Medico-Legal Assessments
As a Clinical Psychologist, I use a combination of clinical interviews, formal testing and observational data to draw conclusions, offer opinions, and provide comprehensive recommendations for each unique case.
Sarah Campbell has over 10 years’ experience as an expert witness at the request of solicitors who need an opinion to assist with complex legal decisions. These assessments usually involve individuals who have been diagnosed with, or are suspected of having, a mental health condition or cognitive impairment that could be relevant to proceedings. She is particularly interested in untangling autism, ADHD, personality issues and trauma. Typical Assessments include:
Pre-sentence Reports
As a Solicitor, you may request a presentence report from an expert witness when you believe there are mitigating factors that a magistrate or judge might consider during sentencing. These reports provide the court with valuable insights into the individual, helping to inform complex decisions about the most appropriate sentencing outcome.
Children At Risk
When families are referred to FACS or DCJ, psychologists are often engaged as a single expert witness to provide independent opinions that may be critical in family law proceedings. These assessments evaluate the child’s needs, potential risks that exist for the parents and within the family system, and the strengths and protective factors that exist for the children. Such expert opinions are frequently relied upon to inform decisions regarding custody or guardianship arrangements.
Section 14 Assessments
A Section 14 mental health application is applicable to individuals accused of summary offences or indictable offences that can be addressed in the NSW Local and Children’s Courts. The purpose of this application is to divert individuals with a mental health condition or cognitive impairment away from the criminal justice system and into professional care for appropriate treatment. It may be required to undertake a diagnostic assessment as part of a Section 14 report.
Fitness to Plead or Stand Trial
Under NSW forensic mental health laws, a statutory test is used to determine if an individual is unfit to stand trial due to a mental health impairment or cognitive impairment. A person is considered unfit if they cannot understand the offence, enter a plea, comprehend the nature of the proceedings as an inquiry into whether they committed the offence, formulate a defence, or respond to the charge effectively. This assessment enables the court to decide whether the individual is currently fit to stand trial and whether they are likely to regain fitness within 12 months.
Sarah Campbell
Clinical Psychologist
I am Clinical Psychologist passionate about the assessment and treatment of complex and chronic conditions. This includes working with neurodivergent populations who have been diagnosed with, or are suspected of having, Autism and ADHD. Having worked for over a decade with clients in inpatient forensic mental health facilities, prisons, private practice, and remote aboriginal communities, I am often called upon as an expert witness to prepare reports to assist in complex decision making. I am also a board approved supervisor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Request A Call Back
If you are a Solicitor or Barrister you can request Sarah to call you for further discussion on a case.
Alternatively you can contact or get a quote here
