Psychologist expert witness fees
and how to instruct.
The cost of psychological expert evidence depends on the case. This page explains the factors that shape an expert witness psychologist’s fee and the usual steps for instructing one. For a quotation on a specific case, send us an enquiry.
No fixed price:
the fee depends on the case.
There is no single price for a psychological expert report. The fee depends on the clinical question, the discipline needed (for example a clinical psychologist, forensic psychologist or neuropsychologist), the volume of records, whether psychometric testing is required and how quickly the report is needed. For that reason fees are discussed case by case after an enquiry.
Beyond the report itself, expert evidence can involve further work such as reviewing large bundles, travel for a face-to-face assessment, answering written questions, joint expert meetings or attending court. It is worth identifying at the outset which of these a case is likely to need.
Six things that shape
an expert witness psychologist’s fee.
These are the main factors that determine how much time a psychological expert report involves.
The clinical question
A focused condition and prognosis report takes less time than a report addressing diagnosis, causation, capacity, risk and treatment together. The questions in your letter of instruction set the scope.
The discipline
Clinical, forensic, counselling, educational and child psychologists and clinical neuropsychologists work to different assessment protocols. Neuropsychological and cognitive assessments usually take longer because of standardised testing.
Records and bundle size
Medical, GP, social care, school and court records all need reading. Large or disorganised bundles add review time.
Psychometric testing
Validated questionnaires, cognitive batteries and symptom validity tests add administration and scoring time. Whether testing is needed depends on the questions asked.
Assessment format and travel
Assessments can take place in clinic, at home, in prison or hospital, or by secure video. The setting can affect the time involved.
Timescale and follow-on work
Urgent turnaround, addendum reports, Part 35 questions, experts’ meetings and court attendance can all form part of the expert’s work after the main report.
Legal aid and court procedure differ in Scotland and Northern Ireland. The rules that apply depend on where the case is proceeding.
From enquiry to report
in three steps.
Tell us about the case
Send an enquiry with the case type, the questions for the expert, any court deadline and a rough idea of the records. You can also search the expert directory first.
Agree the expert
Review the proposed expert’s CV and availability and agree the instruction with your client, the other side or the court, as the case requires.
Letter of instruction, assessment, report
Send the letter of instruction and records. The expert assesses the client and prepares a report that complies with CPR Part 35, FPR Part 25 or the Criminal Procedure Rules, as the case requires. Written questions and court attendance may follow.
Questions about
fees and instructions
How much does a psychologist expert witness report cost?
There is no fixed price. The cost depends on the clinical question, the type of psychologist, the records, any psychometric testing and the timescale. Fees for a specific case are discussed after an enquiry.
What information helps when asking about fees?
The type of case, the questions for the expert, the likely volume of records, where the case is proceeding and any court deadline.
Does the procedure differ between courts?
Yes. Civil claims follow CPR Part 35, family proceedings follow FPR Part 25, where the court decides whether an expert is permitted, and criminal cases follow the Criminal Procedure Rules. Scotland and Northern Ireland have their own rules.
Discuss the evidence
your case needs.
Tell us the case type, the questions and the deadline.