Expert Witness · Forensic Psychology
Forensic Psychology
for Civil & Employment Matters
Rigorous psychological expertise where the consulting room meets the courtroom — grounded in 20 years of clinical practice and evidence-based methodology.
A niche at the intersection of
psychology and law
Dr. Walsh is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist with over 20 years of clinical and consultative experience and a focused practice in forensic applications of psychology in civil and employment-related matters. Her work centers on comprehensive psychological assessment, diagnostic formulation, and detailed record review related to emotional distress, trauma, grief, suicide risk and bereavement, substance use, complex adult psychopathology, and ADHD-related accommodations and discrimination.
Evaluations rely on empirically validated assessment measures and data-driven analysis, with reports written in clear, accessible language for legal and lay audiences. Dr. Walsh accepts work from both plaintiff and defense counsel.
Colorado & Illinois
- Colorado #PSY.0006327
- Illinois #071009203
- Federal cases accepted by request
- Telehealth evaluations available
Forensic work grounded in the
Specialty Guidelines for Forensic Psychology
Clinical expertise in complex adult presentations — integrated with the specific questions courts and attorneys need answered.
Psychological Injury in Civil & Employment Cases
- Assessment of alleged emotional distress and functional impairment linked to workplace events or civil wrongs
- Distinguishing pre-existing conditions from incident-related symptoms
- Opinions on diagnosis, severity, prognosis, and impact on work and daily functioning
ADHD Accommodations & Discrimination
- Evaluation of adult ADHD and executive-function difficulties relevant to performance and safety
- Analysis of alleged failures to accommodate ADHD in workplace or academic settings
- Clarifying the relationship between ADHD symptoms, disciplinary actions, and claimed damages
Suicide, Bereavement & Wrongful Death
- Evaluation of suicide risk and related clinical factors in civil and employment contexts
- Consultation in wrongful death cases, including analysis of evidence relevant to suicide determination
- Assessment of suicide bereavement and complicated grief reactions among survivors
Substance Use & Co-Occurring Conditions
- Assessment of substance use patterns and their role in claimed impairment or alleged misconduct
- Parsing contributions of substance use versus trauma, mood, or ADHD to reported symptoms
Evaluation & testimony,
step by step
Initial Case Consultation
- Brief call with retaining counsel to clarify referral questions and jurisdiction
- Conflicts check and determination of role — consulting vs. testifying expert
- Preliminary scope, timelines, and fit with expertise
Record Review & Collateral Data
- Review of pleadings, discovery, medical and mental health records, employment records, and prior evaluations
- Identification of additional records or collateral interviews needed
Forensic Evaluation
- In-person or secure video interview focused on time-linked changes in symptoms and functioning
- Empirically validated psychological tests and response-style measures, when indicated
- Assessment guided by legal questions rather than treatment needs
Opinions, Report & Testimony
- Written report addressing each referral question with transparent reasoning and citation to data
- Independent opinions on diagnosis, causation, prognosis, and functional impact
- Availability for deposition and trial testimony
Professional standards,
without exception
- ObjectivityOpinions are grounded in data, not advocacy for either side. Dr. Walsh accepts work from both plaintiff and defense counsel.
- Data-DrivenEmpirically validated measures, structured interviews, and careful record synthesis form the foundation of every opinion.
- Clear CommunicationReports are written for judges and juries — technical concepts explained in straightforward, accessible language.
- Timely WorkEvaluations, reports, and testimony delivered in a prompt, organized manner that meets or exceeds agreed-upon deadlines.
- Candid FeedbackEarly input on strengths, limitations, and potential vulnerabilities in a case's psychological theory.
- Ethical StandardsNo contingency arrangements. Close attention to ethical and legal standards in forensic work at all times.
De-identified examples of
typical referral questions
Federal employment discrimination case in the Northern District of Illinois involving alleged employment-related psychological injury.
Defense-side consultation in a wrongful death lawsuit arising from a workplace warehouse fatality, focusing on evidence relevant to a suicide determination.
Evaluation of alleged emotional distress and functional impairment in the context of performance-based discipline and ADHD-related symptoms.
Record review and opinion regarding the adequacy of suicide risk assessment and documentation in a complex clinical setting.
Education, licensure
& professional involvement
Licensure
- Licensed Clinical Psychologist, Colorado (#PSY.0006327) — Active
- Licensed Clinical Psychologist, Illinois (#071009203) — Active
Education & Training
- PsyD, Clinical Psychology — Illinois School of Professional Psychology (APA-accredited)
- MA, Clinical Psychology — Illinois School of Professional Psychology
- BA, Psychology (Minor: Philosophy) — Texas State University
- Psychological autopsy methods training — American Association of Suicidology
Professional Memberships
- American Association for Suicidology
- International Association for Suicide Prevention
- American Psychological Association
- American Psychology–Law Society (AP-LS)
- Former adjunct faculty at multiple clinical psychology training programs
Ready to discuss
a case?
Dr. Walsh is based in Trinidad, Colorado and accepts matters in Colorado and Illinois, with select federal cases by request.