Mental Health Assessment
/ˈmɛn.təl hɛlθ əˈsɛs.mənt/
Definitions
- (n.) A legal or clinical process to evaluate an individual's cognitive, emotional, and psychological condition to inform decisions in legal contexts such as guardianship, competency, or custody.
The court ordered a mental health assessment to determine the defendant's fitness to stand trial.
Forms
- mental health assessment
- mental health assessments
Related terms
See also
Commentary
Precise and impartial documentation is critical to ensure assessments are admissible and influential in legal determinations concerning mental state.
This glossary is for general informational and educational purposes only. Definitions are jurisdiction-agnostic but reflect terminology and concepts primarily drawn from English and American legal traditions. Nothing herein constitutes legal advice or creates a lawyer-client relationship. Users should consult qualified counsel for advice on specific matters or jurisdictions.