4 Hours / 4 CEs

On Demand | Self-Paced Professional Training

This on-demand professional training program on the Assessment of Competence to Stand Trial is presented by Lori L. Hauser, Ph.D., ABPP, in partnership with The American Academy of Forensic Psychology.

This program focuses primarily on the evaluation of competence to stand trial in adults. After a brief review of the case law and conceptual underpinnings of the construct, a model and specific assessment methods are presented. Common forensic assessment instruments are covered, as well as other more informal means of assessment. Particular attention is given to report writing and the ethical conflicts that may arise in conducting such evaluations. 


Learning Objectives

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

  • 1 Describe the legal and conceptual underpinnings of the construct of competence to stand trial
  • 2 Describe the relevant assessment techniques (e.g., validity tests, psychological tests, forensic assessment instruments, use of third-party information) for assessing functional abilities to proceed to trial
  • 3 Describe potential ethical conflicts, and the principles and guidelines for resolving them, relevant to the assessment of competence to stand trial and the provision of expert testimony within the court system
  • 4 Describe a model for writing reports and offering testimony regarding competency evaluations in accordance with applicable rules of evidence

  • Intended Audience

    This training is designed for mental health and allied professionals who conduct evaluations of competence to stand trial in adults. It is particularly relevant for those specializing in forensic psychology, psychiatry, clinical psychology, or social work, and provides expertise in assessing legal competence, applying both standardized and informal assessment methods, and navigating ethical considerations.

    • Forensic Psychologist
    • Psychiatrist
    • Clinical Psychologist
    • Social Worker
    • Mental Health Professional
    • Other allied mental health professionals involved in legal competence evaluations

  • Experience Level

    This training is designed for licensed and pre-licensed mental health professionals with varying levels of experience in forensic assessment, specifically the evaluation of competence to stand trial in adults.

    • Beginner: Little or no prior experience conducting competence to stand trial evaluations; may be unfamiliar with relevant case law, assessment instruments, or report writing in forensic contexts.
    • Intermediate: Some experience with forensic assessment or related evaluations; basic familiarity with legal standards, assessment tools, and ethical considerations, but seeking to deepen knowledge and refine skills.
    • Advanced: Extensive experience conducting competence to stand trial evaluations; well-versed in case law, assessment methods, and ethical issues; seeking advanced strategies for complex cases, nuanced report writing, and expert testimony.

  • Practice Setting

    Professionals conducting evaluations of competence to stand trial in adults typically work in forensic or clinical environments where legal and mental health systems intersect. These settings may include secure forensic hospitals, correctional facilities, court clinics, private practices specializing in forensic assessment, or community mental health centers with forensic services. The work often involves collaboration with legal professionals, law enforcement, and court personnel, and requires navigating both clinical and legal standards. Examples of practice settings:

    • Forensic psychiatric hospitals or units
    • State or county correctional facilities (jails or prisons)
    • Court-based mental health clinics or forensic evaluation centers
    • Private forensic psychology or psychiatry practices
    • Community mental health centers with forensic programs
    • Government agencies (e.g., departments of mental health or public defender’s offices)
    • Academic medical centers with forensic assessment services

Presented By

Lori L. Hauser, PhD, ABPP, Psychologist at Whiting Forensic Hospital

Lori L. Hauser, PhD, ABPP, is a board-certified forensic psychologist employed at Whiting Forensic Hospital in Middletown, Connecticut. There, she oversees the competency restoration service and conducts forensic evaluations – competency, as well as general and sexual violence risk management – for the hospital. She is the Practice Sample Review Chair for the American Board of Forensic Psychology, is the Treasurer for the American Academy of Forensic Psychology, and previously represented Forensic Psychology on the Council of Specialties in Professional Psychology. Dr. Hauser also provides training and consultative services, both nationally and internationally, to practitioners and investigators in the areas of interviewing and credibility assessment, risk / threat assessment, and cognitive bias, as well as competency evaluation and restoration.

View More Programs from this Presenter
Lori L. Hauser, PhD, ABPP

Training Outline

Key topics covered in this training include:

  • A brief review of the case law and conceptual underpinnings of the construct is discussed first.

  • Next, a model and specific methods of assessment are presented

  • Then common forensic assessment instruments are covered, as well as other more informal means of assessment.

  • Lastly, write up brief synopses of competence assessments and receive feedback on their work.Lastly, write up brief synopses of competence assessments and receive feedback on their work.

  • Lastly, write up brief synopses of competence assessments and receive feedback on their work.

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.