Clinical psychologists providing court-ordered competency assessments
Mental Capacity Evaluations in Lancaster & Central PA
getting started
Objective Mental Evaluations, Supporting Fair Trials
Trust Gransee & Associates for unbiased mental competency and criminal responsibility evaluations. We assess an individual’s ability to participate in the legal process through comprehensive reports and clearly documented findings that strengthen court-informed decisions.
What is A Competency Evaluation?
A competency evaluation is a structured psychological assessment used to determine whether an individual has the capacity to understand legal proceedings and participate in their defense. It focuses on cognitive functioning, decision-making, and the ability to work with legal counsel.
Commonly Used For:
- Questions of competency to stand trial
- Concerns about diminished capacity
- Cognitive decline due to age or illness
- Intellectual or developmental disabilities
- Mental illness impacting legal understanding
- Assessing the validity of an insanity defense
HOW WE DO IT
What Our Forensic Psychologists Assess
Understanding of legal proceedings and consequences
Capacity to comprehend the nature of legal proceedings, potential outcomes, and the consequences associated with charges or court decisions.
Ability to consult with counsel
Ability to communicate with and assist legal counsel, including sharing relevant information, understanding advice, and participating meaningfully in case-related decisions.
Psychological factors impacting decision-making
Assessment of psychological conditions and symptoms that may affect judgment, reasoning, impulse control, and the ability to make informed decisions.
Whether limitations are temporary or ongoing
Evaluation of whether observed limitations are short-term or persistent, including the likelihood of improvement, stability, or continued impairment over time.
Our Process
Extensive Clinical Interviews
We conduct thorough clinical interviews to gather detailed background information, assess current functioning, and understand behaviors, history, and responses relevant to the evaluation.
Psychological & Cognitive Testing
Psychological and cognitive testing may include questionnaires, standardized assessments, memory and attention testing, problem-solving exercises, and clinical interviews. These tools help evaluate emotional functioning, reasoning, judgment, communication, and cognitive abilities to better understand how an individual processes information and functions in daily, legal, or parenting-related situations.
Comprehensive Record Review
Our team reviews all pertinent medical, school, and legal records, analyzing details and inconsistencies to build a complete, fact-based understanding of the individual’s background and circumstances.
Report Submission & Court Use
Our psychologists compile findings into a methodical report submitted to the court, providing objective conclusions to support legal decisions and testimony.
What To Expect in a Competency Evaluation
A competency evaluation typically involves an in-person interview, psychological testing, and review of records to determine whether one can understand the legal process and work with the attorney.
Our team
About Dr. Jonathan M. Gransee, Psy. D.,
Dr. Gransee is highly respected in the field, with extensive experience handling a wide range of competency cases, known for clear, well-reasoned evaluations that hold up under scrutiny.
Need Dr. Gransee To Testify in Court?
If you need Dr. Gransee to testify, we make the process straightforward. He provides objective testimony that reinforces key findings and explains conclusions in a precise, defensible way.
why choose us
Backed By In-House Researchers
Gransee & Associates’ in-house research team provides a level of review unmatched in Central Pennsylvania, offering comprehensive, multi-layered analysis that few other forensic psychologists in the region can match.
Who They Are
Our team includes master's-level social workers, junior psychologists, and trained clinicians who contribute to the overall evaluation process through structured review and case support.
What They Do
By reviewing submitted documents, conducting interviews, and gathering collateral input from relevant individuals, our skilled team builds a well-rounded understanding of each case.
How You Benefit
This process goes beyond a standard psychological evaluation, incorporating additional review and analysis that is uncommon among many forensic psychologists in similar settings.
Where We’re Located
313 W Liberty St Suite 143, Lancaster, PA 17603, USA
Because of the nature of forensic evaluations, all assessments are conducted in person.
Serving clients across south-central pA and nationwide
- Lancaster
- York
- Dauphin
- Lebanon
- Berks
- Chester
- Adams
- Franklin
faqs
Can someone be found temporarily incompetent?
What happens to the court proceedings if someone is found to be incompetent?
Are competency evaluations covered by insurance?
Because competency evaluations are court-related, forensic assessments—not medical or therapeutic services—they are usually considered outside the scope of insurance coverage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Thorough, Fair, and Court-Respected Evaluations
Gransee & Associates approaches mental competency and criminal responsibility evaluations with a clear, structured process designed for court use. If you’re unsure how to proceed, you can start with a brief intake to clarify what’s needed.