Evaluation of Mental State at the Time of the Offense

Custom course for CLIN 832.
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15 Hours | 15 CEs

This on-demand professional training program on Evaluation of Mental State at the Time of the Offense (Insanity/Criminal Responsibility is presented by Ira Packer, PhD, ABPP. This program provides a comprehensive overview of evaluations of criminal responsibility (insanity; mental state at the time of the offense). Best practices are described and the empirical basis for evaluation in this area are highlighted. Participants are given an overview of the legal standards and context for criminal responsibility evaluations are presented. The empirical research on criminal responsibility and insanity acquittees are presented and best practices in preparing for these evaluations are emphasized. Finally, data collection and the importance of third-party and corroborating data are discussed. Additionally, the evaluation process, including the interview and relevant testing, are discussed with a focus on case formulation. Case conceptualization, data integration,

Learning Objectives

Upon completion of this course you will be able to:

  • Describe best practices and the empirical basis for mental state at the time of the offense evaluations

  • Describe the legal standards for criminal responsibility

  • Describe the context for criminal responsibility

  • Describe the empirical research on criminal responsibility and insanity

  • Learning Objective #5

Presented By

Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at the University of Massachusetts Medical School Ira K. Packer, PhD, ABPP

Dr. Ira K. Packer, Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at the University of Massachusetts Medical School, directs the highly respected UMMS Postdoctoral Residency Program in Forensic Psychology, and directs the Forensic Evaluation Service at Worcester Recovery Center and Hospital. He also is the Director of the Massachusetts Center of Excellence for Specialty Courts. Dr. Packer previously served (1993-1996) as the Assistant Commissioner for Forensic Mental Health in Massachusetts. He has been a practicing forensic psychologist for over 35 years, with a particular focus on evaluations of criminal responsibility, competence to stand trial, and violence risk assessment. Dr. Packer has served in a number of leadership capacities affecting Forensic Psychology nationally. He was a member of the examination faculty for the American Board of Forensic Psychology (ABFP) and has previously served as National Chair of Examinations, Vice-President, and President of ABFP. He has also served as Vice-President and President of the American Academy of Forensic Psychology (AAFP). Dr. Packer chaired the Forensic Specialty Council that developed the Education and Training Guidelines for Forensic Psychology (which enables, for the first time, accreditation by APA of Postdoctoral Residencies in Forensic Psychology). He has also served as Vice President (2007) and President (2008-2009) of the Council of Specialties in Professional Psychology. In 2007, Dr. Packer was presented with the Distinguished Contributions to Forensic Psychology Award by the American Academy of Forensic Psychology. Dr. Packer received his B.A from Columbia University in 1974 and his Ph.D. in Psychology from the University of Pennsylvania in 1979. He has provided numerous workshops and presentations nationally, including topics such as Criminal Responsibility, Violence Risk Assessment, and Expert Witness testimony. He has numerous publications including two books: Packer, I.K. (2009). Evaluation of Criminal Responsibility. New York, NY: Oxford University Press; Packer, I.K. and Grisso, T. (2011). Specialty Competencies in Forensic Psychology. New York, NY: Oxford University Press.