After the evaluation, a comprehensive report is prepared. Typically, it takes 3 weeks for the report to be completed, although individual circumstances may vary. The report will include any diagnoses determined during the testing process, including paraphilic disorders. Recommendations for treatment and other supportive resources will also be provided. When formal risk assessment measures are utilized, the level of risk will be calculated. All psychosexual evaluations will outline each individual’s unique risk and protective factors, which will form the basis of the overall findings.
Psychosexual Evaluations
Psychosexual evaluations are comprehensive assessments that examine an individual’s sexual development, sexual history, patterns of arousal and interest (including both healthy and potentially problematic interests), sexual functioning, and related psychosocial factors. These evaluations aim to provide a clear understanding of underlying factors that may influence sexual behavior, decision-making, and interpersonal relationships.
A typical psychosexual evaluation includes a thorough review of relevant records, a clinical interview, standardized psychological testing, and the application of current research findings relevant to the referral question. When appropriate, we incorporate empirically supported tools to assess risk, including validated instruments often referred to as the “gold standard” in cases involving known sexual offenses.
The evaluation process usually includes approximately 4 to 6 hours of face-to-face time, with additional time devoted to reviewing documentation and preparing the written report.
Psychosexual evaluations may be requested at various stages of legal involvement, including pre-trial, pre-sentence, post-sentence, or pre-release. They may also be appropriate in non-criminal contexts, such as family court matters or clinical consultations, when questions arise about a person’s sexual history, development, or behavioral concerns—even in the absence of formal charges.
We’ve streamlined our process to make it easy for you.
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Consultation calls are offered to help you determine if a psychosexual evaluation might be helpful for you. To book a call, submit a request online or contact our office.
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If you would like to schedule an evaluation, you will be provided with available dates and times during your initial consultation call. These appointment times will be held for you/your client for 48 hours. Should you wish to book a testing appointment during the consultation call, the appointment will be scheduled. Attorneys or other referring agencies may also instruct their clients to reach out to our office to coordinate scheduling.
After the appointment is booked, clients will be asked to complete intake forms via our secure client portal. Some of these questionnaires are lengthy, though the information gathered helps to streamline the process. The client is also scheduled to complete a brief intake call with an intake specialist, who will ensure all background and demographic information has been collected.
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After the appointment is scheduled, a Fee Agreement will be emailed to the referring party or client. The signed Fee Agreement, retainer fee (if applicable), and all records and documents pertinent to the matter should be sent to our office at least three weeks prior to the testing date. Records may be sent through the mail or via secure digital means. All police reports, investigative reports, court filings, interviews, therapy records, medical records, prior psychological evaluation reports, or additional collateral information is essential to this process, as risk assessment measures rely heavily upon static risk factors found within these documents.
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In most instances, the evaluation is scheduled to be completed within one day. Appointments are 5 hours in length. Some individuals may not complete the evaluation in one day, and in those instances, a follow-up appointment is scheduled.
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Upon completion of all testing sessions and measures, Dr. Bono will begin scoring, interpreting, and integrating the data. Provided records are thoroughly reviewed during the risk assessment.
The time it takes to complete the report will depend upon the scope of testing and amount of information gathered. Most reports are completed within three weeks after all testing sessions and scheduled interviews are completed.
FAQs
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A risk assessment is a structured evaluation used to understand the likelihood that a person may engage in future harmful behavior. These assessments are commonly used in legal, clinical, and forensic settings to inform decisions about treatment, supervision, and risk management.
At Restorative Pathways, we use empirically supported tools and methods that are grounded in the latest research. Our risk assessments evaluate multiple dimensions of risk, including:
Static risk factors: Unchangeable elements such as past behavior, criminal history, or age at first offense.
Dynamic risk factors: Changeable characteristics like emotional regulation, substance use, or social support, which can improve with treatment.
Acute risk factors: Immediate, short-term issues that may indicate an elevated risk in the moment—such as a recent breakup, job loss, or heightened emotional distress.
Protective factors: Strengths or supports that reduce the likelihood of future harm, such as stable housing, positive relationships, or active participation in treatment.
Our assessments are guided by validated instruments and clinical expertise. The result is a nuanced picture of a person’s risk that can inform meaningful, tailored intervention strategies.
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Yes. Even if an individual has not been charged with a crime, they can still participate in an evaluation. While formal risk assessment tools are typically designed for individuals with known or adjudicated offenses, there are still meaningful ways we can assess your client’s situation.
Our evaluations in these cases focus on behavioral patterns, psychosocial functioning, mental health concerns, and contextual factors that may help clarify risk or provide insight into your current circumstances. We also explore strengths and protective factors that may support an individual’s well-being and personal growth.
We approach these evaluations with care, sensitivity, and objectivity—always mindful of the limits of the tools we use and the importance of ethical, accurate interpretation.
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To complete a risk assessment, we need detailed information about the individual’s background, behavior, and current circumstances. The specific tools we use—such as the Static-99R, SVR-20, or CPORT—are grounded in decades of research and are designed to assess risk in empirically supported ways.
These tools rely on a combination of:
Official records: Criminal history, police reports, court documents, or Department of Corrections summaries.
Behavioral history: Information about known or alleged behaviors, even beyond what was legally charged.
Clinical interviews: Direct conversations with the individual to understand personal history, emotional functioning, and risk-relevant factors.
Collateral information: When appropriate, input from treatment providers, case workers, or family members.
Each tool assesses different types of risk factors. For example:
The Static-99R evaluates unchangeable historical factors, like age at release or number of prior offenses.
The SVR-20 and CPORT incorporate both static and dynamic (changeable) elements, including substance use, intimacy deficits, and attitudes that support offending.
Some tools also assess protective factors, which can reduce risk and support rehabilitation.
The more complete and accurate the information we receive, the more reliable and meaningful the risk assessment will be.
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A risk assessment and a psychosexual evaluation are related but distinct processes, each designed to answer different clinical and legal questions.
A risk assessment is a focused evaluation that estimates the likelihood that an individual may engage in harmful or illegal sexual behavior in the future. It typically relies on structured, research-based tools such as the Static-99R, SVR-20, or CPORT. These tools evaluate a range of factors, including static factors like past behavior, dynamic factors like current coping skills, acute risk factors that might elevate short-term risk, and protective factors that can reduce the likelihood of future harm. Risk assessments are most appropriate when there is a known history of problematic behavior and are often used to inform courts, probation departments, or treatment providers about risk management needs.
A psychosexual evaluation, in contrast, is broader in scope. It explores not only the individual’s potential risk, but also their developmental background, relationship history, mental health, trauma history, sexual interests, cognitive functioning, and overall psychosocial profile. This type of evaluation seeks to understand the underlying factors that may contribute to behavior and to guide treatment or intervention planning.
In many cases, both types of assessment are completed together. This is especially true in forensic or legal settings where decision-makers need both a risk estimate and a deeper understanding of the person’s background and functioning. At Restorative Pathways, we tailor each evaluation to the specific needs of the referral and ensure that the results are thorough, balanced, and clinically sound.