Craig West, Psy.D.
The Mental Competency Evaluation Scale (MCES) is a scientifically validated, comprehensive assessment tool designed specifically to evaluate the competency of adults to stand trial. It is an advanced and comprehensive psychometric competency to stand trial tool and has been accepted in thousands of court cases.
The MCES provides an in-depth analysis of an individual’s ability to understand and participate in legal proceedings. This psychometric tool utilizes a structured approach to assess critical areas of cognitive, emotional, and behavioral functioning, ensuring an accurate and reliable evaluation of competency. Tailored for both legal and clinical applications, the MCES supports informed decision-making in the courtroom, offering evaluators essential insights for competency and competency restoration.
The MCES includes four key content areas: General Legal Knowledge, Tolerating Stress and Behavior/Conduct, Working with an Attorney, and Ability to Consult with Counsel/Case Specific. These areas align directly with the phases of the Mental Competency Assessment & Training (MCAT) Program, ensuring a seamless and comprehensive evaluation of progress and readiness at each stage. This alignment enhances the MCES’s utility for both legal and clinical applications.
Tele-assessment & E-learning Access Guide: The MCES can be administered both in person and electronically. Click here to learn more about effectively utilizing this tool in tele-assessment settings!
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Additional Information
Purpose
The primary purpose of the Mental Competency Evaluation Scale (MCES) is to evaluate mental competency to stand trial for individuals who are in adult court proceedings. This assessment determines whether defendants have the mental capacity to understand and participate in their legal proceedings.
The MCES additionally tracks client training progress for individuals in adult court as they move through the four phases of the Mental Competency Assessment & Training (MCAT) Program. This includes comparing initial baseline scores with phase-specific and exit scores to assess trial readiness, ensuring that each client's MCAT Program progress toward competency is carefully monitored and documented.
Target Population
Normed Populations
Qualification Level: Licensed & Trained Practitioner
Digital
Comprehensive Assessments
Phase Assessments
Supplemental Assessments
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E-learning Access Compatible
All assessments can be given remotely using the online assessment materials. Note: A separate preferred secure video conferencing platform for remote delivery is required.
The Mental Competency Evaluation Scale (MCES) is a comprehensive assessment tool designed to evaluate competency to stand trial and restoration capability for individuals in adult court. Developed in 2007 and continuously refined, the MCES has been accepted in thousands of legal proceedings and is rooted in extensive research, psychometric standardization, and Supreme Court rulings such as the Dusky standard (Dusky v. United States, 362 U.S. 402 (1960)), providing a robust framework for evaluating competency to stand trial and tracking competency restoration progress.
This descriptive evaluation instrument measures key competencies using a blend of open-ended and multiple-choice questions that assess an individual's understanding of court procedures, their ability to consult with and assist legal counsel, and their capacity to engage in a rational defense.
The MCES evaluates knowledge, beliefs, behaviors, and emotional responses relevant to the judicial process, offering standard T scores and level descriptors, which are compared against benchmarks of those found competent and incompetent. Additionally, an optional Standardized Group Comparison Table allows for comparisons across group norms, enhancing the evaluator’s ability to gain reliable and validated insights into an individual’s competency to stand trial.
Attorney Questionnaire
This section focuses on the nature of the defendant-attorney relationship, gathering information from both parties for comparison.
Risk Management
This section concentrates on factors that could lead to risk behaviors in the examinee.
Mental Status Examination (MSE)
The mental state of the examinee is evaluated, including their perception, thought process, and mood.
General Legal
This section tests the examinee’s understanding of general legal concepts and proceedings that might apply to their case.
Crime & Charges
In this section, the examinee’s comprehension of their own charges and the general categories of crimes is assessed.
Seriousness of Crimes
This section evaluates the examinee’s grasp of the severity of their charges or the crimes they’ve been accused of.
Crime Scene & Evidence
This section examines the client’s understanding of the significance of evidence and the role it plays in their case.
Courtroom Personnel
This section evaluates the examinee’s knowledge about the various individuals involved in the judicial process and their respective roles.
Trial Proceedings
This section explores the examinee’s comprehension of the court proceedings.
Simple & Advanced
This section checks for consistency in the examinee’s answers, as well as their ability to respond to questions of varying complexity.
