Live Virtual Training via Zoom

Sebastian Rilen, Psy.D., LP, ABPP, presents a live virtual professional training program on Reader Friendly Forensic Report Writing in partnership with the American Academy of Forensic Psychology (AAFP).

This training introduces a reader-friendly approach to forensic report writing that enhances clarity, reduces unnecessary complexity, and improves the accessibility of evaluation findings for legal stakeholders. While common report models often prioritize exhaustive detail and technical form, both research and practical experience suggest that long, dense reports may not serve our legal consumers as effectively as intended. Grounded in empirical research, this training explores how report structure, formatting, and visual strategies can improve comprehension, increase engagement, and reduce cognitive load for diverse legal readers. Participants will learn techniques to streamline narratives, minimize jargon, and tailor reports to be more efficient to write and easier to understand without compromising forensic rigor. Participants will view sample report graphics and discuss how the combination of images and the use of color can substantially improve reader retention and understanding of complex concepts. A newly added module explores the ethical and practical integration of AI-assisted tools to support reader-friendly methods and enhance accessibility, while maintaining clinical authorship and professional standards. 

This training is designed for forensic psychologists seeking to update their reporting style for greater clarity, utility, and impact. 

Learning Objectives

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

  • 1 Describe the empirical basis for reader-friendly forensic report writing
  • 2 Describe common barriers to accessibility for diverse readers in traditional reports and explain strategies to reduce them
  • 3 Describe structural changes to improve narrative flow, reduce redundancy, and support legal decision making
  • 4 Describe formatting, visual, and language adjustments to enhance readability, comprehension, and information retention
  • 5 Describe appropriate applications of AI tools in forensic writing workflows while upholding ethical, legal, and professional standards

  • Intended Audience

    This training is designed for forensic psychologists who are motivated to refine their report writing practices for greater clarity, accessibility, and impact. It is particularly suited for professionals who value the quality of their work product, are open to adopting new strategies to address common pain points and inefficiencies in the writing process, and are interested in leveraging both empirical research and innovative tools to better serve legal stakeholders. The ideal audience is committed to maintaining high professional standards while seeking practical ways to enhance the utility and readability of their forensic assessments.

    Examples of Relevant Professionals:

    • Forensic Psychologist
    • Forensic Evaluator
    • Mental Health Professional
    • Clinical Psychologist conducting forensic assessments
    • Psychologist specializing in legal or court-involved cases

  • Experience Level

    This workshop is appropriate for licensed and pre-licensed mental health professionals at the beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels who wish to enhance the clarity and accessibility of their forensic report writing.

    • Beginner: New to forensic report writing or seeking foundational skills in structuring, formatting, and simplifying reports for legal audiences.

    • Intermediate: Some experience with forensic reports; interested in refining narrative flow, integrating visual elements, and reducing technical jargon to improve reader engagement.

    • Advanced: Experienced forensic evaluators aiming to update established practices, incorporate empirical research, and ethically integrate AI-assisted tools to maximize report clarity and impact.

  • Practice Setting

    Professionals who attend this training typically work in environments where psychological expertise intersects with the legal system. Their practice settings often involve conducting evaluations, preparing reports, and providing expert opinions for courts, attorneys, and other legal stakeholders. These environments require a balance of clinical knowledge and legal acumen, with a strong emphasis on clear, accessible communication of complex findings.

    Examples of Practice Settings:

    • Private forensic psychology practices serving courts and attorneys
    • State or county forensic evaluation units
    • Hospitals or medical centers with forensic assessment services
    • Correctional facilities or juvenile justice centers
    • Court clinics or mental health diversion programs
    • Academic or research institutions conducting forensic assessments
    • Government agencies (e.g., departments of mental health, probation, or child protective services)
Presented By

Sebastian Rilen, Psy.D., LP, ABPP

Dr. Rilen was originally licensed in California, where he worked at a juvenile hall and a forensic group practice before moving to the Midwest. For the past ten years he has been employed by the State of Minnesota, first for the judicial branch and currently at the state hospital. As the Court’s examiner, Dr. Rilen has conducted numerous competency, criminal responsibility, sex offense, dispositional, waiver, risk assessment, and civil commitment evaluations. He also consults regularly on topics related to technology and the law, business principles of practice development, as well as gender diversity and the law.

Additionally, in 2021, Dr. Rilen founded Streamline Forensics, where he conducts private practice evaluations for criminal, juvenile, and family courts. A secondary function of Streamline includes developing and administering continuing education and training on forensic topics, the lineup for which can be found here. 

Dr. Rilen is board certified in forensic psychology by the American Board of Professional Psychology (ABPP). He also serves as the vice chair of the Minnesota Board of Psychology, as the social media coordinator for the American Academy of Forensic Psychology (AAFP), and as a board member for the American Board of Professional Psychology Foundation (ABPPF), and the American Board of Forensic Psychology (ABFP). 

When not working, Dr. Rilen can be found travelling with his family, or at home with his “pack” that includes his human family as well as dogs, hamsters, fish, and hedgehog. 

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Training Outline

Key topics covered in this training include:

  • Section 1: Intro and conceptual basis, overview of research

  • Section 2: Structural considerations (report sections, formatting)

  • Section 3: Presentation (graphics, colors, language use)

  • Section 4: AI integrations, guardrails, and practical guidance

  • Section 5: Samples, lighter integration options, FAQs, and conclusions

Live Event Policy

Registration for our live events is covered for one (1) person per purchase. If you would like to purchase for a group, please contact our group training team.

  • Event Communications

    When registering, use an email that is active and that you check regularly. We are not responsible for communications not being received; if you do not add [email protected] to your email safe sender list, our emails are likely to end up in your spam or junk folders.

  • Cancellation Policy

    Have a sudden change of plans and are unable to attend live? No worries; you will be given access to the on-demand version of the program once available. Please note that if you attend live, no access to the recording will be given.

  • Event Conduct

    Professional conduct is expected during our live programs. Our goal is to make our events as interactive as possible for all participants. We reserve the right to remove any participants who are disruptive, act unprofessionally, or who we are unable to verify their purchase.

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), is approved by the Canadian Psychological Association to offer continuing education for psychologists. Palo Alto University, Continuing and Professional Studies (CONCEPT) has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 7190. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. Palo Alto University, #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. Palo Alto University 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. Continuing and Professional Studies, Palo Alto University, is recognized by the New York State Education Department's State Board for Psychology as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed psychologists #PSY-0103. Palo Alto University, Continuing and Professional Studies (CONCEPT) is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs. Palo Alto University, Continuing & Professional Studies (CONCEPT), 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. Palo Alto University, Continuing and Professional Studies, is recognized by 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.