Dr. Gallagher is available to both plaintiff and defense counsel to assist in the evaluation of personal injury in which mental health functioning is at issue. A comprehensive evaluation in this context will typically address:
- The plaintiff’s baseline psychological functioning prior to the injury
- The nature and extent of impairment or injury (including any malingering or underreporting of symptoms)
- The nature and extent of any distress caused by the injury
- The likely cause of each impairment or injury
- The nature and extent of treatment that will likely be necessary
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:
- Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Anxiety Disorders
- Mood disorders (depression and mania)
- Personality disorders
- Malingering
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.
