Andrew J. Thrasher III, PhD is a licensed clinical psychologist providing forensic psychological evaluations for courts, attorneys, insurers, employers, and private parties throughout Northwest Louisiana and the Ark-La-Tex region. Forensic evaluations differ fundamentally from clinical treatment. The purpose is to answer a specific legal or administrative question, not to diagnose and treat. Findings are documented in a formal written report and may be used in legal proceedings. Confidentiality is limited by the nature of each examination, and examinees are informed of this before the evaluation begins.

What to Expect 
A forensic evaluation typically involves a clinical interview, review of relevant records and legal documents, and psychological testing where indicated. The process may take several hours and in some cases spans more than one appointment. A written report is prepared and delivered to the referring party. Dr. Thrasher may be available for expert witness testimony when required by the case.

Referrals are accepted from courts, attorneys, insurers, employers, and private parties. Forensic evaluations are not treatment relationships and do not result in ongoing care.

Court-Ordered Evaluations 
Dr. Thrasher serves on the sanity commission for multiple parishes in Northwest Louisiana, including Bossier, Webster, Red River, and DeSoto parishes, among others. In this capacity he conducts court-ordered forensic evaluations by judicial appointment and prepares written reports meeting Louisiana statutory requirements.

Competency to Proceed. Courts may order a psychological evaluation when questions arise about a defendant's ability to understand the charges against them, follow court proceedings, and assist meaningfully in their own defense. Dr. Thrasher conducts competency evaluations for criminal courts throughout the region and prepares written reports addressing Louisiana's legal standard for competency to proceed.

Criminal Responsibility. When a defendant's mental state at the time of the alleged offense is at issue, the court may order a sanity evaluation. These evaluations examine whether a psychiatric condition affected the defendant's ability to distinguish right from wrong at the time the offense occurred. Criminal responsibility evaluations are substantially more involved than competency evaluations, typically requiring extensive record review, psychological testing, multiple clinical interviews, and comprehensive written analysis.

Independent Medical Examinations 
An independent medical examination, commonly called an IME, is a one-time psychological evaluation conducted by a neutral examiner who has no prior treatment relationship with the examinee. IMEs are requested by insurers, employers, attorneys, and courts to obtain an objective opinion on diagnosis, functional impairment, causation, and capacity to work or return to work. Dr. Thrasher accepts IME referrals across the following domains.

Workers Compensation. Psychological IMEs for employees with claimed mental health injuries, stress-related conditions, or psychiatric sequelae of workplace incidents. Evaluations address diagnosis, causation, apportionment, treatment necessity, and return to work capacity.

Personal Injury and Civil Litigation. Psychological evaluations for plaintiffs and defendants in civil matters where mental health damages, emotional distress, or psychiatric impairment are alleged. Compulsory medical examinations ordered by the court fall within this category.

Disability and Fitness for Duty. Evaluations addressing an individual's functional capacity, ability to perform essential job functions, or suitability to return to a specific occupational role following a mental health event.

Interdiction 
Louisiana interdiction proceedings determine whether an individual requires a legal guardian due to an inability to make decisions for themselves as a result of a mental condition, cognitive impairment, or incapacity. Dr. Thrasher conducts psychological evaluations for interdiction matters initiated by families, attorneys, or the court, and prepares reports addressing functional capacity and decision-making ability. Both court-ordered and privately retained interdiction evaluations are accepted.

Referring Providers and Attorneys Referrals are welcome from criminal defense attorneys, prosecutors, family law attorneys, personal injury firms, civil courts, workers compensation insurers, pain management physicians, and primary care providers. Dr. Thrasher can discuss the appropriate evaluation type for your case before a referral is placed. To inquire about availability and turnaround time, contact the clinic at 318-507-0621 or admin@behavioralhealthclinicla.com.

Dr. Thrasher’s curriculum vitae is available for download here.