Mental Competency Assessment & Training (MCAT) Program- Subscription-Based

Our Services

A Community-Based Competency Restoration Program for Juveniles and Adults Fostering Abilities to Become Competent to Stand Trial

Introduction

Our subscription-based Mental Competency Assessment & Training (MCAT) Program provides agencies with the training materials and resources needed to independently run a successful competency restoration program. We provide organizations with the tools needed for them to obtain the competency of juveniles and adults involved in the criminal justice system.

PsychWest, Inc. has been providing mental competency to stand trial services for juveniles and adults since 2007. We have developed comprehensive competency restoration curricula for juveniles and adults which includes training manuals, workbooks, and interactive digital activities. The curriculum for juvenile court participants and the curriculum for adult court participants each include the appropriate legal terms, concepts, and processes required.

Process

If you have a current competency training program or are interested in starting one, we have the tools and materials ready for you to implement a complete, strong competency to stand trial program. Our base program includes access to our training curriculum for either juveniles and/or adults.

For those agencies with a qualified psychologist or psychiatrist who possesses the necessary mental competency experience or training, you have the ability to add on access to our comprehensive mental competency to stand trial assessments, the Mental Competency Evaluation Scale (MCES) and/or the Juvenile-Mental Competency Evaluation Scale (J-MCES). The MCES and J-MCES are fundamental and necessary instruments when evaluating an individual’s competency ability and play a pivotal role in the determination of an individual’s progression throughout the program.

Agencies who do not have the qualified evaluation staff can still take full advantage of our program. If this comprehensive access to our program is wanted, the necessary competency evaluations can be contracted out to PsychWest or another qualified evaluator.

4 Phases of Competency

At the heart of our MCAT Program subscription service is the four phases of competency, designed to provide a systematic and comprehensive approach to assessing and enhancing mental competency of participants. Our online lesson plans and materials provide the necessary information for you to successfully teach all of the required court competency processes and procedures for those participants under your care.

Phase 1 -General Legal Knowledge: Participants receive education on basic legal concepts and courtroom procedures, allowing them to better understand the legal process and their role in the proceedings.
Phase 2 – Tolerating Stress and Behavioral Conduct: The program addresses participants’ emotional well-being, teaching them strategies to cope with stress and maintain appropriate behavior during legal proceedings.
Phase 3 – Working with an Attorney: Participants learn how to effectively communicate and collaborate with their legal counsel, ensuring a strong attorney-client relationship and enabling them to actively contribute to their defense strategy.
Phase 4 – Ability to Consult with Counsel/Case-Specific: This final phase focuses on enhancing participants’ understanding of their specific case, as well as their ability to consult with their attorney on case-related matters.

Strategic Learning, Proven Results: Discover the Impact of Our MCAT Curriculum and Workbook

Comparing the Full Service Model and the Subscription-Based Model

The Full Service Model and the Subscription-Based Model provide different levels of involvement from our team, designed to cater to your specific needs.

In the Full Service Model, our team takes care of every step of the mental competency restoration process. From the initial baseline assessment, through each of the four phases of competency training, and then to the final comprehensive assessment, we handle all aspects. This comprehensive service ensures continuity and consistency, freeing up your resources for other tasks.

The Subscription-Based Model, on the other hand, is ideal for agencies seeking more autonomy. Here, you gain access to our robust competency restoration resources and tools, allowing your qualified staff to handle competency restoration training (& assessments, if chosen) internally.

Services and Access under the Subscription-Based Model

2-hour Electronic Introduction to the Program Staff Training
Access to Trainer and Client licenses
Access to Digital Curriculum
Access to Digital Curriculum Slide Activity – Coming Soon
Access to Ladder Activity – Coming Soon
Access to Witness Box Activity – Coming Soon
Access to Competency Restoration Photos & Flashcards
Access to Fill-in-The Blank Questions
Access to Word Search
Access to Crosswords
Optional Add-On Service: Mental Competency Assessments- MCES/J-MCES Assessmentsces

These resources empower your agency to deliver top-notch, personalized competency restoration services. Further, you get to benefit from our continuous program evaluation and improvements, ensuring your program stays at the cutting edge of competency restoration practices.

Take Control of Your Competency Restoration Today!

Ready to take the leap? Embrace the flexibility and autonomy that our Subscription-Based Model offers and revolutionize your approach to competency restoration.

Mental Competency Evaluation Scale (MCES) and Juvenile-Mental Competency Evaluation Scale (J-MCES)

Assessment Process

Baseline Assessment: Upon entering the MCAT Program, participants are given a baseline assessment using the MCES or J-MCES. This initial evaluation helps determine the individual’s current level of competency and identifies areas requiring targeted intervention and support.
Phase Assessments: After receiving training in each phase, participants are reassessed using the MCES or J-MCES to evaluate their progress in the specific competency area. Successful completion of a phase assessment indicates that the participant has acquired the necessary skills and knowledge in that phase, allowing them to advance to the next phase.
Final Assessment: Upon completion of all four phases, participants undergo a final comprehensive assessment using the MCES or J-MCES. Successful completion of this assessment indicates that the individual has achieved the necessary level of mental competency to stand trial.

Program Evaluation and Improvement

Continuous program evaluation and improvement are essential components of the MCAT Program. Procedures are in place for data collection, monitoring, and reporting, enabling the measurement of the program’s success and making data-driven decisions to improve its effectiveness.

Our Committment!

The MCAT Program is committed to empowering juveniles and adults involved in the criminal justice system by assessing and restoring their mental competency to stand trial. By providing comprehensive support, tailored interventions, and ongoing evaluations, the MCAT Program aims to ensure that these individuals can effectively participate in their defense and navigate the legal process. Through the dedicated efforts of the team, the MCAT Program strives to foster a more just and inclusive legal system for all.

Consult with us and Let us Answer Your Questions!

Learn more about our MCAT Competency Restoration Program – Full Service

Learn more about our MCAT Competency Restoration Program – Subscription Based

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Mental Competency Assessment & Training (MCAT) Program- Subscription-Based

A Community-Based Competency Restoration Program for Juveniles and Adults Fostering Abilities to Become Competent to Stand Trial

Consult with us and Let us Answer Your Questions!