Pleas
This section examines the examinee’s knowledge about making pleas in court.
Rights
The examinee’s understanding of their due process rights and their rights when dealing with law enforcement is assessed.
Consistency & Malingering
This section looks for signs of consistent responding, suggestibility, and possible malingering.
Corrections
This section evaluates the examinee’s understanding of the correctional system and possible sentencing options.
Behavior & Etiquette
This section assesses the examinee’s knowledge of appropriate courtroom behavior and etiquette.
Defendant as a Witness
In this section, the examinee’s understanding of what it means to testify as a witness in their own case is evaluated.
Attorney Consultation
This section assesses the examinee’s ability to effectively communicate with their attorney and assist in their own defense.
Case Specific
This section evaluates the examinee’s understanding of their specific case, including the charges against them, potential evidence, and possible plea deals.
Overall Competency Level
An overall score is provided based on the four key content areas: General Legal Knowledge, Tolerating Stress and Behavior/Conduct, Working with an Attorney, and Ability to Consult with Counsel/Case Specific. This score reflects the client's ability to factually and rationally comprehend the court process and actively engage with their legal defense.
Phase Index Scales
The MCES (Standard) and MCES (Exit) assessments feature scales for four key content areas: General Legal Knowledge, Tolerating Stress and Behavior/Conduct, Working with an Attorney, and Ability to Consult with Counsel/Case Specific. These areas align directly with the phases of the Mental Competency Assessment & Training (MCAT) Program, ensuring seamless integration between the assessment and competency training program.
Supplemental Scales
The MCES (Standard) and MCES (Exit) incorporate supplementary scales to evaluate specific areas related to competency, including:
Expressive and Receptive Scales
The MCES measures both expressive and receptive comprehension. Expressive comprehension is assessed through open-ended questions that evaluate the client’s ability to articulate their understanding, while receptive comprehension is assessed using multiple-choice questions to measure recognition and recall. This dual approach provides a comprehensive view of the client’s comprehension, critical for courtroom interactions.
Emotional Risk Profile
This profile evaluates the client’s emotional stability and overall risk level during the assessment, considering clinical, static, and dynamic risk factors.
Effort Profile
This profile gauges the level of effort exerted during the assessment and ensures the reliability of the findings by distinguishing between genuine effort and potential malingering.
Scoring & Comprehensive Interpretive Report
Scoring results are used to generate a comprehensive interpretive PDF report, offering detailed analysis and insights based on the scores and responses entered. An optional Word format report can be purchased separately.
Standardized Group Comparison Table (MCES/J-MCES)
If the MCES (Standard) or MCES (Exit) are administered, a detailed comparison table which benchmarks the client’s scores against established normed groups, offering deeper insights into the client’s competency is offered.
Supplemental Assessments
If these assessments are utilized as supplemental scales with the MCES or J-MCES, they assist in assessing the client’s ability to manage anger and stress, respectively, during legal proceedings. These scales can be integrated as weighted factors when assessing emotional stability. These assessments are included within the MCES/J-MCES kits and are also available for separate purchase.
Administration Note: These assessments are recommended for use alongside the MCES (Standard), MCES (Exit), and MCES (Phase 2) as well as their juvenile counterparts, the J-MCES (Standard), J-MCES (Exit), and J-MCES (Phase 2).
Core Assessment Benefits
Implementation Benefits
Professional Support Benefits
Value-Added Benefits
Scoring and PDF reports are included for all purchased assessments. Scores and assessment data are entered via the online Scoring Form and sent to the Psychwest Data Center to be scored. Upon submission, your scores will be processed and a professional report will be sent to your email shortly. An optional Word format report can be purchased separately.
MCES/J-MCES Administration and Scoring Manual (Print & Digital)
This manual provides clear step-by-step guidelines and instructions for administering the MCES and J-MCES assessments. It includes standardized administration and scoring criteria for every question to ensure accuracy and consistency.
MCES/J-MCES Technical and Interpretive Manual (Digital)
This manual provides comprehensive details on validity, reliability, and normative data. It also outlines the target populations and relevant legal competency standards and statutes.
