Expert Witness Testimony
I provide expert witness testimony and case consultation on legal matters involving subjects I have published on. This is so I can provide information grounded in the published science related to the topic as opposed to general clinical opinion. Topics includes parasomnias (e.g., sleep paralysis, exploding head syndrome), sleep-related hallucinations in general, unusual and rare psychological disorders, professional issues in psychology, licensure, and psychodynamic therapy. You can find more areas of expertise on my Publications page.
About Dr. Sharpless
I am a licensed clinical psychologist with over 20 years of clinical and research experience. My publications focus on several areas: sleep-related hallucinations and parasomnias (isolated sleep paralysis, exploding head syndrome), including my book Sleep Paralysis (Oxford University Press, 2015, co-authored with Karl Doghramji, MD). I also publish on unusual and rare psychological disorders (e.g., editor of Unusual and Rare Psychological Disorders, Oxford University Press and Monsters on the Couch: The Real Psychological Disorders Behind your Favorite Horror Movies, Chicago Review Press); professional issues and psychologist licensure (including research on the licensure examination for psychologists); and psychodynamic therapy (author of Psychodynamic Therapy Techniques, Oxford University Press). I have provided expert witness testimony in three legal cases, each involving sleep-related hallucinations.
Areas of Focus
Sleep-Related Hallucinations & Parasomnias – Expert consultation and testimony on isolated sleep paralysis, exploding head syndrome, complex nocturnal visual hallucinations, nightmare disorder, and related phenomena.
Unusual & Rare Psychological Disorders – Consultation on cases involving atypical, rare, or poorly understood psychological presentations.
Professional Issues & Psychologist Licensure – Consultation on matters involving psychological licensure, testing, and professional practice standards.
Psychodynamic Therapy – Expert consultation on matters involving psychodynamic theory, technique, and standards of care.
Important Note on Scope
I only accept expert witness cases that fall within areas I have published on. If your case falls outside these specific areas (e.g., custody issues), I am not able to provide testimony.
Though licensed in Virginia and Maryland, I can provide secure telehealth and in-person work across many states (check the status of your home state here) through my participation in PSYCPACT.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of expert witness work do you provide? Please see above for the scope of my expert witness work.
What are your hourly rates? I charge different rates for different services (e.g., research vs. deposition). Contact me with information on the particulars of the case and relevant details.
What states can you provide expert witness services? I am currently licensed in Virginia and Maryland but can practice in other, PSYPACT-compliant states.
Do you charge a retainer fee? In most cases, yes. Please contact me with more information and I will provide more detail.
Contact Dr. Sharpless
If you are interested in a consultation, please contact me here or click the Contact button at the top or bottom of this page.