10 Hours | 10 CEs

This on-demand training program on Effective Expert Testimony for Forensic Evaluation is presented by Randy Otto, PhD, ABPP.

It is devoted to expert testimony that mental health professionals provide in depositions, trials, and administrative hearings. As such, this program should be of interest to all mental health professionals who testify in legal proceedings, regardless of their sub-specialty.

 The focus is on oral communication of one’s activities and opinions. Thus, the preparation of interrogatories, affidavits, and reports is not addressed. First reviewed are the research examining, and the general principles of, effective communication in legal proceedings. This is followed by a discussion of the two primary contexts in which expert witnesses testify (depositions and trials/hearing), their similarities, and differences. Next reviewed are nuts and bolts strategies witnesses should employ, followed by an extended discussion of direct and cross-examination techniques and strategies. 

Throughout the program how professional ethics, practice guidelines, and rules of evidence and procedure, shape expert testimony are discussed. Considerable use is made of case examples, using excerpts from trial and deposition transcripts, and video recordings of experts testifying.


Presented By

Randy Otto, PhD, ABPP

Randy Otto, Ph.D., ABPP is an Associate Professor in the NSU Department of Clinical and School Psychology. Previously, he was a faculty member in the Department of Mental Health Law & Policy at the University of South Florida, where he served for 33 years. Dr. Otto was awarded doctoral and master’s degrees in clinical psychology from Florida State University, and a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Rochester. Dr. Otto’s research and writing focus on forensic psychological assessment. He has developed two psychological tests that are used in forensic assessment settings, and he has authored and edited books on forensic psychological evaluation, expert testimony and report writing, ethics in forensic psychology practice, assessment of trial competence, violence risk assessment and Florida mental health law. Dr. Otto has served as president of the American Psychology-Law Society, the American Board of Forensic Psychology, and the Board of Trustees of the American Board of Professional Psychology. He is a fellow of the American Psychological Association (Division 41) and has received awards for his professional contributions from the American Academy of Forensic Psychology, the American Psychology-Law Society, the Society for Personality Assessment, the New York State Psychological Association, the University of Nebraska, and the University of California, San Francisco. He currently serves as Executive Director of the American Board of Forensic Psychology. Dr. Otto shares that his daughter is continually amazed that some are actually willing to pay to hear him speak, when she regularly volunteers to pay to have him shut up. When not at work or with his wife and daughter, Dr. Otto is likely to be found at a poker table or on a motorcycle.

Learning Objectives

Upon completion of this program you will be able to:

  • Describe the components/qualities of effective communication generally, and effective testimony specifically

  • Describe the differences between testifying at depositions and at trial and testify more effectively in each setting

  • Describe various ways in which credibility and expertise can be communicated when testifying

  • Communicate one’s expertise and credibility more effectively

  • Describe ethical requirements and practice guidelines that impact expert testimony and testify in accordance with them

  • Describe common/typical rules of evidence and procedure shape presentation of expert testimony and testify in a manner that is consistent with these rules

  • Describe and employ pre-testimony preparation strategies that will reduce anxiety

  • Describe an approach for effectively communicating their work and opinions to the legal decision-maker during direct examination

  • Describe and effectively respond to common cross-examination gambits.

  • Intended Audience

    This on-demand program is intended for mental health and other allied professionals.

  • Experience Level

    This on-demand program is appropriate for beginner, intermediate, and advanced level clinicians.

  • CE / CPD Credit

    APA, ASWB, CPA, NBCC Click here for state and other regional board approvals.

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