10 Hours | 10 CEs

This self-paced training program on Report Writing for Forensic Evaluations is presented by Randy Otto, PhD, ABPP.

It focuses on conducting well-constructed forensic psychological evaluations and how it is not enough to persuade judges, attorneys, and other referral sources. Examiners must also be able to effectively communicate what data they considered, what actions they took, and the opinions they formed and underlying reasoning. Because psychologists, in most cases, do not testify about their work, reports and affidavits are the vehicles they must use. Research on forensic examiners’ report-writing practices is reviewed; how forensic practice guidelines, the ethics code, and rules of evidence and procedure shape reports is considered; principles for the organization and structure of forensic reports are identified; elements of good (and bad) reports are highlighted using multiple examples. More focused matters such as the use of jargon; specificity in word choice; identifying sources of information; distinguishing between observation and inference; and common report writing errors are considered, as well. Finally, preparation of affidavits, and how their structure and substance differs from reports, is tackled.

Learning Objectives

Upon completion of this course you will be able to:

  • Describe the primary purposes of reports and affidavits that summarize their forensic evaluations

  • Describe the different functions of reports and affidavits

  • Describe common legal requirements of reports summarizing forensic psychological examinations

  • Describe APA’s ethics code and forensic practice guidelines shape reports summarizing forensic psychological evaluations

  • Describe 3 reasons to include competing hypotheses, disconfirmatory data, and alternative explanations in their reports

  • Practice writing reports that distinguish case facts and their inferences and opinions

  • Describe 2 ways to describe psychological test results in their reports

  • Describe definitions for various psychological constructs using language that is understandable to a lay audience

  • Describe common report writing errors

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.

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 self-paced course is intended for mental health and other allied professionals.

  • Experience Level

    This self-paced course 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.

Curriculum

    1. Review Before Proceeding

    1. Lesson 1 Video

    2. Writing Forensic Psychological Reports

    3. Lesson Quiz

    1. Lesson 2 Video

    2. Lesson Quiz

    1. Lesson 3 Video

    2. Lesson Quiz

    1. Lesson 4 Video

    2. Lesson Quiz

    1. Lesson 5 Video

    2. Lesson Quiz

    3. Organizational Exercise

    4. Writing Forensic Reports

About this course

  • $250.00
  • 26 lessons
  • 6 hours of video content

Develop a Specialty Area of Practice

Transforming mental health professionals into experts

  • Expert Instructors

    Professional training developed and delivered by the field's leading experts

  • CE Credit

    Earn CE credit for meaningful professional training that will elevate your practice

  • Convenience & Flexibility

    Learn at your own pace, from wherever you might be!

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