PYD864 Counseling in Forensic Settings (2 cr.)

Prerequisite(s): Completion of first year coursework (24 credits)
This course provides an introduction to forensic psychological practice. The psychologist’s role in procedures and evaluations for cases involving civil commitment, psychosexual functioning, custody, disability, competency, and sexual harassment are discussed. Standards for the completion of written forensic evaluations and ethical requirements specific to forensic practice are reviewed.

Upon completion of this course, students are expected to be able to do the following:

1. Understand the legal basis for the structure and the role of psychologists in the judicial system.
2. Examine ethical requirements and practice standards in forensic psychological practice.
3. Demonstrate competence with specific methodologies and report-writing styles for addressing a number of psycho-legal questions.
4. Examine the relationships among law, psychology, and the mental health system, mental illness, and criminal conduct.
5. Analyze the ways in which psychology interacts with the legal and governmental systems.