Home About Services Fees Contact
Montana landscape

Montana · Forensic Evaluation Services

Clarity Through
Careful Evaluation

Professional forensic services delivered with thoroughness, integrity, and care — serving individuals, attorneys, and courts throughout Montana.

View Services Get in Touch
Comprehensive Evaluations

In-depth forensic assessments utilizing validated instruments and thorough clinical interviews.

Court-Ready Reports

Detailed, objective documentation suitable for legal proceedings and clinical decision-making.

Client-Centered Care

A calm, respectful evaluation process designed to put clients at ease throughout each step.

About the Practice

Marissa Ilac

Licensed Forensic Evaluator · Montana

Marissa Ilac
Marissa Ilac, LCPC, NCC, CFMHE
Polson, Montana
MT License #[48659]
milac.calmingwaters@gmail.com
View Full CV

"Providing thoughtful, thorough forensic evaluations rooted in scientific rigor and genuine care for each individual."

I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and a Certified Forensic Mental Health Evaluator in Polson, Montana. I have eight years of training and experience working in mental health, specializing in trauma, anxiety, depression, and grief and loss.

Through continuing education and specialized training, I have extensive specialized training in forensic and violent risk assessment. In addition, I have served as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) for Lake and Sanders Counties, giving me experience in the courtroom, report writing, and the collection and review of collateral sources and records.

Education & Training
  • Doctoral student in Forensic Psychology
    Walden University
  • M.S. in Mental Health Counseling
    Capella University · 2019
  • B.S. in Psychology
    University of Pheonix · 2015
Credentials & Certifications
  • Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC)
    License #48659
  • National Certified Counselor (NCC)
    Certification #1374629
  • Certified Forensic Mental Health Evaluator (CFMHE)
    Certification #369
  • Certified Forensic Psychometrist (CPP)
    Certification #24

What I Offer

Evaluation Services

CJA mental health professional

Forensic Evaluation Services

Click any service to learn more

Each evaluation is conducted with precision, ethical care, and respect for all parties involved. All assessments adhere to current professional standards.

01
Court Testimony Civil · Criminal

Expert witness testimony presents evaluation findings and professional opinions to the court. Testimony is provided objectively regardless of the retaining party, with an emphasis on clearly explaining forensic methodology, findings, and their limitations to the trier of fact.

Overview of the Process
  • Pre-testimony case review and preparation with retaining counsel
  • Direct and cross-examination testimony at hearing or trial
  • Clarification of methodology, findings, and opinion limitations for the court

Testimony reflects the evaluator's independent professional opinion and is not an extension of advocacy for the retaining party.

02
Comprehensive Mental Health Evaluation Civil · Criminal

Comprehensive mental health evaluations are conducted to address a specific legal question. They involve the collection and evaluation of information from records, clinical interviews, collateral sources, behavioral observations, and appropriate screening and assessment tools. The evaluator integrates this information to provide an objective, clinically informed opinion that is relevant to the legal matter.

Overview of the Process
  • Clarification of the specific referral question
  • Review of relevant legal, medical, and psychological records
  • Clinical interview
  • Interviews with collateral sources
  • Administration and interpretation of screening and assessment tools
  • Written report

The scope and structure of these evaluations vary widely depending on the referral source and the legal standard being applied.

03
Violence Risk Assessment Civil · Criminal

Violent risk assessments use structured professional judgement tools to evaluate and estimate the likelihood of future violent behavior. The process involves the use of evidence-based instruments that examine historical, clinical, situational, and risk management factors to develop a clear evaluation that will provide recommendations to mitigate risk. These evaluations are used to assist courts, attorneys, probation, and other agencies in making decisions.

Overview of the Process
  • Thorough record review including legal, correctional, medical, and mental health histories
  • Clinical interview
  • Interview with collateral contacts such as probation officers, family members (if applicable), or treatment providers
  • The application of structured professional judgement assessment
  • Written report that communicates recommendations for management of potential future risk

Risk assessments are probabilistic, not predictive, and always contextualized within the current research base

Transparent Pricing

Evaluation Fees

All fees are discussed prior to scheduling and are subject to change

Fee Schedule

Fees reflect the time, expertise, and thoroughness each evaluation requires. A detailed fee agreement is provided before any services begin.

(The evaluation will not begin until the required retainer has been received in full.)

 
Evaluation Type Estimated Time Starting Fee
Forensic Mental Health Evaluations
Travel billed seperately
Varies
$2000
Violent Risk Assessments for Adults and Juveniles
Travel billed seperately
Varies
$2500
Court Testimony
Travel billed seperately
Varies (4hr min)
$275/hr
Insurance & Payment Forensic evaluations are typically not covered by health insurance, as they are completed for legal rather than treatment purposes. Payment is typically required from the retaining party (attorney, court, or individual) prior to or at the time of service. Please contact the office to discuss payment arrangements.
Cash
Paid prior to time of service
Check
Made payable to practice
CJA Approved
For attorney referrals

Get in Touch

Contact & FAQs

We'll respond within 1–2 business days

Reach Out With Questions

Whether you're a potential client, referring attorney, or court representative, we welcome your inquiry. Please use the form or contact information to get in touch.

Email milac.calmingwaters@gmail.com
Phone (406) 260-1716
Location Polson, Montana 59860
Office Hours Monday – Friday, 9am – 5pm
Frequently Asked Questions
Does my insurance cover a forensic evaluation?
In most cases, no. Forensic evaluations are conducted for legal purposes — not treatment — and are therefore generally excluded from health insurance coverage. The retaining party (attorney, court, or individual) is typically responsible for the fee.
How long does an evaluation take?
This varies by evaluation type and complexity. In-person interview time can range from 2–6 hours, and the full evaluation process (including report writing) may take 1–4 weeks from initial contact. Expedited timelines may be available for court deadlines.
Is what I say during the evaluation confidential?
Forensic evaluations have different confidentiality rules than therapy. Before any evaluation begins, you will be fully informed about the limits of confidentiality, who will receive the report, and how findings may be used in legal proceedings.
Can I request an evaluation without a court order?
Yes, private evaluations can be requested by individuals, attorneys, or other parties without a court order. The scope and use of such evaluations should be discussed with the evaluator and your legal counsel beforehand.
Are you CJA approved?
I am a CJA mental health professional.

Send a Message

Message Received

Thank you for reaching out. We'll review your message and respond within 1–2 business days.