Business Details
48 Years
experience
Forensic Psychology Services in Phoenix, AZ
Established in 1978, our practice specializes in forensic psychology, offering expert evaluations and consultations for personal injury, child custody, and legal matters. With over four decades of experience, we adhere to rigorous assessment protocols and empirical research, serving both plaintiff and defense counsel. Our founder, Dr. Susan Phipps-Yonas, holds a Ph.D. in child and adult clinical psychology from the University of Minnesota and is licensed in Arizona and Minnesota. We prioritize ethical practices, objectivity, and adherence to industry guidelines, including those from the American Psychological Association and the Association of Family and Conciliation Courts.Our work spans forensic interviews, report reviews, parenting coordination, and expert testimony, supported by a commitment to advancing psychological science through research and education. We serve clients in Phoenix, Arizona, and beyond, with a focus on delivering reliable, evidence-based insights for legal professionals and families.
Services
Personal Injury Evaluations
Child Custody Assessments
Parenting Coordination
Forensic Interview Reviews
Expert Testimony
Details
- Year established: 1978
Highlights and features
- We offer 40+ years of forensic psychology experience in civil and family law cases.
- Our assessments follow APA and AFCC guidelines for rigorous, objective analysis.
- We provide expert testimony and report reviews informed by empirical research.
- Licensed in Arizona and Minnesota with a national reputation for integrity.
- Specialized in trauma impact evaluations and child forensic interview reviews.
What people say
Exceptionally competent
Ethical grounding
Objective facts focus
National reputation
Compassionate expertise
Services
Personal Injury Evaluations
Comprehensive psychological evaluations for injury cases resulting from sexual trauma, abuse, accidents, or discrimination. We conduct record reviews, client interviews, and psychological testing to assess emotional damages. Our findings help legal teams understand the psychological impact of incidents, supporting both plaintiff and defense counsel with objective, research-backed conclusions.
Child Custody Evaluations
Structured custody evaluations following APA and AFCC guidelines. We interview parents and children, administer psychological tests, and review family documents to determine the child's best interests. Our reports analyze parental capabilities, household dynamics, and statutory factors to inform court decisions in high-conflict custody cases.
Parenting Coordination
Neutral parenting coordination services under Arizona Rule 74. We facilitate post-divorce decision-making, resolve disputes, and create parenting plans using evidence-based practices. Our approach balances flexibility with structure, prioritizing children's needs while helping co-parents implement court orders effectively.
Forensic Interview Reviews
Quality assessments of child forensic interviews for criminal or family court cases. We evaluate interview techniques against APSAC standards, analyze documentation, and provide expert opinions on procedural integrity without determining case outcomes, supporting prosecutors and defense attorneys.
Expert Testimony
Forensic psychology expert testimony in deposition or trial settings. We present complex psychological findings clearly, drawing from 40+ years of experience and peer-reviewed research to explain trauma impacts, custody factors, or evaluation methodologies to judges and juries.
People
Susan Phipps-Yonas
Forensic Psychologist
Licensed psychologist with 40+ years of forensic experience, specializing in trauma, custody, and legal evaluations. Published researcher in sexual abuse resilience and child forensic practices. Active in national psychology organizations and Arizona court-appointed roles.
Questions
What areas do you specialize in as a forensic psychologist?
I specialize in personal injury evaluations, child custody assessments, parenting coordination, forensic interview reviews, and expert testimony for legal cases.
How do you ensure objectivity in custody evaluations?
I follow APA and AFCC guidelines, conducting comprehensive interviews, psychological testing, and document reviews to ensure evidence-based, unbiased conclusions.
Are your services available outside Arizona?
While based in Phoenix, I consult on cases nationwide through document reviews, interviews, and expert testimony participation.
What qualifications do you hold?
I hold a Ph.D. in clinical psychology from the University of Minnesota, am licensed in Arizona and Minnesota, and have 40+ years of forensic experience.
Can you review existing psychological reports for legal cases?
Yes, I critique reports for bias or incompleteness using AFCC and Gould et al. protocols, focusing on objective analysis of available data.
