Family Court Assessments

Now Accepting Referrals for Nova Scotia Family Court Psychological Assessments

Dr. Carruthers is pleased to announce that clinical practice services have expanded to accept court-ordered psychological assessments for Nova Scotia Family Court matters.

Comprehensive psychological evaluations provide objective, evidence-based insight to help the court, legal counsel, and families navigate complex family law proceedings. Each assessment is tailored to address the specific legal and clinical questions at hand, adhering to the highest professional and ethical standards.

Areas of Clinical Evaluation

Assessments can examine a broad spectrum of psychological factors, including:

• Personality Functioning
• Emotional Functioning
• Depression & Anxiety
• Trauma & Stress-Related Disorders
• Substance Use
• Cognitive Functioning
• Parenting Stress & Attitudes
• Interpersonal Functioning
• Defensive Response Styles

Professional Approach & Methodology

Every assessment utilizes validated psychometric testing, structured clinical interviews, and observational data to deliver thorough, impartial, and clear reporting suitable for legal proceedings.

Please note:

• No Responsibility for Parental Capacity Decisions: The psychologist is not responsible for making parental capacity assessments, custody determinations, or parenting time recommendations.
• Limitation of Report: The psychologist's role and final written report to the Family Court are strictly limited to reporting the objective findings and outcomes of the specific psychological test measures administered. Any final determinations regarding parental capacity, parenting arrangements, or court orders remain solely under the authority and jurisdiction of the judge presiding over the Nova Scotia Family Court.