Forensic Psychological Evaluations for Pretrial Mental Healt

Dr. Ina Creekbaum provides comprehensive forensic psychological evaluations for criminal defense attorneys seeking pretrial mental health diversion under California Penal Code Section 1001.36. Evaluations are conducted via secure telehealth and are available to defense counsel in San Bernardino, Riverside, and Orange counties.

What Is PC 1001.36 Mental Health Diversion?

California's mental health diversion statute allows eligible defendants charged with felonies or misdemeanors to participate in court-supervised treatment in lieu of prosecution. Upon successful completion, charges are dismissed and the case is sealed. The statute requires the court to make six specific findings, each supported by qualified mental health expert opinion.

  Each evaluation addresses the six statutory criteria the court must consider:

1. Whether the defendant has a qualifying DSM-5 mental health disorder

2. Whether the disorder was a significant factor in the commission of the charged offense (nexus analysis)

3. Whether the defendant's symptoms are likely to respond to mental health treatment

4. Whether the defendant consents to diversion and agrees to comply with treatment

5. Whether a viable treatment plan can be identified

6. Whether the defendant poses an unreasonable risk to public safety as defined in PC 1170.18

The evaluation includes a comprehensive clinical interview, validated psychological screening instruments, review of available records (police reports, prior treatment records, jail medical files), diagnostic formulation, nexus opinion, individualized treatment plan recommendation, and a risk assessment addressing the public safety criterion.

Deliverable

A court-ready forensic report that integrates clinical findings with the statutory criteria, relevant case law, and a specific treatment recommendation. Reports are written in clear, accessible language designed for judicial review and are provided to retaining counsel for filing with the court.

 ▸ Licensed Clinical Psychologist — California License PSY30705

▸ Qualified Medical Evaluator (QME) — California Division of Workers' Compensation

▸ Doctorate in Education (Ed.D.) with specialization in clinical psychology

▸ Expertise in diagnostic assessment, trauma-informed care, substance use disorders, and treatment planning

▸ Developer of the TCAT (Trauma-informed Clinical Assessment and Treatment) framework

Service Area

Virtual evaluations available to defense counsel in San Bernardino County, Riverside County, and Orange County Superior Courts. All evaluations conducted via HIPAA-compliant videoconference.

Retained by Defense Counsel

Dr. Creekbaum is retained directly by the defense attorney. This is a private forensic evaluation — not a court appointment. The retaining attorney receives the completed report and determines how it is used in the case.

Contact

To discuss a case or request a consultation, contact:

▸ Email: drina@illuminatingpsychologicalservices.com

▸ Phone: 909-856-5904

Please do not include protected health information in initial correspondence. Case materials should be transmitted via secure file transfer after a retainer agreement is in place.