4 Hours / 4 CEs

On Demand | Self-Paced Professional Training

This on-demand professional training program on Approaches to Forensic Evaluation in Disability Matters is presented by Lisa Drago Piechowski, PhD, ABPP, in partnership with The American Academy of Forensic Psychology.

This program provides a conceptual framework and practical strategies for forensic evaluations in matters involving disability statuses such as ADA, disability insurance, worker’s compensation, and Social Security cases. The program begins with an overview of various types of disability matters and the associated legal standards. Next, the basis for the evaluation of a disability is explored, focusing on the significance of functional assessment. Finally, this program describes practical strategies for designing an effective assessment, organizing and weighing data, and communicating findings. Specific subtopics include avoiding ethical pitfalls, understanding the role of diagnosis, and assessing response style.

Learning Objectives

Upon completion of this training, participants will be able to:

  • 1 Describe the specific definition of disability that is in use to structure their assessments
  • 2 Describe, and assess functional capacities and draw connections between them and diagnoses
  • 3 Describe assessment strategies that take into account issues of culture in the disability evaluation context
  • 4 Describe effective strategies for assessing examinees’ response style in disability evaluations

  • Intended Audience

    This training is intended for mental health and allied professionals who conduct forensic evaluations related to disability matters, including ADA compliance, disability insurance, workers’ compensation, and Social Security cases. It is suitable for those specializing in forensic psychology, clinical psychology, psychiatry, or social work, with expertise in functional assessment, evaluation design, and interpreting psychological and behavioral data. The program is designed for anyone seeking to enhance their skills and knowledge in forensic disability evaluations.

    • Mental Health Professional
    • Psychologist
    • Psychiatrist
    • Social Worker
    • Allied Professional involved in forensic or disability evaluations

  • Experience Level

    This training is applicable for all career stages: entry-level, mid-career, and experienced professionals.

    • Beginner: New to forensic disability evaluations; seeking foundational knowledge of legal standards, functional assessment, and ethical considerations in disability matters.
    • Intermediate: Some experience with disability assessments; looking to deepen skills in integrating diagnosis, functional capacity, and cultural considerations into forensic evaluations.
    • Advanced: Extensive experience in forensic disability matters; aiming to refine advanced strategies for complex assessments, nuanced response style analysis, and effective communication of findings.

  • Practice Setting

    Professionals conducting forensic disability evaluations typically work in clinical, forensic, or legal environments where they assess individuals’ psychological, cognitive, and functional abilities in relation to disability claims. These settings may include private practices, hospitals, rehabilitation centers, government agencies, or consulting firms. Their work often involves collaboration with legal professionals, insurance companies, employers, and government bodies, and may require both in-person and remote assessments. Evaluators must maintain confidentiality, adhere to ethical standards, and produce comprehensive reports for use in legal or administrative proceedings.

    • Private forensic psychology or psychiatry practices
    • Hospital-based behavioral health or neuropsychology departments
    • Government agencies (e.g., Social Security Administration, Workers’ Compensation Boards)
    • Disability insurance companies or third-party administrators
    • Rehabilitation centers or occupational health clinics
    • Law firms or legal consulting groups specializing in disability law
    • Academic medical centers conducting forensic assessments
    • Community mental health centers with forensic evaluation services

Presented By

Lisa Drago Piechowski, PhD, ABPP

Lisa Drago Piechowski, Ph.D., ABPP, a board-certified forensic psychologist (ABPP), has been in practice for more than twenty years. Specializing in civil forensic matters, Dr. Piechowski has a particular interest in employment-related cases including disability, wrongful termination, sexual harassment, ADA, fitness for duty, and workplace violence.

View More Programs from this Presenter
Lisa Drago Piechowski, PhD, ABPP

Training Outline

Key topics covered in this training include:

  • First will be an overview of various types of disability matters and the associated legal standards.

  • Followed by an exploration of the basis for the evaluation of disability with a focus on functional assessment.

  • Last will be a discussion of practical strategies for designing an effective assessment, organizing and weighing data, and communicating one’s findings.

We are proud to partner with

American Academy of Forensic Psychology (AAFP)

American Academy of Forensic Psychology (AAFP)

We are proud to partner with the American Academy of Forensic Psychology (AAFP) for this training. AAFP is a non-profit organization of board-certified forensic psychologists whose mission is to contribute to the development and maintenance of forensic psychology as a specialized field of study, research, and practice. The Academy does this by providing high-quality continuing education workshops, providing a forum for the exchange of scientific information among its members, and conferring awards upon outstanding students and practitioners in the field of forensic psychology.

Learn More About Our Partner

CE Sponsorship Information

Palo Alto University, Continuing & Professional Studies (CONCEPT) is approved by, recognized by, or maintains sponsorship provider status with the following boards and agencies. We maintain responsibility for all content in our CE/CPD programs. For more information, visit here. 

  1. American Psychological Association (APA): Approved sponsor of continuing education for psychologists.

  2. Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB): Approved continuing education provider (ACE program, Provider #1480), 11/22/2023–11/22/2026.

  3. Canadian Psychological Association (CPA): Approved to sponsor continuing education for psychologists.

  4. National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC): Approved Continuing Education Provider (ACEP No. 7190).



Palo Alto University, Continuing and Professional Studies (CONCEPT) is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. Palo Alto University, Continuing and Professional Studies (CONCEPT) maintains responsibility for this program and its content. Palo Alto University, Continuing and Professional Studies (CONCEPT), is approved by the Canadian Psychological Association to offer continuing education for psychologists. Palo Alto University, Continuing and Professional Studies (CONCEPT), SW CPE is recognized by the New York State Education Department’s State Board for Social Work as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed social workers #SW-0356 and the New York State Education Department’s State Board for Mental Health Practitioners as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed mental health counselors. #MHC-0073. Palo Alto University, Continuing and Professional Studies (CONCEPT) has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 6811. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. CONCEPT Professional Training, #1480, is approved to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Organizations, not individual courses, are approved as ACE providers. State and provincial regulatory boards have the final authority to determine whether an individual course may be accepted for continuing education credit. CONCEPT Professional Training maintains responsibility for this course. ACE provider approval period: 11/22/23-11/22/26. Social workers completing this course receive (clinical or social work ethics) continuing education credits.