Dr. Melissa Bagwell is a licensed clinical and forensic psychologist with over a decade of post-licensure experience conducting comprehensive psychological evaluations for criminal, civil, and workers’ compensation proceedings. She specializes in competency to stand trial, mental health diversion, criminal responsibility, risk assessment, and personal injury evaluations. Dr. Bagwell is known for delivering objective, evidence-based assessments and expert testimony that effectively translate complex psychological findings into clear legal insights.

She previously served as Executive Director and Community Program Director for California’s Sexually Violent Predator Conditional Release Program (CONREP), where she oversees a multidisciplinary team of over 60 staff. Her career spans leadership and clinical roles across correctional institutions, outpatient forensic programs, and private practice. In these roles, she has conducted psychological testing, coordinated with courts and law enforcement, and supervised treatment teams managing high-risk populations.

Dr. Bagwell earned her Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Forensic Psychology and Master’s in Forensic Psychology from Alliant International University, following a Bachelor’s in Criminology from the University of La Verne. She is certified in specialized risk assessment tools and highly proficient in psychological and neuropsychological testing. Her work continues to support attorneys, judges, and public agencies in navigating complex mental health issues in legal contexts.