Threat Assessment

Threat Assessments are most commonly conducted in educational settings. The purpose of a threat assessment is to determine if a student poses a genuine risk of violence towards others after the student has made transient or substantive threats. Dr. Tarescavage has published peer-reviewed research on violence risk assessment.  

Dr. Tarescavage only conducts Threat Assessments with adults (18+). Prior to their assessment with Dr. Tarescavage, the evaluee will complete a brief history questionnaire. They will also be encouraged to identify a short list of people who know them well and could provide information on their recent functioning. The in-person component of the evaluation lasts approximately 2.5 hours and begins with an overview of the purpose of the evaluation as well as a review of the limitations on confidentiality. After introductions, the evaluee typically completes one-hour of psychological testing. This testing generally includes the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-3 (MMPI-3), a widely-used and well-validated psychological test. While the evaluee is completing testing, Dr. Tarescavage will attempt to contact others who know the evaluee well (with their permission). This testing and collateral information provides a comprehensive and objective foundation for a well-informed and impartial clinical interview. After testing and record review is completed, Dr. Tarescavage conducts the clinical interview. The first part of the interview involves the collection of background information (family, educational, medical, employment, military, legal, and substance use). The second part of the interview is the diagnostic assessment, violence risk assessment, and evaluation of the factors leading to the referral. This is by far the most comprehensive area of inquiry during the interview. Dr. Tarescavage will assess the evaluee’s symptoms, the course of their problems, and impairment. Finally, Dr. Tarescavage gives the evaluee preliminary feedback on their assessment results. However, Dr. Tarescavage will never give feedback on his final opinion regarding the evaluee’s level of risk. After the in-person evaluation is completed, Dr. Tarescavage will conduct a record review and collateral contact process (if applicable) and write a 5 to 8 page report detailing his findings and opinions. The referral source will receive the report within three business days of the evaluation (assuming additional records do not need to be requested). If the evaluee is interested in obtaining a copy of the evaluation, they will need to contact the referral source.

These evaluations are civil forensic assessments, which include police officer psychological screening, civil competency assessment, fitness for duty, guardianship evaluations, and threat assessments.