Forensic Psychological Assessments
What is Forensic Psychology?
Forensic psychology involves the application of psychological assessment and clinical expertise to address legal questions arising in civil and criminal proceedings. It also may encompass psychological expertise applied to assist with matters within law enforcement and correctional settings such as determining fitness to be interviewed by Police and rehabilitative prospects for individuals before the parole board. Forensic Psychological Assessments result in comprehensive reports.
What is the difference between Forensic Psychology and Criminal Psychology?
Forensic Psychology and Criminal Psychology both centre around issues to do with offending, the law and justice systems. Forensic psychology largely focuses on providing Courts with a psychological formulation of the offender, identifying risk of reoffending, and effective treatment and rehabilitation strategies. In contrast, criminal psychology is generally tasked with providing an understanding of a perpetrators offending behaviour, determining why they offend and building criminal profiles to assist law enforcement to identify and apprehend perpetrators of crime.
What is a Forensic Psychological Assessment?
Forensic psychological assessment is a term used to refer to a variety of psychological assessments that aim to address specific legal questions. A forensic psychological assessment often includes an evaluation of an individual’s past and present psychological status as well as predictions about their future psychological functioning and related needs. Referrals may request opinion regarding any potential nexus between an offender’s psychological state and alleged offending behaviour. Another common assessment purpose is to assist with determining general or specific risk of reoffending and providing treatment recommendations. Forensic psychological assessments of plaintiffs or litigants may also be requested in the context of criminal or civil proceedings.
What kind of Forensic Psychological Assessments Does Mindful Neuropsychology Provide?
At Mindful Neuropsychology we specialise in preparation of psychological and neuropsychological assessment reports for a range of purposes including:
- Determining Eligibility for the Assessment Referral Court (ARC)
- Asylum Seeker Evaluations
- Pre-sentence and Mitigation Considerations
- Violence Risk Assessment
- Sex Offending Risk Assessment
- Domestic Violence Risk Assessment
- General Risk of Reoffending
- Treatment Recommendations
- Rehabilitation Prospects & Recommendations
- Fitness to Plead Assessment
- Capacity to Give Evidence
- Civil Proceedings (TAC, WorkCover)
- Assessment of Decision-Making Capacity
We also have the expertise to undertake extremely comprehensive assessments of both psychological and neuropsychological functioning tailored to address a breadth of specific legal questions. Please contact us to discuss an individualised quote.
What does Forensic Psychological Assessments Involve?
Forensic assessment usually involves a combination of comprehensive forensic clinical interview, administration of standardised psychological and neuropsychological tests and utilisation of evidence-based risk assessment instruments. It generally takes a minimum of four hours assessment time with the individual and depending on the breadth of legal questions to be addressed it may take more than one appointment to complete the interview and assessment tasks required.
What Qualifications Does a Forensic Psychologist Have?
In Australia use of the title Forensic Psychologist is restricted to someone who holds a Forensic Psychology endorsement by the Psychology Board of Australia. Forensic Psychologists have training and qualifications necessary for general registration as a Psychologist and additional specialist training in legal matters in order to be recognised by the Forensic Psychology endorsement.
Mindful Neuropsychology Are Your Experts in Forensic Psychology Assessments and Evaluations
Mindful Neuropsychology has the expertise, knowledge, commitment and timeliness to meet all your Forensic Psychology Assessments requirements. We strive to provide the best Forensic Psychology services in Australia. You can read more about our qualifications here.