Dr. Melissa Bagwell is a licensed clinical forensic psychologist in California (PSY27305), with over a decade of progressive experience conducting forensic psychological evaluations, directing multidisciplinary programs, and overseeing mental health treatment for high-risk populations. She earned her Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Forensic Psychology in 2013 and Master of Arts in Forensic Psychology in 2011 from Alliant International University, following her Bachelor of Science in Criminology from the University of La Verne in 2009.

Since November 2024, Dr. Bagwell has served on the court panel of expert witnesses in Kern and Los Angeles Counties conducting PC 1368 competency evaluations, mental health diversion evaluations, PC 1026 not guilty by reason of insanity evaluations, and other evidenced code 730 psychological evaluations. She currently services as the President for Paper Dreams Psychological Services, where she she performs psychological testing, individual psychotherapy, forensic evaluations, and expert consultations in a private practice setting.

Dr. Bagwell served as the Executive Director and Community Program Director for Liberty SVP CONREP California (2022-2025), where she leads a 60+ member team supporting the state’s Sexually Violent Predator Conditional Release Program. Her responsibilities span program administration, interagency coordination with courts and law enforcement, contract management, and the implementation of quality assurance initiatives. Prior to this role, she served as Assistant Program Director (2021–2022), helping oversee outpatient treatment for civil committees under PC 6608.

Her earlier positions include psychologist roles within the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, Wellpath’s Jail-Based Competency Restoration Program, and Gateways Satellite CONREP, where she led treatment planning and supervision for legally classified individuals transitioning from state hospitals. She has conducted PC 1370 and 1372 competency evaluations, comprehensive psychological and neuropsychological assessments, risk assessments, and facilitated trauma-informed recovery services in collaboration with law enforcement and legal teams. Further, she has extensive experience within institutional settings including juvenile halls, IMDs, forensic state hospitals, and transitional residential treatment centers.

She is certified in the Stable-2007 Risk Assessment (effective October 2024) and is proficient in administering and interpreting a wide range of psychological, neuropsychological, and malingering assessments. Her volunteer background includes working as a Domestic Violence Advocate with the LAPD Domestic Abuse Response Team.

With a deep understanding of psychology in legal contexts, Dr. Bagwell offers expert, objective, and evidence-based insights to support sound decision-making in both criminal and civil proceedings.