Mind Over Matter Psychological Services provides objective psychological assessments and reports for Section 14 matters in the NSW Local Court. We are based in Kingswood, Western Sydney, and can provide telehealth components where clinically and professionally appropriate.
What is a Section 14 psychological report?
Section 14 of the Mental Health and Cognitive Impairment Forensic Provisions Act 2020 (NSW) forms part of the Local Court diversion framework for defendants with a mental health impairment or cognitive impairment. The decision about whether a matter is dealt with under the Act is made by the Court. A psychologist’s role is to provide relevant clinical evidence and opinion to assist that decision.
A psychological report may address matters such as diagnosis, current symptoms, functioning, treatment history, treatment needs, rehabilitation prospects, risk factors where relevant, and the proposed treatment or support plan.
Our assessment approach
Assessments are conducted objectively and may include:
- Clinical interview and mental state assessment.
- Review of the referral question and relevant legal material.
- Review of medical, psychological or other records where provided.
- Consideration of DSM-5-TR diagnostic criteria.
- Psychometric assessment where clinically indicated.
- Assessment of current treatment needs and rehabilitation factors.
- Preparation of a structured treatment or support plan where appropriate.
Information your solicitor should provide
Where available, it is helpful for the referring solicitor to provide the next court date, police facts or agreed facts, criminal history where relevant, the referral or letter of instruction, relevant medical or psychological records, and details of any existing treatment.
Additional material may be requested if it is required to answer the referral questions adequately.
Objectivity and limitations
A Section 14 report is not an advocacy document and cannot guarantee a particular legal outcome. Opinions are based on the available clinical and documentary evidence and remain subject to the limits of the assessment and information provided. Any existing treating relationship is identified in the report.
Mind Over Matter Psychological Services does not provide legal advice. The defendant’s solicitor or barrister should advise on the legal basis for the application and the material required by the Court.
Fees and enquiries
Court and medico-legal psychological reports currently commence from $3,135 inclusive of GST. Fees may vary depending on complexity, urgency, psychometric testing and the volume of documents to be reviewed. A 50% deposit is required to secure the assessment appointment, with the balance payable before release of the report.
For broader information about our court-report service, visit our Court Report page.
To enquire, call 1300 200 358 or email enquiry@mindovermatter.net.au.