Dr. Gallagher has extensive experience evaluating adults in the context of criminal charges. She worked for many years in correctional and state hospital settings with both pre- and post-trial adult defendants, including those adjudicated not guilty by reason of insanity (NGRI). She is available to evaluate adult defendants addressing such legal questions as:
- Competency to Stand Trial
- Competency to Plead Guilty
- Competency to Waive Miranda
- Insanity
- Diminished Capacity
- Risk for Reoffense and Future Violence
- Sex Offender Recidivism
- Sentencing Mitigation
- Civil Commitment
Mental health diagnosis is often central to many of these questions before the court. Dr. Gallagher utilizes a wide range of psychological tests in the diagnostic process. The most common diagnostic concerns that she addresses are:
- Malingering
- Psychopathy
- Intellectual Functioning (IQ)
- Psychosis
- Mood disorders (depression and mania)
- Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Personality disorders
- Substance-related disorders
Dr. Gallagher operates as an independent evaluator and consultant. Conclusions are offered in an unbiased manner utilizing the best practices in the field. As a consequence, of course, the evaluation conclusions may or may not support the desired outcome. Dr. Gallagher is available to provide expert testimony in those cases in which her conclusions are in line with the needs of the retaining attorney.
