CHOOSE THE INSTRUMENT
MCES & J-MCES.
Use the MCES for cases in adult court and the J-MCES for cases in juvenile court, with language and context appropriate to each system.
Explore the introduction →PSYCHWEST · ADULT & JUVENILE
MCES / J-MCES
Overview
Competency to stand trial assessments.
Give qualified evaluators the tools to assess understanding, interpret findings and follow change across an adult or juvenile case.
Take a look inside.Turn a page. Explore the assessments.
See how the findings come together.
See how the findings come together.
ONE STRUCTURED APPROACH
Assessment, interpretation and progress.
Working together.
The Mental Competency Evaluation Scale (MCES) and Juvenile-Mental Competency Evaluation Scale (J-MCES) support qualified professionals in evaluating competency and following change over time.
UNDERSTAND THE WHOLE PICTURE
Assess & interpret.
Bring structured responses together with the interview, mental status findings, case information and other relevant records.
See how findings are presented →FOLLOW WHAT CHANGES
Reassess & review.
Use Standard, Phase and Exit record forms as appropriate to the referral, including progress review within the MCAT Program.
Plan your assessment pathway →Two instruments.
A shared purpose.
A shared purpose.
Assess understanding of proceedings and the ability to work with counsel. Structured findings support the evaluator’s interpretation of the individual’s current functioning and the questions raised by the referral.
WHO IS IT FOR?
Your setting.
Your professional team.
Psychologists, other qualified evaluators, and agencies providing competency evaluations can coordinate assessment alongside clinical services and competency-restoration training.
Forensic evaluatorsBehavioral healthCounty & government agenciesRestoration programs
Review the applicable licensure, training and assessment requirements. An agency may work with a qualified evaluator on staff or coordinate with a contracted evaluator.
HOW EVALUATORS PREPARE
Prepare to assess.
Build a consistent approach.
Administration, scoring and interpretation work together. Psychwest connects assessment manuals, professional learning and practical support.
Review the assessment materials
Use the MCES/J-MCES Administration and Scoring Manual to prepare for standardized administration and item-specific scoring.
Develop interpretation skills
Review the MCES/J-MCES Technical and Interpretive Manual for the instruments’ structure, standardization, norms, reliability and validity.
Choose professional learning
MCES and J-MCES courses support evaluator preparation. Agencies can purchase and assign formal courses through Team Courses.
Keep learning and finding answers
Use dashboard support, FAQs and professional-development resources as questions arise. Review current course options and subscriber benefits.
OPEN A GUIDE. SEE WHAT YOU RECEIVE.
Your introduction
to the MCES & J-MCES.
Open the assessment introduction, then explore the Welcome Guide and Service & Pricing Guide.
No books match your search.
These guides open for on-screen viewing. Book files are not offered for download or printing.
Administration &
Scoring Manual
A consistent assessment process
Technical &
Interpretive Manual
The framework behind the findings
Assessment
Reports
Scores, profiles and progress
ASSESSMENT WITH CONTEXT
Listen. Assess.
Interpret. Review.
Connect the individual’s responses with the broader clinical and case information.
FINDINGS YOU CAN REVIEW
Bring the findings together.
Follow meaningful change.
Review assessment scores and profiles alongside the individual’s responses and relevant clinical information. Use repeated assessment, when appropriate, to describe progress and remaining needs.
ASSESSMENT RESULTS
Scores & profiles
Review level scores and descriptors, T scores, percentiles and other reported measures in the context of the evaluation.
CHANGE OVER TIME
Progress review
Compare baseline, phase and exit findings when using the instruments within the MCAT Program.
Professional interpretation
The evaluator considers the full record, interview and current functioning when explaining what the results mean for the referral.
Explore assessment details →Baseline→After Phase 1→After Phase 2→After Phase 3→After Phase 4 / Exit
A WALK THROUGH THE REPORT
MCES/J-MCES Sample Report
See how the findings are presented in a fictional example.
Qualified professionals interpret assessment results in context. Assessment scores and completion of training do not themselves determine legal competence. Evaluator subscriptions and assessment materials serve a different role from MCAT Program training subscriptions.
FROM INTEREST TO IMPLEMENTATION
Build your assessment pathway.
Start with the right resources.
Identify your setting, evaluators and assessment needs. Bring the questions you want answered.
Choose the instrument and record forms that fit the referral. Coordinate access to the manuals, professional learning and reporting options your team needs.
For agencies delivering restoration training, plan how assessment findings will inform the MCAT Program and how progress will be reviewed.
Contact Us ↗- 01
Define the assessment need
Identify the court context, referral questions and whether you need Standard, Phase or Exit assessments.
- 02
Prepare the evaluator
Confirm qualifications and arrange the applicable manuals and professional learning.
- 03
Arrange access and materials
Review evaluator plans, then purchase the assessment materials and any optional resources you need.
- 04
Assess, interpret and review
Follow standardized procedures, interpret findings in context and plan reassessment when appropriate.
A FEW HELPFUL ANSWERS
What would you
like to know?
For details about your setting, speak with a Psychwest specialist.
Contact Us →What is the difference between the MCES and J-MCES?
The MCES is used for cases in adult court, including a juvenile whose case is being tried in adult court. The J-MCES is used for cases in juvenile court, including an individual who turns 18 while their case remains under juvenile court jurisdiction.
Who can administer the assessments?
The MCES and J-MCES are intended for qualified professionals who meet the applicable licensure and training requirements. Review the assessment manuals and contact Psychwest about preparation for your setting.
What do the assessments cover?
Four content areas organize the assessment: General Legal Knowledge; Tolerating Stress and Behavior/Conduct; Working with an Attorney; and Ability to Consult with Counsel/Case Specific. The instruments also include supplemental scales and profiles.
Can assessments be completed in person or remotely?
Digital and print formats support in-person administration and tele-assessment. Review the current administration materials and applicable tele-assessment guidance when choosing the format for an individual evaluation.
What is the difference between Standard, Phase and Exit forms?
The Standard record form is used for competency evaluations and baseline assessment. Phase record forms support progress review during the MCAT Program. Exit record forms support assessment at program completion or an appropriate follow-up evaluation.
What reports and optional resources are available?
Assessment reporting includes a PDF report based on the scores and entries provided. A Word report option, Standardized Group Comparison Tables and supplemental Anger Management and Stress Management assessments are available separately. Review the current Service & Pricing Guide for details.
Can the MCES and J-MCES assessments be used to conduct formal court-ordered competency evaluations?
Yes, these instruments are designed for competency to stand trial evaluations and are used in court-ordered cases — the MCES in adult court and the J-MCES in juvenile court. They are administered and interpreted by a qualified evaluator as part of the wider evaluation, alongside the interview, mental status findings and case records. The MCAT Program is not required, although if these instruments are used with the program, they can establish a baseline and follow progress within it.
How do I get started?
Review your assessment needs and qualifications, compare current evaluator plans, and arrange the assessment materials and learning resources you need. An agency offering both assessment and restoration training can explore combining evaluator and MCAT Program subscriptions.
What can I share with a colleague?
Share this MCES/J-MCES Overview page using the button or QR code below. Colleagues can explore the introduction book and both narrated slide decks. The guides are provided for on-screen viewing, without print or download options.
LET’S FIND YOUR STARTING POINT
Your next conversation
can start here.
Bring your questions about evaluator preparation, assessment materials or implementation. We’ll help you explore the resources that fit your setting.
SHARE THIS MCES/J-MCES OVERVIEW
Share with your colleagues.
One MCES/J-MCES Overview link.
The whole introduction.