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This page presents information about my Forensic Psychology Practice and appointment procedures, describes my education and experience, explains my fees, fee policy, and retainer requirements, and provides directions to each of my offices.
Education: I have a Ph.D. from Fordham University, a Master's degree from Seton Hall University, and a Bachelor's degree from Bucknell University. The Education link provides a more detailed description of each of these degree programs, as well as describing my postgraduate training related to Forensic Psychology.
Experience: Between 1974 and 1987, I worked in public mental health, in hospitals, family counseling agencies, substance abuse programs, and community mental health clinics. My last position before entering full time private practice was as Clinical Director of a mental health clinic. Since 1987, I have been in private practice as a licensed psychologist in New Jersey. My practice is currently divided between clinical work, such as psychotherapy and family therapy, and forensic work, including evaluations, testing and court testimony in a number of areas. Rather than focusing on developing a forensic practice, my forensic work developed out of my clinical experience. For example, my therapeutic experience with children, parents and families led to forensic work evaluating child abuse, domestic violence, child custody and other family court matters. My clinical experience treating individuals with traumatic injuries, and my training background in rehabilitation psychology, led to forensic litigation evaluations (for both plaintiff and defense). And, my extensive diagnostic experience with a broad range of clinical clients in both mental health and substance abuse treatment programs, as well as my treatment experience with a broad range of clients, including clients with criminal histories, led to forensic evaluations for juvenile court, criminal proceedings, and family court, in cases where psychological diagnosis, the relationship between diagnosis and family, civil or criminal matters, and treatment recommendations and potential for rehabilitation were relevant. Follow the experience link for a more detailed presentation of my experience.
Fees and Fee Policy: Currently, my fees for forensic consultation are based on an hourly rate of $175.00. All work related to a case is billable, including, but not limited to, diagnostic evaluations, administration, scoring and interpretation of psychological tests, consultations with attorneys and/or other individuals who have information relevant to a case (for example, teachers in child custody evaluations), the review of records, discovery, or other evaluations, preparation and record review prior to a deposition or court testimony, depositions and/or testimony, and travel time to offsite locations, such as court, attorney offices, correctional facilities, schools, or home visits. Clients and attorneys understand that payment of fees is for the professional services provided, and, as a psychologist, I do not work on a contingency basis. There are times when my evaluation may not be helpful to a client, and the client and his/her attorney will need to decide how, or if, to use my evaluation.
Retainer: In most cases, a retainer is requested prior to beginning a forensic evaluation, and the balance is typically paid in full prior to release of the report. There are some exceptions made to this policy on a case by case basis, depending on who is responsible for payment. (For example, if a state agency is responsible for payment, then the evaluation can proceed with written approval for the estimated cost of the evaluation.) Any unused portion of the retainer will be returned at the conclusion of the case. For the convenience of clients who wish to, or need to, make payments over a period of time, the retainer and/or all fees can be paid by credit card. The amount of the retainer will depend on the nature of the case, but will be at least half of the estimated total, or the full estimated total for evaluations expected to be completed within a short time (such as pre-sentence evaluations).
Appointment Procedures: Procedures vary according to the nature of the case:
Donald J. Franklin, Ph.D.
Office Locations and Directions: My forensic psychology services are available throughout New Jersey, and in adjoining states for Federal cases. I have offices in Somerset, Hunterdon, Mercer, and Middlesex counties, in central New Jersey. However, arrangements can be made to complete evaluations in other locations, and I have testified in 14 of the 21 counties in New Jersey, and in Pennsylvania. The Office Location link will list the address of each office. The county links above, or any of the town links at the bottom of the page, will provide information about that office, including directions. |
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Donald J. Franklin, Ph.D. is a NJ licensed psychologist (#2244) |
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