5 Hours / 5 CEs

On Demand | Self-Paced Professional Training

This on-demand professional training program on Evidence-Based Practices in Partner Abuse Treatment: Assessment and Working with Victims is presented by John Hamel, PhD, LCSW.

Evidence-based practices (EBPs) in partner abuse treatment refer to therapeutic approaches and interventions that have been rigorously studied and proven effective in addressing intimate partner violence (IPV) or domestic violence. This program covers a range of evidence-based interventions designed to hold perpetrators accountable, promote victim safety, and reduce the risk of reoffending. This program allows you to better understand the definitions and applications of evidence-based practice in the context of partner abuse. 

This program is intended to be a sequel to the previous presentation - Understanding Intimate Partner Abuse: Assessment and Intervention - which provides more guidance on assessment methods.  

This program is intended for mental health professionals who are already grounded in the basics of counseling and therapy. Ideal participants include those with at least one year of clinical experience under supervision. This program applies to a wide range of work environments, recognizing that the skills in detecting intimate partner abuse are essential in diverse settings. Including those practicing in a private clinic, contributing to a community center, or part of a government agency, this program enriches your expertise. The primary focus here is on enhancing treatment techniques, with less emphasis on policy aspects.

The 5 hour course is structured to meet the California psychologist pre-licensure coursework requirement for training in Spousal or Partner Abuse Assessment, Detection, and Intervention Strategies for Psychologists as required by the California Board of Psychology.

Topics covered include: 

  • Current models and research literature
  • Evidence-based practice
  • Assessment methods
  • Victim issues

Learning Objectives

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

  • 1 Describe the research's major implications for partner abuse assessment, treatment, and policy
  • 2 Describe the definitions and applications of evidence-based practice in the context of partner abuse
  • 3 Describe reliable, standardized instruments and assessment protocols to design tailored treatment plans based on client needs
  • 4 Describe the strengths and limitations of current partner abuse intervention models, fostering a critical understanding of existing approaches
  • 5 Describe features of an evidence-based batterer intervention group program

  • Intended Audience

    This training is intended for early- to mid-career mental health professionals who have foundational experience in counseling and therapy, particularly those specializing in clinical psychology, counseling, marriage and family therapy, or social work. It is especially relevant for practitioners who work with clients affected by intimate partner violence and are seeking to enhance their practical treatment techniques for detecting and responding to intimate partner abuse.

    • Mental Health Professional
    • Clinical Psychologist
    • Counselor
    • Marriage and Family Therapist
    • Social Worker

  • Experience Level

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

    • Beginner: Participants have at least one year of supervised clinical experience, are familiar with basic counseling and therapy principles, and are seeking to expand their understanding of evidence-based interventions for intimate partner violence.
    • Intermediate: Participants have prior exposure to partner abuse assessment and intervention, and are looking to enhance their skills in applying research-based treatment models and standardized assessment protocols.
    • Advanced: Participants have significant experience working with partner abuse cases, are familiar with current intervention models, and seek to critically evaluate and refine their use of evidence-based practices in diverse clinical settings.

  • Practice Setting

    Participants in this training typically work in environments where mental health services are provided to individuals, couples, or families. These settings often involve confidential, supportive spaces designed to foster therapeutic relationships and address sensitive issues such as intimate partner violence. Practitioners may operate independently or as part of multidisciplinary teams, collaborating with other professionals to ensure comprehensive care. The work environment emphasizes client safety, ethical practice, and the application of evidence-based interventions tailored to the needs of those affected by partner abuse.

    • Private practice offices specializing in individual, couples, or family therapy
    • Community mental health centers serving diverse populations
    • Nonprofit organizations focused on domestic violence prevention and intervention
    • Hospital-based outpatient behavioral health clinics
    • University counseling centers
    • Government agencies providing social services or victim support
    • Integrated healthcare settings with mental health and primary care collaboration

Presented By

John Hamel, PhD, LCSW, John Hamel & Associates

John Hamel, Ph.D., LCSW, a graduated of U.C.L.A. and the University of Central Lancashire, has treated family violence victims and perpetrators since 1992, and has provided expert witness consultation and testimony in numerous criminal and family law cases. Dr. Hamel also a researcher, and the author or editor of several books, including Gender and Domestic Violence: Contemporary Legal Practice and Intervention Reforms (Oxford University Press, 2022), and Gender-Inclusive Treatment of Intimate Partner Abuse: Evidence-Based Approaches, 2nd Edition (Springer, 2014). He is also Editor-in-Chief of the journal, Partner Abuse, and is the founder of the Association of Domestic Violence Intervention Programs (ADVIP).

View More Programs from this Presenter
John Hamel, PhD, LCSW

Training Outline

Key topics covered in this training include:

  • Evidence-based practice principles

  • Assessment methods

  • Victim issues and treatment

  • General intervention strategies

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.