Services
Court-Ordered Evaluations
Court-ordered psychological evaluations, including those pursuant to California Evidence Code §730, are specialized assessments requested by the court or agreed upon by parties to clarify complex issues in divorce, custody, juvenile, or dependency matters.
Dr. Mirkin applies a multi-method approach that integrates clinical expertise with strict adherence to ethical and forensic standards. Each evaluation incorporates clinical interviews, psychological testing, collateral sources, and detailed records review to deliver clear, well-supported findings that assist the court in making informed, child-focused determinations.
Her process emphasizes:
- Comprehensive data integration – synthesizing testing results, collateral information, and records to form a balanced clinical picture
- Pattern recognition – identifying consistent behavioral and relational themes rather than isolated incidents
- Objective analysis – filtering bias and distinguishing subjective claims from verifiable evidence in high-conflict situations
At the core of Dr. Mirkin’s forensic practice is a commitment to neutrality, transparency, and truth-seeking. Every conclusion is grounded in clinical evidence and framed to support fair, developmentally appropriate outcomes within the legal process.
Dr. Mirkin is an approved provider on the Riverside and Stanislaus County Superior Court panels for court-ordered psychological evaluations.
Independent Psychological Evaluations
Independent Psychological Evaluations provide a comprehensive and objective assessment of an individual’s psychological functioning. These evaluations identify the presence of mental health disorders and examine how emotional or behavioral factors influence judgment, relationships, and daily functioning. They assist courts and attorneys in clarifying diagnostic questions, emotional dynamics, and behavioral patterns within legal and family contexts.
Each evaluation includes clinical interviews, standardized psychological testing, collateral information, records review, and a detailed written report. When concerns involve substance use, aggression, or safety, Dr. Mirkin incorporates specialized components such as Substance Abuse or Violence Risk Assessments. Courts may request Child Psychological or Psychoeducational Evaluations to clarify a child’s emotional, cognitive, or learning needs. These assessments incorporate input from parents and schools, along with standardized testing, to ensure accurate and developmentally informed findings.
Parental Capacity / Parental Fitness Evaluations
A Parental Capacity (or Parental Fitness) Evaluation assess a parent’s psychological functioning, parenting abilities, and capacity to provide safe, stable, and developmentally appropriate care. These evaluations are typically ordered in custody or dependency cases when questions arise about a parent’s mental health, judgment, or ability to meet a child’s needs.
Forensic assessments examine case context, gather input from multiple sources, and synthesize findings to inform legal decisions. Common referral reasons include:
- Custody disputes involving concerns about mental health, substance use, child abuse, neglect, domestic violence, or parental alienation
- Child Protective Services referrals assessing safety, caregiving capacity, and functioning
- Adoption proceedings evaluating readiness and ability to assume parental responsibilities
- Termination of parental rights cases requiring assessment of long-term caregiving capacity
- Reunification evaluations examining emotional readiness, behavioral change, and stability following child removal
Bonding Best Interest Evaluations (Family Code §622)
Dr. Mirkin conducts bonding and best-interest evaluations to assess the strength, consistency, and psychological significance of a child’s attachment to a parent or caregiver. Grounded in attachment theory and child-centered principles, these evaluations provide the court with insight into the child’s emotional bonds, developmental needs, and potential risk of harm from disrupted attachments. Each report delivers clear, balanced findings and practical recommendations supporting the child’s best interests in cases involving custody, reunification, adoption, or placement decisions.
Dr. Mirkin conducts these evaluations with clinical precision, neutrality, and adherence to ethical standards established by the American Psychological Association (APA) and the Association of Family and Conciliation Courts (AFCC). Her conclusions are grounded in data, professional integrity, and a clear focus on the best interests of the child.
International and Domestic Adoption Evaluations
Building a family through adoption is a meaningful and life-changing process, often accompanied by emotional and logistical challenges—especially after the obstacles many families face on their path to parenthood. Dr. Mirkin provides both international and domestic pre-adoption psychological evaluations to support individuals and couples preparing to adopt. These assessments help determine emotional readiness, family dynamics, coping skills, and the ability to provide a stable, nurturing environment for a child joining the family through adoption.
Most adoption agencies—particularly in international cases—require a formal psychological or “adoption readiness” evaluation as part of the mental health screening process. Requirements may vary by agency or country, and Dr. Mirkin collaborates closely with each client and their adoption agency to ensure that all documentation, testing, and reports meet the appropriate standards.
Each evaluation includes a comprehensive clinical interview (conducted jointly and individually with each partner) and standardized personality testing, administered in written or computerized format. Findings are synthesized into a detailed report that meets agency and court requirements, providing an objective, evidence-based assessment of adoption readiness.
Dr. Mirkin offers a complimentary 15-minute phone consultation to discuss the evaluation process, estimated costs, and the specific requirements for your adoption agency or country of application.
