- Discount up to 30% for this month
- [email protected]
- Jln Cempaka Wangi No 22
Impartial evaluations & expert testimony
Dr. Melanie J. Thakkar, Psy.D., is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist with specialized expertise in forensic evaluation and assessment. She earned both her doctorate and master’s degrees in Clinical Psychology from the Illinois School of Professional Psychology, following her undergraduate studies in Psychology at Emory University. Her clinical and forensic training included work at Advocate Illinois Masonic Behavioral Health Services and Alexian Brothers Behavioral Health Hospital, where she provided psychological testing, therapy, and assessment for adolescents and adults in both hospital and outpatient settings. Since then, she has focused her career on forensic practice, conducting evaluations for courts, attorneys, and government agencies. Dr. Thakkar has extensive experience with cases involving custody and visitation disputes, parental alienation, sexual offender risk, victim-sensitive interviews, malingering, wrongful eviction, and fitness-for-duty evaluations. She integrates psychological testing, clinical interviews, and behavioral observations to provide thorough, evidence-based opinions that assist in the resolution of complex legal matters. Dr. Thakkar is frequently retained by attorneys and courts to provide objective, evidence-based assessments that assist in resolving high-stakes legal disputes. In addition to her forensic work, Dr. Thakkar has co-authored peer-reviewed publications on reunification therapy, parental alienation, and victim-sensitive interviewing, reflecting her commitment to advancing forensic psychology. She is a member of the American Psychological Association and the Illinois Psychological Association.
Dr. Melanie J. Thakkar, Psy.D., is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist with specialized expertise in forensic evaluation and assessment. She earned both her doctorate and master’s degrees in Clinical Psychology from the Illinois School of Professional Psychology, following her undergraduate studies in Psychology at Emory University. Her clinical and forensic training included work at Advocate Illinois Masonic Behavioral Health Services and Alexian Brothers Behavioral Health Hospital, where she provided psychological testing, therapy, and assessment for adolescents and adults in both hospital and outpatient settings. Since then, she has focused her career on forensic practice, conducting evaluations for courts, attorneys, and government agencies. Dr. Thakkar has extensive experience with cases involving custody and visitation disputes, parental alienation, sexual offender risk, victim-sensitive interviews, malingering, wrongful eviction, and fitness-for-duty evaluations. She integrates psychological testing, clinical interviews, and behavioral observations to provide thorough, evidence-based opinions that assist in the resolution of complex legal matters. Dr. Thakkar is frequently retained by attorneys and courts to provide objective, evidence-based assessments that assist in resolving high-stakes legal disputes. In addition to her forensic work, Dr. Thakkar has co-authored peer-reviewed publications on reunification therapy, parental alienation, and victim-sensitive interviewing, reflecting her commitment to advancing forensic psychology. She is a member of the American Psychological Association and the Illinois Psychological Association.
We offer a range of forensic evaluations and assessments. Each service is executed with the highest standards of professionalism, impartiality, and evidence-based methods, delivering clear, dependable, and ethically grounded insights to inform and strengthen decision-making, regardless of case complexity.
Thakkar, M.J., Jaffe, A.M., VanderLinden, R. “Guidelines for Conducting a Victim Sensitive Interview.” (2014). Journal of Child Sexual Abuse.
Jaffe, A.M., Thakkar, M.J., Sivertsen, E. “Reunification Therapy Versus Family Integration Therapy: A Problem of Taxonomy.” (2020). Journal of Psychology and Counseling.
Jaffe, A.M., Thakkar, M.J. “A Cognitive and Intellectual Resource: A Book Review of Psychological Assessment with the MMPI-2/MMPI-2-RF, Third Edition, 2015.” (2019). Global Journal of Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities.
Jaffe, A.M., Thakkar, M.J., Piron, P. “Denial of Ambivalence as a Hallmark of Parental Alienation.” (2017). Cogent Psychology.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.
Find clear, straightforward answers to common questions about our forensic psychological evaluations and services.
No, forensic evaluations are not covered by insurance.
Costs depend on the type of evaluation, the scope of work, and the time involved. A detailed estimate can be provided after an initial consultation.
Yes, while I am based in Chicago, my team is able to provide services in various locations both within and outside of Illinois. The ability to provide services in a specific jurisdiction depends on various factors, so please contact me to discuss your specific circumstances.
A forensic evaluation is a specialized psychological assessment conducted for legal purposes. It provides objective, evidence-based information to assist courts, attorneys, and other decision-makers.
Attorneys, judges, and courts may request forensic evaluations to help resolve questions in custody disputes, medical-legal matters, or other litigation. Agencies and insurance providers may also seek evaluations in cases involving child welfare or psychological injury. In some circumstances, individuals can pursue an evaluation through their attorney.
I accept all major credit cards. I require a retainer to begin a forensic evaluation.
Therapy focuses on treatment and support, while forensic evaluations are impartial assessments intended to answer specific legal questions. The evaluator’s role is not to provide treatment, but to give clear findings for the court.
The timeline varies depending on the type of case, the number of people involved, and the court’s requirements. Evaluations often include record review, interviews, psychological testing, and preparation of a detailed written report.
The process may involve interviews, psychological testing, and a review of relevant records. The evaluator gathers comprehensive information in order to provide an objective opinion to the court.
Unlike therapy, forensic evaluations are not confidential in the traditional sense. Findings are shared with the requesting party (such as the attorney or court) and may become part of the legal record.
If you have questions about our services or would like to request a forensic evaluation, we encourage you to reach out. Our team is available to discuss your specific needs and guide you through the referral process. Contact us today via email, phone, or the form below to schedule a consultation or learn more about how we can assist you.
312-800-3700
