Firearm Evaluations
Dr. DeMarco has unique expertise in the area of gun evaluations / mental health evaluations for firearm ownership (CCW) and restoration.
She has conducted well over 100 firearm-specific evaluations, as well as provided expert witness testimony in gun and restoration matters.
She co-authored a handbook published by Oxford University Press in 2023 that provides foundational information for developing cultural competency around gun-related issues in clinical practice. Namely, exploring areas such as gun safety principles, federal and state law considerations, how to ask and what to do when gun issues arise in practice, and how to conduct a firearm-specific risk assessments. As a leading expert in the area, she has been invited to provide trainings to various professionals and mental health clinicians. Dr. DeMarco received the 2024 Lawrence S. Wrightsman Book Award from the American Psychology-Law Society (APLS; Div. 41 of the American Psychological Association - APA) for this publication, recognizing “outstanding scholarship in psychology & law.”
Types of Firearm Evaluations
CCW Denials/Appeals
For those who were denied a concealed carry permit (CCW) based on certain histories or based on a previous psychological evaluation that resulted in an unfavorable finding.
Restoration of Rights/Relief from Disabilities - California WIC 5150 or 5250
For those petitioning the Court to restore their firearm rights restored due to prohibitions from a previous 5150 or 5250 - inpatient treatment in California.
Gun Violence or Domestic Violence Restraining Orders (GVRO/DVRO) or “Red Flag” laws
For those petitioning to have their guns returned following GVRO or DVRO.
Also for Peace Officers/law enforcement seeking an evaluation for an exemption from the relinquishment requirements due to a GVRO/DVRO so that they may return to work and carry their service weapon.
Permits/FID/FPIC - NJ
NJ requires civilians to have a permit or firearms identification card to own a firearm. People with mental health, substance use, DV, or certain legal histories may be flagged and be required to submit a mental health evaluation to the police department.
What is involved in a firearm evaluation?
Dr. DeMarco conducts independent, comprehensive, empirically based, and data-driven firearm-specific risk assessments. She reviews records, conducts a comprehensive clinical-forensic interview, collateral interviews, and administers psychological testing. Additionally, Dr. DeMarco explores and various firearm-specific considerations including prohibitor areas of the law, examinee’s specific situation/and or current prohibitor area, and assesses various areas of risk including violence, suicide, domestic violence, and substance use. She works closely with examinee’s attorney to address case-specific needs.
Dr. DeMarco’s professional work in this area
Relevant recent publications:
Pirelli, G., & DeMarco, S. (2023). Firearms and clinical practice: A handbook for medical and mental health professionals. Oxford University Press.
DeMarco, S, & Pirelli, G. (2024). Guns and mental health. Encyclopedia of Psychology in the Real World: Psychology and Law Volume. Routledge.
Invited talks and trainings conducted by Dr. DeMarco:
Firearm-Related Issues in Forensic Assessment: Considerations for Evaluators (November 2023). Invited Staff Training, New York Police Department (NYPD) Psychologists. New York, NY.
Firearms and Clinical Practice: Essentials for Psychologists (March 2023). CE Workshop for Arizona Psychological Association. AZ
Firearms and Clinical Practice: Essentials for Psychologists (February 2023). Group psychology practice. Portland, OR.
Duty to Warn and Protect in New Jersey: Essentials for Mental Health Professionals. (July 2021). Webinar for Independent Mental Health Practice. Union County, NJ.
Identifying and Managing Firearm-Related Risk Factors. (October 2019). Invited Staff Training, Woodland Park Range/Gun for Hire, Woodland Park, NJ.