Doctor of Clinical Psychology (California), Correctional and Forensic Psychology

This course introduces students to the historical development of correctional psychology. Emphasis is placed on understanding key issues in correctional psychological practices and analyzing ethics, best practices, and privilege and oppression dynamics while practicing within the correctional setting. Evidence-based practices in correctional psychology through a multicultural lens are reviewed. By the end of the course students understand the difference between behavior management and treatment within a correctional system as it applies to issues such as criminogenic behaviors, sexual offending, violence, and mental health.

Provides an overview of the various specialties and professional foci within forensic psychology. The course will cover areas of expertise in which forensic psychologists practice and landmark cases related to those fields. Specialties covered will include child custody evaluations, police and public safety psychology, violence and risk assessment, asylum evaluations, and competency to stand trial. The course will also focus on professional applications of forensic work, including report writing and court testimony. A focus on cultural elements influencing forensic psychology will be included throughout the course.

Prerequisite: PSD 7116 with a minimum grade of B-. This is the lowest passing grade for JFK-SOP PsyD courses.

This course introduces students to the most common criminal forensic evaluations conducted by forensic mental health professionals, theories associated with criminal behavior, and multiple treatment modalities provided to offenders. Students gain a basic understanding of the legal criteria upon which criminal forensic evaluations are based, the appropriate methodology to perform forensic assessments, the mental health services delivered to adult offenders in correctional/forensic settings, and some of the ethical and professional difficulties that a forensic mental health professional encounters. Students will review fundamental components of conducting violence and risk assessment evaluations. Practical exercises drawn from actual cases are used to illustrate key concepts.

This course examines various aspects of communication within a forensic psychological context. Appropriate methods of documentation, report writing, and expert witness testimony are reviewed and practiced. Students engage in experiential activities to demonstrate proficiency in the aforementioned areas. Students are oriented to the expectations and the psychological and emotional experiences of preparing written material for court and expert witness testimony.