Cultural Competence in Forensic Assessment with Ohioans

Presented by Megan E. Shaal, PsyD., Kamran Syed Arif, MPH, and Carla S. Dreyer, PsyD

2 Hours | 2 CEs

This program discusses critical demographics, highlighting the diverse communities within Ohio. This program also discusses the importance of cultural competency and how it can lead to better access and outcomes.

Learning Objectives

Upon completion of this program you will be able to:

  • Describe the demographics in Ohio

  • Describe the importance of cultural competency

Presented By

Court Diagnostic & Treatment Center Megan Shaal, Psy.D.

Dr. Megan Shaal began her academic pursuits at Purdue University, securing a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Law & Society. She later distinguished herself at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology with a Doctor of Psychology in clinical forensic psychology. Her notable doctoral dissertation, "Cross-Validation of the RRASOR, the SSPI, and the Static-99 with Indiana Sex Offenders," earned the prestigious American Academy of Forensic Psychology Dissertation Award in 2012-2013. After completing her APA-accredited predoctoral internship at the Colorado Mental Health Institute at Pueblo, Dr. Shaal specialized in competency evaluations and restoration, contributing to treatment modules in the hospital's advanced cognitive-behavioral units. Before joining CDTC in 2022, Dr. Shaal significantly impacted the Isaac Ray Treatment Center in Indiana, leading for over six years as the supervising psychologist. Her research footprint includes a chapter on trial competency and a co-edited volume on anxiety and stress. Throughout her career, she has remained a staunch advocate for transgender-affirming care, especially within the legal domain.

Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services Kamran S. Arif, MPH

Kamran Arif worked for 10 years in social work and case management around the state of Ohio, focusing on securing and sustaining residential supports for individuals with developmental disabilities and mental health diagnoses. During this time, he worked with several underrepresented and marginalized communities such as refugee and immigrant communities. Kamran currently serves as the Behavioral Health Equity Liaison for the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, leading projects and initiatives to reduce behavioral health disparities through cultural and linguistic competency in Ohio's healthcare system. Kamran holds a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology and a Master's Degree in Public Health with a Concentration in Healthcare Policy and Management from Kent State University.

Carla Dreyer, PsyD

CE Sponsorship Information

Palo Alto University, Continuing and Professional Studies (CONCEPT) is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. PaloAlto 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 Boardfor 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 HealthPractitioners as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed mental healthcounselors. #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 ProfessionalTraining, #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.