Mental Health Group, our forensic evaluators provide both psychological and psychosexual evaluations that are:

• Objective and neutral

• Thorough and evidence-based

• Legally sound and report-ready

• Conducted with sensitivity to cultural, trauma-informed, and ethical considerations

Whether you're a defense attorney, prosecutor, or guardian ad litem, we’re here to support your case with clear, defensible, and professional assessments.