Medico-legal Psychiatric Assessment​s

Specialists in Complex Abuse Matters

At MindSense, we are Australia’s trusted leaders in medico-legal psychiatric assessments, specialising in complex abuse-related matters for civil proceedings and the Federal Government’s National Redress Scheme. Our select panel of highly experienced psychiatrists delivers clear, objective, and trauma-informed assessments, tailored to meet the sensitive nature of these cases and the needs of legal professionals.

Our Areas of Expertise

MindSense consultants are experts in assessing a wide range of abuse-related matters, including:

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Trauma-Informed Care Training

At MindSense, we recognise that working with trauma-affected individuals requires specialised skills and understanding. In addition to our assessments, we offer trauma-informed care training for medical experts, legal professionals, referrers, and teams. Our tailored training programs provide practical tools and strategies to:

  • Understand trauma and its effects.
  • Minimise re-traumatisation during client interactions.
  • Embed trauma-informed principles into daily practices.
  • Improve client engagement with sensitive, empathetic communication.

This training empowers teams to work more effectively with vulnerable individuals and enhances overall service delivery.

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Why Choose MindSense?

Expert Panel

A select group of psychiatrists and specialists with unparalleled experience in abuse-related matters.

Trauma-Informed Excellence

Our assessments and training prioritise safety, trust, and client well-being.

National Redress Scheme Support

Compliant and thorough assessments that meet Redress Scheme requirements.

Quality and Reliability

Every report undergoes robust quality assurance processes to ensure accuracy, clarity, and reliability.

Seamless Service Delivery

MindSense makes the medico-legal process streamlined and accessible:

  • From bookings to timely report delivery, we ensure a smooth experience.
  • Conducted face-to-face, via telehealth, or through correctional centre audio-visual links (CC AVL).
  • Our extensive network of consultants ensures accessibility wherever you are.

The Role of Our Psychiatric Assessments in Legal Proceedings

For complainants, legal professionals, and insurance claimants navigating complex mental health issues, psychiatric assessments play a crucial role in supporting fair and informed legal outcomes. At MindSense, our medico-legal psychiatric assessments are carefully structured to evaluate the psychological impact of trauma, mental illness, or psychiatric conditions within the context of legal proceedings.

Our assessments provide accurate insight into an individual’s mental health in the context of historical sexual or institutional abuse. These evaluations support decisions related to compensation, liability, capacity, or credibility, and are essential medico-legal reports.

What Our Psychiatric Evaluations Assess

Each psychiatric assessment at MindSense is conducted by a medical doctor specialising in psychiatry. These assessments examine a broad range of mental health conditions and contributing factors, including:

  • Psychiatric history and diagnoses (e.g., major depressive disorder, anxiety, bipolar disorder, PTSD, ADHD)
  • Medical records and family history of mental illness
  • Substance use and its effects on mental functioning
  • Cognitive capacity through tools like the mini mental state examination
  • Social determinants of mental health (e.g., trauma, abuse, socioeconomic context)
  • Psychological impact of injury or illness
  • Patient’s ability to engage with daily life, work, or treatment

This comprehensive approach ensures we deliver accurate assessments tailored to legal standards.

Trusted Support for Abuse Claims

As experienced medico-legal psychiatrists, we deliver comprehensive psychiatric IMEs that evaluate psychiatric injuries resulting from historical sexual, institutional or elder abuse.

Each psychiatric IME is designed to meet the specific requirements of insurers, solicitors, or courts—ensuring clarity, objectivity, and legal relevance.

Medico-Legal Assessments for Historical Abuse Cases

MindSense has a national reputation for handling sensitive cases involving institutional, historical, or sexual abuse. Our team has extensive experience delivering psychiatric reports aligned with the standards of the National Redress Scheme and civil litigation frameworks.

Through our trauma-informed approach, we focus on reducing re-traumatisation and ensuring each assessment is conducted with care, respect, and clinical integrity. These evaluations often assess psychiatric impairment, long-term trauma, and the psychological impact of abuse on an individual’s life and mental health.

How We Deliver Our Medico-Legal Assessments

Our flexible delivery model allows assessments to be conducted:

  • Face-to-face in secure clinical settings
  • Via telehealth, ensuring access for rural or mobility-constrained individuals
  • Through correctional centre audio-visual links (CC AVL), when required

With national coverage and a streamlined service model, we make psychiatric assessments more accessible and less stressful—while ensuring every report is grounded in clinical decision-making and legal relevance.

The MindSense Difference

At MindSense, we know that a clear, compassionate, and legally robust mental health assessment can make all the difference in the outcome of a legal or insurance matter. Our team combines deep psychiatric expertise with a trauma-informed approach to ensure that every report is fit-for-purpose. From initial consultation to final report, we are committed to delivering clarity, care, and confidence throughout the medico-legal process.

  • Experienced Consultants: Mental health professionals who are experts in medico-legal psychiatry
  • Comprehensive Process: Every psychiatric assessment is tailored to legal needs, evaluating relevant information, medical history, and mental status
  • Evidence-Ready Reports: Clear and robust reports
  • Compassion-First Approach: Trauma-informed practice embedded in every step, ensuring the dignity and wellbeing of each individual assessed