Meet melissa

Melissa Skarbek, LMSW, LCSW
Forensic Social Worker | Expert Witness | Court-Involved Clinical Therapist

As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker practicing in forensic social work, I bring over 16 years of experience in child welfare and court-involved matters. This combined clinical expertise and applied experience within legal contexts allows me to offer a well-grounded, integrated approach to both clinical practice and the legal complexities inherent in my work.

Forensic social work operates at the intersection of mental health and the legal system. In this role, I conduct comprehensive, evidence-based evaluations designed to inform decision-making by courts, attorneys, and families. My areas of specialization commonly include high-conflict custody disputes, domestic violence assessments, reunification and resist-refuse dynamics, as well as evaluations and analysis of overall child and family functioning.

In addition to conducting forensic evaluations, I continue to operate an active clinical practice utilizing evidence-based treatment approaches such as Brainspotting, Dialectical Behavior Theory (DBT) and trauma focused intervention strategies. Ongoing direct clinical work strengthens my ability to evaluate how individuals respond to trauma and stress, assess credibility in complex matters, identify attachment patterns, and understand the nuances of family dynamics.

Through collaboration with attorneys and other professionals, I approach each case with both rigor and balance. My objective is to assess complex family systems, identify relevant risk and protective factors, and provide courts with clear, well-supported conclusions to inform thoughtful, well-reasoned decisions.