At Riggs Psychology Practice, we provide comprehensive, objective, and evidence-based psychological evaluations for legal and immigration proceedings. Dr. Sally E. Riggs brings over 25 years of clinical expertise and a rigorous, law-focused approach to every case. Forensic evaluations are distinct from clinical therapy: the primary obligation is to the court and to the legal question at hand, not to the individual being evaluated. Every report is written to directly address the specific psycho-legal criteria required, grounded in psychological science and clearly communicated for legal audiences. Dr Riggs is also available to provide expert witness testimony when needed.
Dr. Riggs is licensed in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Florida, and Texas and is authorized to conduct evaluations via secure online platforms across these jurisdictions.
Dr. Riggs is licensed in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Florida, and Texas and is authorized to conduct evaluations via secure online platforms across these jurisdictions.
Forensic Training & Qualifications
Dr. Riggs has completed the following specialized forensic training:
Competency to Stand Trial (Texas Art. 46B) — 24 hours total:
•Best Practices in Competency to Stand Trial — 20 hours (20 CEs), presented by Patricia A. Zapf, PhD, a leading authority in forensic assessment
•AFFP: A New Way to Write Forensic Reports — 4 hours (4 CEs), presented by Terry Kukor, PhD, ABPP
Immigration Evaluations:
•Psychological Evaluations in Immigration Court: Considerations for Mental Health Professionals — 10 hours (10 CEs), presented by Virginia Barber Rioja, PhD
In addition, Dr. Riggs holds a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from Royal Holloway, University of London, and brings extensive experience in psychological assessment, psychopathology, and working with individuals who have experienced severe mental health conditions, trauma, and adverse life events — all directly relevant to the populations commonly encountered in forensic and immigration evaluation contexts.
Competency to Stand Trial (Texas Art. 46B) — 24 hours total:
•Best Practices in Competency to Stand Trial — 20 hours (20 CEs), presented by Patricia A. Zapf, PhD, a leading authority in forensic assessment
•AFFP: A New Way to Write Forensic Reports — 4 hours (4 CEs), presented by Terry Kukor, PhD, ABPP
Immigration Evaluations:
•Psychological Evaluations in Immigration Court: Considerations for Mental Health Professionals — 10 hours (10 CEs), presented by Virginia Barber Rioja, PhD
In addition, Dr. Riggs holds a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from Royal Holloway, University of London, and brings extensive experience in psychological assessment, psychopathology, and working with individuals who have experienced severe mental health conditions, trauma, and adverse life events — all directly relevant to the populations commonly encountered in forensic and immigration evaluation contexts.
Competency to Stand Trial Evaluations
Federal and state law requires that a defendant must be competent to stand trial before criminal proceedings may continue. A competency evaluation assesses an individual's current mental capacity to understand the nature of the criminal proceedings against them and their ability to assist their attorney in a rational manner — the two-prong standard established in Dusky v. United States (1960).
It is important to note that a competency evaluation assesses the individual's current mental state at the time of the evaluation, not their mental state at the time of the alleged offense. That is a separate question addressed in criminal responsibility or insanity evaluations.
Our competency evaluations involve clinical interviews with the defendant, review of relevant legal documents and psychiatric or medical records, collateral interviews, and the administration of standardized forensic assessment instruments where appropriate. The resulting report directly addresses the legal criteria applicable to the jurisdiction and is written to be clearly understood by attorneys, judges, and other legal professionals.
It is important to note that a competency evaluation assesses the individual's current mental state at the time of the evaluation, not their mental state at the time of the alleged offense. That is a separate question addressed in criminal responsibility or insanity evaluations.
Our competency evaluations involve clinical interviews with the defendant, review of relevant legal documents and psychiatric or medical records, collateral interviews, and the administration of standardized forensic assessment instruments where appropriate. The resulting report directly addresses the legal criteria applicable to the jurisdiction and is written to be clearly understood by attorneys, judges, and other legal professionals.
Immigration Psychological Evaluations
Psychological evaluations can be a critical component of immigration cases, providing courts and adjudicators with objective clinical evidence regarding an individual's mental health, history of trauma, and the psychological impact of their circumstances. We work directly with immigration attorneys and their clients to produce thorough, well-documented reports that meet the evidentiary requirements of each case type.
Violence Against Women Act (VAWA)
For individuals seeking legal residency independent of an abusive U.S. citizen or permanent resident spouse or family member. These evaluations document the psychological and emotional impact of the abuse, identify clinical patterns consistent with domestic violence and trauma, and provide a professional assessment that supports the evidentiary record. We assess for conditions such as PTSD, depression, and anxiety arising from the abuse, and connect these findings clearly to the legal criteria of the petition.
For individuals seeking legal residency independent of an abusive U.S. citizen or permanent resident spouse or family member. These evaluations document the psychological and emotional impact of the abuse, identify clinical patterns consistent with domestic violence and trauma, and provide a professional assessment that supports the evidentiary record. We assess for conditions such as PTSD, depression, and anxiety arising from the abuse, and connect these findings clearly to the legal criteria of the petition.
Asylum Cases
For individuals seeking protection in the United States on the basis of persecution or a well-founded fear of persecution in their country of origin — whether on grounds of race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group. These evaluations assess and document the psychological sequelae of trauma, torture, or mistreatment, providing clinical evidence that supports the credibility and severity of the applicant's account.
For individuals seeking protection in the United States on the basis of persecution or a well-founded fear of persecution in their country of origin — whether on grounds of race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group. These evaluations assess and document the psychological sequelae of trauma, torture, or mistreatment, providing clinical evidence that supports the credibility and severity of the applicant's account.
Extreme Hardship Waivers (I-601 / I-601A)
For U.S. citizens or permanent residents seeking a waiver on the grounds that deportation of a family member would cause them extreme hardship. This evaluation focuses on the qualifying relative, documenting the psychological, emotional, and functional impact they would experience as a result of separation or forced relocation. The report is written to address the specific hardship factors considered by USCIS adjudicators.
For U.S. citizens or permanent residents seeking a waiver on the grounds that deportation of a family member would cause them extreme hardship. This evaluation focuses on the qualifying relative, documenting the psychological, emotional, and functional impact they would experience as a result of separation or forced relocation. The report is written to address the specific hardship factors considered by USCIS adjudicators.
U-Visa & T-Visa
•U-Visa: For victims of qualifying crimes who have suffered substantial mental or physical abuse and are cooperating with law enforcement. These evaluations document the nature and severity of the psychological harm suffered as a direct result of the crime.
•T-Visa: For victims of severe forms of human trafficking. These evaluations document the psychological impact of the trafficking experience and support the application requirements.
•U-Visa: For victims of qualifying crimes who have suffered substantial mental or physical abuse and are cooperating with law enforcement. These evaluations document the nature and severity of the psychological harm suffered as a direct result of the crime.
•T-Visa: For victims of severe forms of human trafficking. These evaluations document the psychological impact of the trafficking experience and support the application requirements.
Contact Us for an Evaluation
If you are an attorney seeking a psychological evaluation for your client, or an individual whose attorney has recommended a psychological evaluation, please contact us to discuss your case.
Please note: Forensic evaluations are not covered by health insurance.
Call: 646 868 8396
Email: [email protected]
Please note: Forensic evaluations are not covered by health insurance.
Call: 646 868 8396
Email: [email protected]
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t - 646 868 8396
f - 646 768 9496
f - 646 768 9496
NYC CBTp is now Riggs Psychology Practice, PLLC
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