10 Hours | 10 CEs

This self-paced training program on Ethics in Forensic Psychological Practice is presented by Randy Otto, PhD, ABPP

Using a case study approach, this interactive training program reviews ethical challenges/issues commonly encountered by forensic psychologists. 

After introducing an ethical decision-making framework and identifying the various sources of authority that can impose obligations on psychologists when providing forensic services the following challenges are discussed: distinguishing between informed consent, assent, and notification (and when each must be provided and obtained); documenting and communicating findings; issues of multiple roles and relationships, and conflicts of interest; privacy, confidentiality and privilege in the forensic evaluation and treatment contexts; recording of, or third-party presence during, forensic evaluations; release of reports and test data; examination billing and reimbursement practices; editing/altering reports; offering opinions about persons not examined; obligations to take into account issues of diversity in forensic evaluation contexts; use of social media data; and addressing the substandard practice by peers.


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 course you will be able to:

  • Describe a 7-step problem-solving process to respond to ethical/legal dilemmas

  • Describe and locate key sources of authority for forensic psychology practice

  • Describe conditions under which multiple roles/relationships are permitted, prohibited, and discouraged

  • Describe the circumstances in which consent must or need not be obtained from forensic examinees

  • Describe and employ strategies when asked to record, or allow a third party to observe a forensic evaluation

  • Describe the circumstances/conditions under which psychologists are permitted to offer opinions about persons not examined

  • Distinguish between privacy, confidentiality, and privilege as applied to forensic evaluation and treatment contexts, and describe how each impacts what information is included in one’s records and testimony

  • Describe to the substandard work of colleagues in such a way that meets one’s ethical obligations

  • Describe the obligations one has when examining persons who differ in significant ways from groups on which traditional tests were developed

Collect Badges, Earn Certificates

This is a badge-earning course, which means it will help you earn a certificate that can be showcased on digital platforms like LinkedIn.

  • Intended Audience

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

  • Experience Level

    This on-demand workshop 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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