MCES/J-MCES Assessment Photos (Print & Digital)
The assessment photos can be accessed online within the MCES/J-MCES Digital Administration (includes AMA & SMA) or can be purchased as a set of four laminated print photos. These photos are utilized during the administration of the MCES (Standard), MCES (Exit), and MCES (Phase 1) assessments [as well as the juvenile counterparts J-MCES (Standard), J-MCES (Exit), and J-MCES (Phase 1)].
MCES/J-MCES Digital Administration (includes AMA & SMA)
Digital administration of the MCES, J-MCES, AMA, and SMA can be accessed with this resource. It includes the following:
MCES/J-MCES Anger Management Assessment & MCES/J-MCES Stress Management Assessment Rating Scale (Print & Digital)
This rating scale is available online and as a laminated print version, specifically designed for use with the MCES/J-MCES Anger Management Assessment and MCES/J-MCES Stress Management Assessment.
MCES Record Form (Standard) with Scoring and Digital Report (Print)
These record forms are utilized for mental competency to stand trial assessments for those in adult court. The MCES (Standard) assesses four key content areas: General Legal Knowledge, Tolerating Stress and Behavior/Conduct, Working with an Attorney, and Ability to Consult with Counsel/Case Specific.
Supplemental scales include an Effort Profile, Emotional Risk Profile, and other measures. The Effort Profile gauges the level of effort exerted during the assessment and ensures the reliability of the findings by distinguishing between genuine effort and potential malingering. The Emotional Risk Profile evaluates the client’s emotional stability and overall risk level during the assessment, considering clinical, static, and dynamic risk factors. Numerous supplemental scales measure knowledge in specified legal areas.
The record forms are provided in print format. Digital presentation for electronic assessments requires the MCES/J-MCES Digital Administration (includes AMA & SMA), sold separately or included in the Complete Starter Kits. The MCES/J-MCES Assessment Photos are utilized in conjunction with this assessment.
Note: When used within the MCAT Program, the MCES Record Form (Standard) serves as a baseline assessment to identify the client’s current competency level and areas requiring intervention and support.
MCES Record Form (Phase 1) with Scoring and Digital Report (Print)
This form is primarily utilized by evaluators who are assessing those in adult court who have completed the Phase 1 training curriculum in the Mental Competency Assessment & Training (MCAT) Program, which focuses on the understanding of General Legal Knowledge. This assessment compares current MCES Phase 1 scores with the established baseline MCES Standard scores. Successful completion of a phase assessment indicates that the client has acquired the necessary skills and knowledge in that phase, allowing them to advance to the next phase.
The record forms are provided in print format. Digital presentation for electronic assessments requires the MCES/J-MCES Digital Administration (includes AMA & SMA), sold separately or included in the Complete Starter Kits. The MCES/J-MCES Assessment Photos are utilized in conjunction with this assessment.
MCES Record Form (Phase 2) with Scoring and Digital Report (Print)
This form is primarily utilized by evaluators who are assessing those in adult court who have completed the Phase 2 training curriculum in the Mental Competency Assessment & Training (MCAT) Program, which focuses on Tolerating Stress and Behavior/Conduct. This assessment compares current MCES Phase 2 scores with the established baseline MCES Standard scores. Successful completion of a phase assessment indicates that the client has acquired the necessary skills and knowledge in that phase, allowing them to advance to the next phase.
The record forms are provided in print format. Digital presentation for electronic assessments requires the MCES/J-MCES Digital Administration (includes AMA & SMA), sold separately or included in the Complete Starter Kits.
MCES Record Form (Phase 3) with Scoring and Digital Report (Print)
This form is primarily utilized by evaluators who are assessing those in adult court who have completed the Phase 3 training curriculum in the Mental Competency Assessment & Training (MCAT) Program, which focuses on the understanding of Working with an Attorney. This assessment compares current MCES Phase 3 scores with the established baseline MCES Standard scores. Successful completion of a phase assessment indicates that the client has acquired the necessary skills and knowledge in that phase, allowing them to advance to the next phase.
The record forms are provided in print format. Digital presentation for electronic assessments requires the MCES/J-MCES Digital Administration (includes AMA & SMA), sold separately or included in the Complete Starter Kits.
