Mental Health, Substance Use & Risk Assessments

Bridging the Gap Between Mental Health and Public Safety

At Neilson Consulting, we provide strategic, evidence-informed support in felony firearm and other high-stakes criminal cases. Led by a retired family court judge and social worker, and in collaboration with Ellen Craine, JD, LMSW (clinical, micro and macro), ACSW, INHC, our interdisciplinary team delivers high-quality assessments, reports, and consulting services to strengthen advocacy at every stage of the criminal process.

With our combined experience and skillset, we help the court to better understand the complex psychosocial factors that bring clients into the criminal legal system.

Our expertise includes:

• Sentencing Mitigation Reports
  • Comprehensive, clinically grounded reports that identify mitigating factors, trauma history, mental health and substance use issues, and rehabilitation potential.
  • Firearm Risk & Violence Potential Assessments
  • Structured evaluations for individuals charged with felony gun offenses. We assess risk, evaluate contributing factors (e.g., impulsivity, trauma, access to firearms), and offer practical, client-centered recommendations to support pre-trial release and treatment planning.
• Mental Health & Substance Use Evaluations
  • Diagnostic evaluations with actionable treatment recommendations, tailored to address the court’s concerns and support meaningful intervention.

• Client Counseling & Professional Consulting
  • We help your client prepare for court, engage with services, and take meaningful steps toward rehabilitation— advising counsel on how to present clinical and social science information effectively.

Court-Ready. Clinically Grounded. Professionally Trusted.

• Unique Qualifications: Our team brings the perspective of a retired judge, licensed social workers, and seasoned legal professionals.
• Court-Ready Reports: Written to be persuasive, defensible, and easy for judges to incorporate into decision-making.
• Responsive and Confidential: We respect your timelines, your client’s privacy, and the high standards of your practice.
• Collaborative Approach: We work with you—not around you—to support the best possible outcome for your client.

Our interdisciplinary, trauma-informed approach provides a unique lens through which to evaluate and support individuals facing serious charges–while ensuring the court receives meaningful, well-supported recommendations that promote rehabilitation and protect the public.