Expert reports · Methodology
Expert Assessment Methodology
Transparent methodology is the foundation of every report: each step, from file review to answering the questions put to the expert, is clearly documented.
Types of reports we prepare
Tap one — the report type is preselected in the enquiry form.
- Forensic psychiatry
- Guardianship & detention
- Statement credibility
- Social medicine
- Asylum & immigration
- Psychosomatic medicine
- Second opinion & review
- Evidence-based and methodically sound
- Clearly reasoned
- Direct answers to the court's questions
- In person in Bavaria and across Germany
Components of an assessment
- File review: case files, previous findings and treatment reports
- Clinical interview: personal specialist examination where required
- Additional testing: psychometric instruments and symptom validity testing
- Findings and diagnosis according to ICD-10/ICD-11
- Transparent reasoning and clear answers to the questions asked
Principles
- Independence and impartiality
- Guideline-based practice
- Findings kept separate from conclusions
- Clear, accessible language
Quality standards
Assessments follow the German minimum standards for criminal responsibility and risk reports, the AWMF guidelines on assessing mental and psychosomatic disorders, and recognised statement validity standards.
Limits of what can be assessed are stated openly.
Professional background
Doctor-medic Otilia Gudana, MSc
Consultant in Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy
- Former acting senior consultant, Department of Forensic Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, kbo Isar-Amper-Klinikum Taufkirchen
- Over twelve years of clinical practice in psychiatry, psychosomatic medicine and forensic psychiatry
- MSc Communication, Behaviour & Credibility Analysis (Manchester Metropolitan University)
- Reports in English, German and Romanian
Process and fees
- 01
Enquiry
Brief details of the instructing party, questions and deadline – via the enquiry form or by phone.
- 02
Initial check
Review of scope, jurisdiction and any conflict of interest.
- 03
Written offer
Fees and timeframe agreed in writing (court instructions under JVEG).
- 04
File review & examination
Analysis of the documents and a clinical interview where required.
- 05
Report
Written report with transparent reasoning; oral explanation in court on request.
Fees and timeframe are agreed in writing before instruction, based on the questions asked, the size of the file and the examination required. Court instructions are invoiced under the German JVEG.
Frequently asked questions
Is every report prepared personally?
Yes. Examination and writing are carried out personally by Doctor-medic Otilia Gudana.
Who can instruct you?
Courts, prosecutors, public authorities, lawyers, insurers and, in individual cases, private individuals.
How much does a report cost?
Fees and timeframe are agreed in writing before instruction, based on the questions asked, the size of the file and the examination required. Court instructions are invoiced under the German JVEG.
How are case files transferred securely?
Please do not send health data through the enquiry form. We agree a secure channel for file transfer (encrypted, by post or via a court-compatible electronic channel).
Other areas of expertise
- Forensic psychiatryCriminal responsibility · Risk · Secure care
- Guardianship & detentionGuardianship · Capacity · Involuntary admission
- Statement credibilityCredibility · Statement analysis · Method review
- Social medicineWork capacity · Earning capacity · Rehabilitation
- Asylum & immigrationTrauma · Fitness to travel · Barriers to removal
- Psychosomatic medicineChronic pain · Somatic symptoms · Functioning
- Second opinion & reviewSecond opinion · Method review · Written statement
Medically and scientifically reviewed by Doctor-medic Otilia Gudana, MSc — Specialist in Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy (Bavarian State Chamber of Physicians), EMDR-certified clinician, published author with Springer Nature. Last review: 2026-07. Content follows current German S3 guidelines and is provided for information only; it does not replace an individual medical consultation. About the author.