Psychological Autopsies

A psychological autopsy helps explain why an individual died by suicide. Like a medical autopsy, it reconstructs the person’s life and last days by examining family and mental-health history, significant events, and stressors. The goal is to clarify circumstances, support family healing, and inform organizational timelines or prevention efforts.

Psychological Autopsy Process

  • Data Sources & Information Gathering

    • Medical and psychiatric records review

    • Documentary and digital evidence analysis

    • Collateral interviews (family, friends, colleagues)

  • Reconstructing the Deceased’s Mindset

    • Psychiatric and mental health status

    • Precipitating events and stressors

    • Assessment of intent and lethality

  • Support of Grieving Families (Postvention Support)

    • Mitigating self-blame and guilt

    • Shared sense-making

    • Destigmatizing the loss

    • Identifying at-risk relatives

Dr. Victorella collaborates with local health departments, medical examiners' offices, law enforcement agencies, behavioral and healthcare organizations, and surviving family members. Dr. Victorella is certified with The American Association of Suicidology