Dr. Vanessa Simiola, Psychologist and Custody Evaluator

About Dr. Vanessa Simiola

Experienced Psychologist

Dr. Simiola is a clinical and forensic psychologist providing services, including custody evaluations, for clients in Hawaii, California and Kansas. Dr. Simiola has lived in Hawaii since 2015, where she completed both her pre-doctoral internship and post-doctoral fellowship at the VA in Honolulu. She is listed as a custody evaluator in the First, Second, Third, and Fifth Circuit Courts in Hawaii. Dr. Simiola has been practicing clinically as an independent licensed psychologist since 2017 and expanded her practice to include custody evaluations in 2023. She has extensive clinical and research experience, which she uses to inform her evaluations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Please reach Dr. Simiola at drvanessasimiola@gmail.com if you cannot find an answer to your question.

What credentials does Dr. Simiola possess?

Dr. Simiola holds a Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology and has completed extensive training in child custody evaluations. During a custody evaluation information is derived from a variety of sources and integrated in order to best understand how familial and individual variables impact the best interest of the child(ren). Dr. Simiola hs had training in family systems, assessment, domestic violence, substance abuse, child abuse and trauma related issues.

How long does a custody evaluation take?

A custody evaluation is a comprehensive process involving multiple interviews, psychological testing, collateral contacts, and observations. The timeframe for completion depends heavily on your involvement and responsiveness, including scheduling flexibility, timely completion of testing, and prompt provision of requested documents. Typically, evaluations take between 3-3.5 months from the initial intake to submission of the final report to the Court.

What does a custody evaluation entail?

The custody evaluation will include some or all of the following elements/procedures: parent interviews, observing parent-child and caregiver-child interactions, reviewing documents, interviewing and/or observing each child (in office or at home), administering psychological testing to parents and children, interviewing cohabitating partners, interviewing and obtaining materials from collateral sources (e.g., teachers, physicians, and therapists), and screening for substance use disorder, and family violence (including intimate partner violence and child maltreatment). The entire evaluation period will take between 3-3.5 months to complete, assuming your full cooperation.

How much does a custody evaluation cost?

Fees depend on the nature of the evaluation and what is requested in the Order. Typically, the retainer fee is between $15,000-$17,000. This will cover the interviews, observations collateral contacts, up to six hours of psychological testing administration, a written report to the court as well as the return hearing on the report, if requested by counsel. If the evaluation requires more than this allotted time and/or one or more parties provide excessive amounts of documents to be reviewed and incorporated, my hourly rate is then billed. Please note fees are subject to change.

Is Dr. Simiola available to work on my case?

It depends! Please reach out to Dr. Simiola to determine availability and fit. Please e-mail Dr. Simiola at drvanessasimiola@gmail.com or drvanessasimiola@hushmail.com. You can also contact Dr. Simiola via telephone at (808) 799-2474.

Does Dr. Simiola conduct psychological assessments?

Yes, Dr. Simiola conducts psychological assessments. These can be completed as part of the custody evaluation, or Dr. Simiola is able to complete psychological assessments when requested separately.

Is a custody evaluation the same as other psychological services rendered by a psychologist?

No, a custody evaluation differs significantly from other psychological services such as therapy or mental health treatment. Key differences include:

Nature of Service: A custody evaluation is a forensic assessment, not a therapeutic intervention. Dr. Simiola is conducting an evaluation to assist the court, not providing mental health treatment to you or other parties involved.

Confidentiality: Unlike therapy, there is no confidentiality in custody evaluations. All records, reports, and communications may be shared with the court, attorneys, and other parties as required by the legal process. By participating in the evaluation, you are waiving your right to confidentiality regarding the evaluation process and findings.

Purpose: The evaluation's purpose is to provide the court with objective information to inform custody decisions, rather than to provide therapeutic benefits to participants

Does Dr. Simiola use a secure e-mail?

Yes, Dr. Simiola uses an encrypted email to communicate secure information with clients. Her e-mail address is drvanessasimiola@hushmail.com

Does Dr. Simiola work with client's outside of Oahu?

Dr. Simiola is based in Honolulu, Hawaii. She has successfully conducted custody evaluations with families throughout the Hawaiian islands and can assist with relocation cases, subject to licensing requirements. Please contact Dr. Simiola to discuss cases outside of Oahu

Can I request a copy of Dr. Simiola's CV?

Yes, please contact Dr. Simiola to request a copy of her CV.