MCES Record Form (Phase 4) with Scoring and Digital Report (Print)
This form is primarily utilized by evaluators who are assessing those in adult court who have completed the Phase 4 training curriculum in the Mental Competency Assessment & Training (MCAT) Program, which focuses on the understanding of Case Specific information and the Ability to Consult with Counsel. This assessment compares current MCES Phase 4 scores with the established baseline MCES Standard scores. Successful completion of a Phase 4 assessment indicates that the client has acquired the necessary skills and knowledge in that phase and are ready to be assessed using the MCES Record Form (Exit).
The record forms are provided in print format. Digital presentation for electronic assessments requires the MCES/J-MCES Digital Administration (includes AMA & SMA), sold separately or included in the Complete Starter Kits.
MCES Record Form (Exit) with Scoring and Digital Report (Print)
The MCES Record Form (Exit) is utilized when the court requests a follow-up evaluation at a later date to determine whether the individual has been restored to competency and can show progress and changes from the initial evaluation conducted.
This form is also utilized by evaluators who are assessing those in adult court who have completed the entire 4-phase training curriculum in the Mental Competency Assessment & Training (MCAT) Program, which focuses on the content areas General Legal Knowledge, Tolerating Stress and Behavior/Conduct, Working with an Attorney, and Ability to Consult with Counsel/Case Specific. Successful completion of the Exit assessment indicates that the participant has acquired the necessary skills and knowledge in the program and that the individual has achieved the necessary level of mental competency to stand trial.
This assessment compares current MCES Exit scores with the established baseline MCES Standard scores.
Additionally, it includes supplemental scales including an Effort Profile, Emotional Risk Profile, and other measures. The Effort Profile gauges the level of effort exerted during the assessment and ensures the reliability of the findings by distinguishing between genuine effort and potential malingering. The Emotional Risk Profile evaluates the client’s emotional stability and overall risk level during the assessment, considering clinical, static, and dynamic risk factors. Numerous supplemental scales measure knowledge in specified legal areas.
The record forms are provided in print format. Digital presentation for electronic assessments requires the MCES/J-MCES Digital Administration (includes AMA & SMA), sold separately or included in the Complete Starter Kits. The MCES/J-MCES Assessment Photos are utilized in conjunction with this assessment.
MCES/J-MCES Anger Management Assessment Record Form with Scoring and Digital Report (Print)
This assessment has many applications for use in conjunction with other psychological assessments to assess anger management. It is primarily utilized by evaluators as a supplemental measure to the MCES and J-MCES to assess the client’s ability to manage anger during legal proceedings and can also be integrated as a weighted factor when determining emotional stability.
It is recommended to use this assessment with the MCES (Standard), MCES (Exit), and MCES (Phase 2) assessments as well as their juvenile counterparts, the J-MCES (Standard), J-MCES (Exit), and J-MCES (Phase 2).
The record forms are provided in print format. Digital presentation for electronic assessments requires the MCES/J-MCES Digital Administration (includes AMA & SMA), sold separately or included in the Complete Starter Kits. The MCES/J-MCES Anger Management Assessment & MCES/J-MCES Stress Management Assessment Rating Scale is to be utilized in conjunction with this assessment.
MCES/J-MCES Stress Management Assessment Record Form with Scoring and Digital Report (Print)
This assessment has many applications for use in conjunction with other psychological assessments to assess stress management. It is primarily utilized by evaluators as a supplemental measure to the MCES and J-MCES to assess the client’s ability to manage stress during legal proceedings and can also be integrated as a weighted factor when determining emotional stability.
It is recommended to use this assessment with the MCES (Standard), MCES (Exit), and MCES (Phase 2) assessments as well as their juvenile counterparts, the J-MCES (Standard), J-MCES (Exit), and J-MCES (Phase 2).
The record forms are provided in print format. Digital presentation for electronic assessments requires the MCES/J-MCES Digital Administration (includes AMA & SMA), sold separately or included in the Complete Starter Kits. The MCES/J-MCES Anger Management Assessment & MCES/J-MCES Stress Management Assessment Rating Scale is to be utilized in conjunction with this assessment.
Materials
Video/Audio
Overview – MCES/J-MCES Competency Assessments
Forensic & Competency Insights (Blog)
The MCES and J-MCES: A Psychometric Approach to Competency Evaluation
Juvenile Competency Isn’t Adult Competency in Miniature
Beyond “Competent or Not”: The Case for a Five-Level Model of Trial Competency
Professional Development
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