Evaluations

The psychosexual evaluation focuses on an individual’s sexual development, sexual history, paraphilia interests, sexual adjustment and recidivism risk level. The psychosexual evaluation includes a full social and family history, employment / school history, case formulation, and specific treatment recommendations.

The psychosexual evaluation is forensic in nature, which generally means that the it may be voluntary or non–voluntary and the referral stems from legal proceedings. In addition, a rather unique and critical component of the psychosexual evaluation is the detailed and thorough sexual history, which includes the exploration of sexual development, attitudes, fantasies, and adjustment. To enhance the reliability, comprehensiveness, and usefulness of psychosexual evaluations, multiple sources of data must be taken into account.

When conducting psychosexual evaluations, the evaluator will explore offense–related factors such as the frequency, range of sexually abusive behaviors, the targets of the sex offenses, the individual’s account of the offense, potential motivators, and any previously undetected sexually abusive behaviors. Also important to consider are the presence or absence of social supports, current living arrangements—particularly with respect to access to victims or potentially vulnerable persons—and the ability and willingness of other responsible adults within the home to provide adequate safeguards as necessary.

Psychosexual Evaluation - Professional Boundaries