4 Hours / 4 CEs

On Demand | Self-Paced Professional Training

This on-demand professional training program on The Brain, Behavior, and the Legal System: Fundamental Neuropsychology for Forensic Evaluators is presented by Chriscelyn Tussey, PsyD, ABPP, in partnership with the American Academy of Forensic Psychology (AAFP).

Forensic psychologists frequently conduct evaluations in which cognitive deficits are present. These deficits may stem from medical, neurological, and/or serious mental illness and can be relevant for addressing the psycholegal question. 

This program provides an overview of some common cognitive deficits and diagnoses found in forensic evaluations and a road map for how to address these issues as they arise. Relevant case law, as well as ethical standards and guidelines, will be examined, and this includes a discussion regarding competence to perform cognitive testing and when referral to a neuropsychologist is indicated. Pragmatic considerations when conducting forensic evaluations with a neuropsychology element, including intersectionality, test selection, and report writing, are explored. Case examples and opportunities for practical application of this content is integrated throughout the program. 

Learning Objectives

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

  • 1 Describe at least 4 common cognitive deficits and/or diagnoses found in forensic populations
  • 2 Describe and apply a decision-making model to address neuropsychological issues in forensic evaluations
  • 3 Describe select and applicable case law, ethical standards, and guidelines
  • 4 Describe at least 3 pragmatic factors that warrant consideration when conducting forensic evaluations wherein cognitive deficits are relevant to answering the psycholegal question

  • Intended Audience

    This training is intended for forensic psychologists who wish to deepen their expertise in forensic mental health and neuropsychology. It is suitable for professionals conducting forensic evaluations and those looking to strengthen their foundational knowledge in these areas.

    • Forensic Psychologist
    • Neuropsychologist
    • Mental Health Professional

  • Experience Level

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

    • Beginner: New to forensic evaluations involving cognitive deficits; seeking foundational understanding of common cognitive diagnoses, relevant case law, and ethical guidelines.
    • Early-Career/Intermediate: Some experience with forensic evaluations; interested in structured decision-making models, pragmatic considerations (e.g., intersectionality, test selection, report writing), and practical application through case examples.
    • Advanced: May serve as a refresher for experienced professionals seeking to review fundamental concepts or update knowledge on current standards and guidelines.

  • Practice Setting

    Forensic psychologists, neuropsychologists, and mental health professionals practicing in forensic settings typically work in environments where legal and psychological issues intersect. These professionals conduct assessments and evaluations related to criminal and civil cases, often addressing questions of competency, criminal responsibility, risk assessment, and the impact of cognitive or neuropsychological deficits on legal matters. Their work environments are structured to ensure confidentiality, objectivity, and adherence to legal and ethical standards, and may involve collaboration with attorneys, courts, correctional facilities, and healthcare institutions.

    • Court clinics or forensic evaluation units within hospitals
    • Private practice specializing in forensic assessment
    • Correctional facilities or jails
    • State psychiatric hospitals or secure treatment centers
    • Consulting for legal teams or government agencies
    • Academic medical centers with forensic or neuropsychology divisions
    • Community mental health centers providing court-ordered evaluations

Presented By

Chriscelyn Tussey, PsyD, ABPP, President and Founder of Metropolitan Forensic & Neuropsychological Consultation

Dr. Tussey is the President and Founder of Metropolitan Forensic & Neuropsychological Consultation. She is a Board Certified Forensic Psychologist and a Clinical Neuropsychologist. She conducts clinical as well as civil and criminal forensic and forensic neuropsychological evaluations. Dr. Tussey is a Clinical Instructor at NYU Grossman School of Medicine and an Adjunct Professor at New York University. She is involved in leadership positions both locally and nationally in both forensic and neuropsychology. She previously served as the chair of the Mentorship Committee for the American Psychology-Law Society (AP-LS), and is presently on the American Board of Forensic Psychology (ABFP) Examination Faculty. Dr. Tussey has served as the chair of the Women in Leadership Committee of the National Academy of Neuropsychology (NAN). She is a former Program Chair for NAN and is currently a member of the Leadership and Ambassador Development (LEAD) Program Task Force, Brain Health Task Force, and Equity, Diversity, and Inclusivity Task Force. At the state level, Dr. Tussey has served on the Board of Directors of the New York State Association of Neuropsychology (NYSAN). She has published and presented in the areas of criminal and civil forensic and forensic neuropsychology as well as leadership and brain health.

View More Programs from this Presenter
Chriscelyn Tussey, PsyD, ABPP

Training Outline

Key topics covered in this training include:

  • Fundamental definitions

  • History of Forensic Neuropsychology

  • Common cognitive deficits/diagnoses found in forensic evaluations

  • Break-out rooms to discuss case examples

  • Applicable case laws relevant to forensic neuropsychology

  • Applicable ethical standards and specialty guidelines

  • Overview of a decision-making model

  • Break-out rooms to discuss/practice the application of the decision-making model

  • Pragmatic issues- Intersectionality, Test Selection, Report Writing

  • Conclusions

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) 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.