General Psychological Evaluation & Testing
Dr. Nicole Mirkin provides comprehensive psychological evaluations to help individuals, families, and professionals gain a deeper understanding of emotional, cognitive, and behavioral functioning. Each assessment is tailored to clarify diagnostic questions, identify underlying patterns, and inform treatment planning, educational support, or legal decision-making.
Evaluations integrate clinical interviews, standardized psychological testing, and collateral input to create a clear, evidence-based profile of an individual’s strengths and challenges. These assessments address a wide range of concerns, including trauma, anxiety, depression, mood instability, learning differences, and behavioral difficulties—offering meaningful insights that support personal growth and effective intervention.
Assessment Types
- Diagnostic Evaluations – For individuals presenting with complex or overlapping mental health symptoms.
- Personality Assessments – Examining coping style, emotional regulation, and interpersonal functioning.
- Cognitive & Intellectual Testing / Learning Disabilities – Identifies cognitive strengths, weaknesses, and learning needs to inform individualized educational planning.
- Emotional Support Animal (ESA) Documentation – For individuals whose psychological functioning benefits from the presence of an ESA.
Consultation & Coaching For Court Involved Individuals
Coaching Philosophy
I created Innovative Psychological Partners to bring transparency and authenticity into the process of change. Too often, psychology creates a hierarchy between “the expert” and “the person seeking help.” Real change doesn’t happen in silence—it happens through honest conversations where people feel seen, understood, and safe to tell the truth about what they’ve been through.
Throughout my career, I’ve worked with individuals navigating complex systems—family court, dependency court, probation—who’ve learned to stay guarded out of fear that showing emotion or admitting fault could be used against them. I understand that fear and how easily it can keep people stuck. Too often, systems assign endless services without recognizing the person behind them. People are expected to comply, perform, and maintain stability while balancing the demands of daily life and the enduring work of healing.
My coaching approach is collaborative and grounded in respect for each individual’s experience. I believe in meeting people where they are—directly, compassionately, and without judgment. Together, we work to bring clarity to complex circumstances and direction amid uncertainty, transforming fear into confidence and confusion into purposeful action. My goal is to help clients dismantle barriers, navigate intricate systems with courage and understanding, and restore a lasting sense of stability, self-trust, and autonomy.
Court Navigation & Legal Coaching
Navigating family or juvenile court can feel overwhelming, especially when every decision impacts your future and your family. Dr. Mirkin offers non-clinical, goal-oriented coaching for individuals involved in family, juvenile, or dependency court proceedings who want to feel informed, organized, and confident as they move through the process.
Coaching focuses on helping clients:
- Understand court expectations, orders, and next steps
- Approach required services (evaluations, parenting classes, therapy, etc) with clarity and follow-through
- Communicate effectively with attorneys, evaluators, and service providers
- Strengthen organization, self-advocacy, and emotional steadiness when navigating high-stakes situations
Dr. Mirkin’s approach integrates her background as a licensed psychologist with practical, system-focused guidance. Coaching is not therapy or legal advice; it is a structured, forward-focused process designed to help clients make sense of the systems they are in, advocate for themselves effectively, and take actionable steps toward resolution and stability.
Whether you are navigating a high-conflict custody dispute or juvenile or dependency court involvement, Dr. Mirkin offers a grounded and collaborative space to help you move from confusion and reactivity to clarity, direction, and self-trust.
Please note: Coaching services are non-clinical and available to clients in any state or country. Psychotherapy services are provided exclusively to California residents through Dr. Mirkin’s licensed practice.
Therapy Services
Dr. Mirkin offers individual therapy for adolescents and adults focused on emotional wellness, self-awareness, and developing practical tools for navigating life’s challenges. Her areas of expertise include trauma recovery, anxiety and mood regulation, parenting concerns, parental alienation, and relationship stress. Her therapeutic approach emphasizes psychoeducation, skill-building, and evidence-based interventions designed to foster resilience, insight, and emotional balance.
As a certified School Counselor, Dr. Mirkin also provides specialized support in academic and career planning, adjustment, and life transitions.
Dr. Mirkin is an approved provider on the Riverside and Stanislaus County Superior Court panel for Court-Connected Family Counseling Services and offers court-ordered therapy to individuals and families seeking growth within structured treatment settings.
In addition, Dr. Mirkin offers couples counseling to help partners improve communication, manage conflict more effectively, and strengthen emotional connection in their relationships.
Availability
Please call to discuss scheduling and current availability. If your situation involves litigation and you are seeking evaluation or consultation services related to an ongoing legal matter, your attorney is welcome to contact Dr. Mirkin directly to discuss the specific needs of the case and determine the most appropriate next steps.
Insurance
Please note that Dr. Mirkin does not participate in any insurance panels. However, clients may request itemized statements that can be submitted to their insurance provider for out-of-network reimbursement, if applicable. Most forensic and court-related evaluations are not covered by insurance, as they are generally not considered medically necessary under insurance guidelines.