Forensic Services

Christina Bell has a specialization in Forensic Counseling with demonstrated expertise providing services to those in the midst of legal proceedings. She is a strong communicator with both clients and legal counsel, and supports individuals as they navigate legal processes. Her assessments and treatment services are conducted in full compliance with court orders.

Christina is an expert in providing mitigation evaluations and is available for both adult and juvenile clients. Her services are available to Public Defenders, as well as private attorneys and practices.

Christina is located in the Northwest Suburbs of Chicago; licensed in Illinois and Indiana, with the ability to facilitate virtual-based evaluations when in person is not available.

Forensic Assessment Policies

Insurance & Medical Necessity

Forensic assessments differ from traditional therapy services. They are not conducted for medical treatment purposes and are therefore not covered by health insurance.

Confidentiality & Court Involvement

Forensic assessments are conducted on behalf of the referring agency or attorney, not for treatment. As such, standard therapeutic confidentiality rules do not apply.

Confidentiality guidelines are typically outlined in a court order and may include distribution of the report to the judge, defense, and prosecution. In some cases, reports may first go to the defense attorney and be disclosed later if used in the case.

Assessors are mandated reporters and are required to report:

  • Suspected child or elder/dependent adult abuse

  • Sexual abuse in jails/prisons (under the Prison Rape Elimination Act - PREA)

  • Risk of harm to self or others

Billing & Fees

All fees must be paid directly by the retaining attorney. All services are billed hourly, including but not limited to:

  • Record review

  • Interviews and testing

  • Report writing

  • Consultation and testimony preparation

  • Collateral contacts

  • Attorney meetings

  • Travel time (billed door-to-door)

Reasonable travel-related expenses such as parking, tolls, mileage, lodging, and non-refundable reservations will be billed separately.

Cost Estimates

While general estimates can be provided, actual assessment costs vary depending on:

  • The nature of the referral question

  • Case complexity

  • The individual’s presentation

  • Volume of records and need for assessment or collateral interviews

Final costs may be higher or lower than initial estimates.

Appointment Cancellations

Appointments, including court hearings, require advance notice for cancellation.

  • More than 24 business hours’ notice: No cancellation fee

  • Less than 24 business hours’ notice: The full amount of scheduled time will be billed

Please note that forensic assessment appointments often last two hours or more.

Disclaimer

Regardless of who initiates the referral or provides payment, Christina Bell serves as an independent evaluator. Her assessments, opinions, and recommendations are guided by ethical standards, professional integrity, and established best practices. As such, findings may not align with any particular desired outcome.