Expert Testimony & Court Services
“Bren Chasse is a poised, confident, compelling, and highly knowledgeable expert witness who performs well under pressure. Her ability to relay information and expertise in the context of even the most contentious matters is most impressive. Her testimony is easy to understand, is impactful to the court, and ultimately persuasive to everyone involved.”
— Aleen Khanjian, Esq.
EXPERT TESTIMONY & COURT SERVICES
The role of an expert witness is constantly evolving as the judicial system—much like the mental health field—adapts to better serve the public. In civil, criminal, and family law cases where mental health or the psychological impact of life events is at issue, psychotherapists are increasingly called upon to provide expert testimony. Since most attorneys lack specialized training in mental health, collaboration between attorneys and psychotherapists has become more common in the legal arena.
Serving as an expert witness is a demanding responsibility for psychotherapists and should not be taken lightly. Attorneys must have confidence that their expert witness possesses the knowledge, experience, and composure to withstand rigorous cross-examination without becoming flustered or emotionally reactive when opposing counsel challenges their credibility.
Unlike many psychotherapists who prefer to avoid the courtroom, I excel in this setting. In addition to being a psychotherapist, I also have a strong research background, which allows me to understand and remain informed on the most current literature in the field. I have a unique ability to translate complex psychological concepts into clear, engaging language that non-clinicians can easily understand.
CASE REVIEW, COMPREHENSIVE PSYCHOSOCIAL ASSESSMENT, & ASSESSMENT REPORTS
In certain cases, attorneys may request an evaluation to assess a client’s current psychosocial functioning, the impairment a client may experience as a result of a traumatic event, or their ability to effectively advocate for themselves in high-stress situations. In these instances, I conduct a thorough case review based on available forensic documentation and collateral reports. Additionally, I perform a comprehensive psychosocial and diagnostic assessment, providing a detailed report for the attorney’s use within ten business days of the client’s final evaluation session.
EXPERT WITNESS TESTIMONY & EXPERIENCE
One important role of any effective child and family therapist is the ability to advocate for children—and I am passionate about this role. I have extensive experience providing expert testimony in family court, and advocating for the best interest of minor children of all ages. I also have experience testifying in high-profile cases and am sensitive to the unique challenges inherent in such cases. I have more than a decade of experience working with court-involved families and working collaboratively with the Department of Child and Family Services (DCFS) in an effort to ensure that the interests of children affected by divorce, high conflict, violence, abuse, neglect, and trauma, are not lost in the legal shuffle. I have a comprehensive understanding of the family court system and am consistently successful in supporting children and families through difficult cases and through family reunification efforts.
In addition to my work as a trauma expert, I can provide valuable expert testimony in both civil and personal injury cases. Some of these cases include, but are not limited to, cases involving sexual harassment in the workplace, discrimination and a hostile work environment, assault by a medical professional, as well as car accidents, and animal-related injuries.
THE DOUBLE-BIND FOR COURT-INVOLVED MINORS
While family courts are increasingly allowing adolescents to express their custodial preferences, this approach carries significant risks for minor children—potentially leading to long-term emotional and psychological consequences.
Allowing a child to testify in court places them in an untenable double bind. First, it forces them to choose between their parents—an impossible decision, even in the absence of overt pressure. Research has shown that children experience deep loyalty conflicts and may feel compelled to protect the parent they perceive as more emotionally vulnerable—often the one most visibly distressed by the proceedings. Additionally, expecting a child to make such a complex choice disregards their developmental age and stage limitations, which are always important to consider. Research shows that the human brain continues maturing well into the mid-20s, meaning minor children may lack the capacity to fully understand the larger impact of their choice.
Separation and divorce are messy at best, and it’s important to protect children from adult matters. Although the courts may, with the best of intentions, allow adolescents to be heard by the court, this practice often reinforces harmful family dynamics. Specifically, allowing an adolescent to fill an adult role often exacerbates the very issues that have contributed to the custody dispute in the first place. A more developmentally appropriate and protective approach is to involve an expert witness who can objectively assess a child’s needs, and ensure decision-making remains child-centered, while still bringing a child’s voice into the room. Removing children from the middle of parental conflict restores their rightful role as a child—free from the burdens of adult responsibility.
WHY IS IT IMPORTANT FOR LEGAL PROFESSIONALS TO COLLABORATE WITH PSYCHOTHERAPISTS?
When determining a child’s best interest, legal professionals must balance their duty to advocate for their client with the need to remain child-centered. This can be particularly challenging in high-conflict cases where multiple perspectives and priorities compete. Therapists, especially those with specialized experience working with children, bring an invaluable perspective to the courtroom by offering clinical insight into a child’s emotional and psychological well-being.
As an expert witness, my role extends beyond advocacy—I provide the court with a clinically informed perspective on how legal proceedings and potential rulings may impact the child’s mental and emotional health. I assess the child’s current psychosocial functioning, identify any active clinical concerns, and evaluate how different legal outcomes may affect their well-being both in the short and long term. By translating complex psychological concepts into clear, accessible language, I help attorneys, judges, and other legal professionals make more informed, child-centered decisions.
My expertise allows me to bridge the gap between the legal and mental health fields, ensuring that the child’s needs are not only considered but deeply understood in the context of the case. In doing so, I strive to support the court in making decisions that promote the child’s long-term stability, resilience, and overall well-being.
Attorney Endorsements
WHEN MINORS TESTIFYING IN COURT CANNOT BE AVOIDED
In spite of everyone’s very best efforts, there are circumstances wherein the testimony of a minor in open court simply cannot be avoided. In these cases, I work with children to prepare them for the experience of testifying and managing cross-examination from opposing counsel.
EXPERT WITNESS EXPERIENCE
Jhairo Garcia v. Liberty Packing Co. (2024) Superior Court of California, County of Merced, Retained for Plaintiff.
Doe v. Roe (2022) LASC New York (2022), Retained expert for Petitioner.
Doe v. Roe (2022) LASC (2022), Retained expert for Respondent.
Doe v. Roe (2022) LASC (2022), Retained expert for Petitioner.
Doe v. Roe (2020) US District Court Eastern District of New York (2022), Retained expert for Plaintiff.
Doe v. Roe (2021) LASC (2022), Retained expert for Petitioner.
Doe v. Roe (2019) LASC (2022), Retained expert for Petitioner.
Doe v. Roe (2017) LASC, Retained expert for Petitioner.