The Sexual Behaviors Clinic and Lab (SBCL) is a specialized clinical, forensic, and research service dedicated to the comprehensive evaluation and treatment of human sexual behavior disorders. Our work encompasses paraphilic disorders as well as other problematic, abusive, or criminal sexual behaviors, with services tailored for clinical care, forensic decision-making, and scientific study.
Comprehensive Evaluation Approach
SBCL evaluations typically involve:
- Clinical and forensic interviewing
- Psychological assessment
- Physiological assessment, including advanced sexual psychophysiology measures
Our facility houses a penile plethysmography (PPG) laboratory certified by Limestone Technologies as a Clinical and Research Laboratory, the highest certification level available. It is one of only two such certified labs in South Carolina and among the few on the East Coast. The SBCL is also one of the only laboratories in North America capable of conducting photo-vaginal plethysmography, currently used for specialized research on sexual arousal patterns in women.
Clinical, Forensic, and Research Services
The SBCL provides a full range of assessment and treatment services for:
- Paraphilic disorders
- Problematic or illegal sexual behaviors
- Risk evaluation
- Court-ordered and statutory evaluations
- Sexual interest and arousal assessments
- Treatment planning and clinical monitoring
Forensic Expertise and Court Involvement
The clinic routinely provides services to:
- Criminal, civil, and family courts, and directly to attorneys for independent or consultation-based evaluations
- The South Carolina Attorney General’s Office
- South Carolina Office of Mental Health
- Department of Juvenile Justice
- Department of Social Services
- Community and institutional treatment providers
The SBCL also conducts evaluations pursuant to the South Carolina Sexually Violent Predator Act, including civil commitment and release proceedings, as well as evaluations related to the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA).
Emily Gottfried, Ph.D. serves as the Director of MUSC's SBCL. For additional information or to request services: Please contact Forensic Psychiatry at 843-792-1461 or via email at forensicpsychiatry@musc.edu.
