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. Please note that the purpose of this program is not to teach neuropsychological assessment or provide in-depth instruction on specific tests.

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 designed for forensic psychologists seeking to deepen their expertise in forensic mental health and neuropsychology. It is ideal for professionals who conduct forensic evaluations and wish to strengthen their foundational knowledge in these specialized areas.

    Examples of Relevant Professionals:

    • Forensic Psychologists
    • Neuropsychologists
    • Mental Health Professionals
    • Forensic Evaluators
    • Clinical Psychologists working in forensic contexts

  • Experience Level

    This program is designed for licensed and pre-licensed mental health professionals at various stages of experience in forensic evaluation involving cognitive deficits.


    • Beginner: Participants new to forensic neuropsychology or with limited experience in evaluating cognitive deficits in forensic settings will gain foundational knowledge of common diagnoses, relevant case law, and ethical guidelines.

    • Intermediate: Participants with some experience in forensic evaluations and familiarity with cognitive assessment will deepen their understanding of decision-making models, pragmatic considerations, and the application of ethical and legal standards in complex cases.

  • Practice Setting

    Practitioners work at the intersection of mental health and law, conducting structured assessments in legal, clinical, and correctional environments to address psycholegal questions involving cognitive functioning. They operate in both secure and non-secure settings, collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, produce forensic reports, and provide testimony guided by ethical standards and case law.

    Examples of Practice Settings:

    • Criminal and civil courts
    • Jails, prisons, and detention centers
    • Forensic psychiatric hospitals and secure inpatient units
    • General hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and neuropsychology clinics
    • Outpatient forensic clinics and private practices
    • Attorney offices and medico-legal consultation settings
    • Juvenile justice and family court services
Presented By

Chriscelyn Tussey, PsyD, ABPP

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.

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).


Sponsorship Approval Statements

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.