Virginia S. Hart, PhD

Virginia Hart is a highly qualified forensic expert with over 20 years of experience in forensic and clinical psychology. She holds a PhD in clinical psychology with a subspecialty in psychology and law from the University of Alabama. She completed a forensic predoctoral internship via the Federal Bureau of Prisons and a forensic postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Virginia. She has broad clinical experience in correctional facilities, state hospitals, forensic state hospitals, inpatient and outpatient settings and private practice.

Hart is the coordinator of forensic psychological evaluation services at Atrium Health Behavioral Health Charlotte, a facility of Carolinas Medical Center. As an assistant professor at Wake Forest University, she provides clinical education for psychiatry residents.

Her services include evaluation for competence, legal sanity, sexual offenders, violence risk assessment, capital sentencing, criminal mitigation and diminished capacity. She uses an evidence-based approach and utilizes empirically supported psychological test measures to provide additional objective case data. Major areas of testing include diagnostic testing, personality testing and assessment of malingering, violence risk, criminal competencies and intellectual and adaptive functioning. Hart may be retained to conduct testing to inform forensic psychiatric opinions. She is available as a consultant in legal cases involving mental health issues; in these instances, she becomes a member of the defense or prosecution team rather than an independent testifying expert.

Hart works with a diverse group of clients, including those with psychotic illnesses, trauma, and mood, anxiety and personality disorders. At the center of her work is an empathetic and non-judgmental relationship. To help clients reach their goals, she employs techniques informed by cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT).