Clarity during life's most challenging moments.
Forensic psychology, custody evaluations, and expert witness services for families and legal professionals across the San Francisco Bay Area.
Since 2016
Serving the Bay Area
4.6 ★
Rating on Zocdoc
Family · Civil · Criminal
Courts Served
1,000+
Families Served
Our Services
From custody evaluations to expert witness testimony.
Child Custody Evaluations
A custody evaluation is a deeply significant milestone for a family, carrying recommendations that shape the future of the children you love.
Court-Ordered Evaluations
Evaluations are tailored to meet the specific needs of the court and offer detailed psychological assessments for cases involving criminal, civil, or family law matters.
Forensic Psych Evaluations
We specialize in comprehensive neuropsychological evaluations that inform legal and medical teams, including those for Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI).
Expert Witness
An expert witness in psychological cases brings clarity to complexity, providing the critical insights that bridge the gap between mental health and justice.
Our Forensic Evaluators
Meet the forensic team
Dr. Richard Heafey
Psy.D. · MFT · M.A. · License #30807
Licensed clinical psychologist with training in clinical, counseling, and forensic psychology, working across therapy, assessment, and court-related matters to help individuals and families navigate life's challenges through connection and heart.
Dr. Jordan Hazzard
Psy.D. · License #35403
Clinical psychologist specializing in psychoanalytic psychotherapy, working with adults and older adolescents. Provides psychological testing, clinical supervision, and teaching alongside his practice.
Our Expertise
Case types we handle
Criminal
Sentence mitigation
Competency & capacity hearings
Mental health diversion (PC 1001.36)
Civil
Personal injury / TBI
SSI / SSDI applications
Probate matters
Licensure revocation
Family
Child custody evaluations
Juvenile dependency (DFCS/CPS)
Parenting plans
Admin & Accommodations
Professional board (BAR, MCAT, LSAT, MPRE, EPPP)
Academic accommodations
Workplace ADA accommodations
Why Choose Us
The Unfold difference
Trained by Dr. Michael Kerner
Dr. Heafey trained closely with Dr. Michael Kerner, one of the most respected clinicians in the field.
We work for the court
Dr. Heafey works for the court — not for the parents, not for one party. The focus is, and remains, the best interests of the case.
Timely delivery
Families and parties deserve to have monumental matters handled on a strict timetable. There is zero room for procrastination.
In their own words.
In their own words.
Dr. Heafey has had an incredible positive impact on me. He was able to very quickly identify underlying causes for issues that my previous therapists had all missed, and we either focused on them in our sessions or he gave me referrals where appropriate. I've grown so much and function so much better thanks to all the effort he puts in. He cares deeply about his patients and will always go the extra mile for them.
- JM
Google review · ✫✫✫✫✫
Dr. Heafey and his team at Unfold Psychology is amazing. I have been working with Dr Heafey for 3 years now and it's completely changed the way I see myself and attitude towards life. The Executive functioning, run by Talia Prince was life changing. I was horrible at following through, staying motivated and life management. I noticed great change just after 6 months of the EF program. Talia is incredible and works harder for you than anyone has before. Highly recommend Unfold and the EF program for anyone struggling with life management.
- PG
Google review · ✫✫✫✫✫
Best therapist I've known. Helped me through my couple years of college and dealing with PTSD, relationships and anxiety. I am so grateful to know him and to have had him there for my care. He feels so safe and creates such a safe space for you to explore and express your emotions.
- G
Google review · ✫✫✫✫✫
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do forensic services cost?
Expert Witness fees: $5,000 minimum for a half-day (up to 3.5 hours) of deposition or court testimony, $10,000 for a full day (4–8 hours). Deposition preparation, post-evaluation consultations, and other related services are charged at $500 per hour. Court-ordered evaluations start at $7,500+. Custody evaluation fees vary significantly based on case specifics — please call us so we can provide a quote tailored to your situation.
How long does an evaluation take, from start to report delivery?
Forensic evaluation timelines are highly dependent on case specifics — the nature of the referral, court orders, and the scope of work required. Some evaluations are completed in weeks; others span months. We’ll provide a realistic timeline at intake, so you can plan around court dates and deadlines.
How do you stay objective when one party is paying?
Strictly. From Dr. Heafey: “I have a clear role: I work for the court. I do not work for the parents, one parent, or the other. If the court deems one parent pays for the entire evaluation, 30%, or 70%, it means nothing to me, because financial arrangements are not within the scope of my practice. My focus is, and remains, the best interests of the case.”
Will the report hold up in court?
Yes. To date, our assessments have been consistently accepted without challenge — comprehensive, court-ready, and representative of the concerns and accommodations at issue. Dr. Heafey’s reports are written to meet the evidentiary standards of family, civil, and criminal courts.
Do you accept insurance?
We are out-of-network with all insurance plans. Many of our clients use out-of-network benefits to get reimbursed for a significant portion of our fees. In 2025, our insurance specialist helped clients recover over $54,000 in insurance reimbursements — and that doesn’t include superbill submissions. We provide detailed superbills and can help you understand your benefits before you start.
MORE WAYS WE CAN HELP
Related services
Therapy
Assessments
Executive Functioning
LOCATIONS
Four Bay Area offices
Plus telehealth throughout California.
We are proud to provide inclusive care for the LGBTQIA+ community.
Ready to take the next step?
Book a free 15-minute consultation. We'll listen, answer your questions, and help you figure out the right path forward.
Or Text Us at (650) 993-9321
