At the Atlanta Center for EMDR, we bring advanced trauma expertise into the forensic arena. Whether an individual is involved in the criminal justice system (as a defendant or victim), immigration proceedings, civil litigation, or family court, trauma can profoundly shape behavior, memory, emotional functioning, and decision-making. Our role is to evaluate, clarify, and/or treat the trauma-related factors that influence these cases.

Our forensic work is closely aligned with the services offered by our affiliated practice, Georgia Forensic Consulting, LLC. Together, we provide a comprehensive, trauma-informed approach that integrates clinical precision with the evidentiary standards required in legal contexts.

Our Forensic Services are led by our Clinical Director, William Smith, LCSW.

Will’s forensic credentials include:

- Experience working in juvenile and adult courts and other criminal justice settings

- Certified EMDR Therapist and EMDR Approved Consultant

- Advanced Certificate - National Association for Forensic Social Work

- Certified Criminal Mitigation Specialist - National Association for Forensic Social Work

- Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP)

- Certified Provider - National Association for Court Approved Treatment Providers

- Certified Anger Management Specialist - Level II, National Anger Management Association

- Court Approved Competency Evaluator

- Registered Mediator - General, Civil, Domestic, DV, Probate

Will also has extensive experience joining legal teams as a litigation consultant and trial consultant and regularly works in areas of criminal law, family law, immigration law, veterans services, probate law, personal injury, and workers comp.

Click HERE to learn more about Will’s forensic experience and credentials.

Trauma affects how individuals process information, regulate emotions, perceive threats, and form intent. For many legal cases, a formal assessment of trauma or PTSD is essential.

We provide:

• PTSD Diagnostic Evaluations

Using validated clinical measures, structured interviews, and extensive trauma histories, we determine whether an individual meets criteria for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder or related trauma disorders. Findings include symptom severity, functional impairments, and causation analysis—information often critical in criminal, civil, or immigration proceedings.

• Trauma Impact Assessments

These assessments explore how trauma influences:

- Impulse control

- Memory and recall

- Perceptions of danger

- Fight/flight/freeze responses

- Attachment patterns

- Behavioral reactions under stress

• EMDR-Informed Forensic Case Analysis

Our clinical framework includes EMDR and neurobiology principles, allowing us to provide detailed explanations of:

How unresolved traumatic memories influence present-day behavior

Why some individuals dissociate, shut down, or overreact during critical incidents

The neurobiological effects of trauma on risk assessment and decision-making

This mirrors the comprehensive forensic approach used at Georgia Forensic Consulting, LLC, where clinical findings must withstand legal scrutiny and meet evidentiary standards.

Many individuals connected to the legal system need therapeutic services that address trauma while also meeting the expectations of attorneys, insurers, and courts. Our forensic therapy model is designed for anyone whose emotional or psychological functioning may be under legal scrutiny—whether they are a defendant, a witness, or a victim involved in an active or potential court case.

We work with:

- Individuals currently involved in a criminal or civil court case

- Clients who anticipate potential litigation (e.g., victims of assault, harassment, medical trauma)

- People navigating personal injury or workers’ compensation claims

- Victims of accidents or workplace incidents who need structured, court-ready trauma treatment

- Clients whose mental health may later be evaluated, deposed, or presented in court

Our Forensic Therapy Services Include:

- Trauma-focused therapy and EMDR for court-involved or court-adjacent clients

- Treatment focused on PTSD, anxiety, depression, emotional regulation, and trauma-reactive behavior

- Documentation appropriate for attorneys, insurance providers, and legal processes

- Collaboration with multidisciplinary teams (attorneys, adjusters, advocates, GALs, etc.)

- Clear communication about treatment goals, progress, and clinical needs

This approach parallels the high level of structure, transparency, and forensic clarity offered through our affiliated practice at Georgia Forensic Consulting ensuring that therapy not only supports healing but also aligns with the expectations of court or litigation environments.

Trauma is often a foundational component in mitigation. We provide detailed assessments that connect an individual’s developmental, psychological, and trauma history with current legal circumstances.

Mitigation Services Include:

- Comprehensive psychosocial and trauma evaluations

- Analysis of early childhood adversity, complex trauma, family dynamics, and systemic factors

- Explanation of how trauma impacted behavior at the time of the offense

- Recommendations for treatment, rehabilitation, and risk reduction

- Support for attorneys in pre-trial, plea negotiations, and sentencing

Our mitigation reports parallel the depth and structure offered at Georgia Forensic Consulting, integrating clinical science with legal relevance while maintaining an objective, defensible stance.

Victims and survivors often face barriers when navigating the legal system. We provide trauma-responsive services designed to empower, support, and clarify.

Services for Victims Include:

- PTSD and trauma evaluations for victims in criminal or civil matters

- EMDR therapy for survivors of assault, domestic violence, childhood abuse, or traumatic loss

- Expert explanation of trauma responses (e.g., freezing, delayed reporting, memory fragmentation)

- Clinical letters, reports, or court documentation when appropriate

- Collaboration with victim advocates, attorneys, and multidisciplinary teams

Our victim-focused framework reflects the same compassionate, evidence-based approach used across Georgia Forensic Consulting.

1. Trauma Expertise Rooted in Clinical Science

Our clinicians are trained in EMDR, trauma-focused interventions, and forensic assessment.

2. Clear, Court-Ready Documentation

Reports are structured, evidence-based, and written with legal audiences in mind.

3. Alignment With Georgia Forensic Consulting

Our affiliated practice provides comprehensive services such as mental health evaluations, custody evaluations, psychosexual evaluations, and comprehensive mitigation reports, allowing strong support across both clinics.

4. Neutrality and Professional Ethics

All evaluations and therapeutic recommendations are objective, defensible, and aligned with forensic standards.