Introduction to Forensic Psychology

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How to Take This Course:

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Target Audience: Psychologists
Instructional Level: Introductory

CE Course Description

This continuing education course provides psychologists with a comprehensive introduction to forensic psychology and its application in clinical and legal contexts. Psychologists frequently encounter clients involved in legal matters, including criminal charges, custody disputes, civil litigation, involuntary hospitalization, mandated reporting, and duty to warn situations. Clinical decisions may carry significant legal consequences, and psychologists may be required to provide records, written reports, testimony, or professional opinions that are scrutinized under legal standards distinct from clinical reasoning. This course examines the structure of criminal and civil legal systems, ethical standards governing forensic psychology, principles of forensic assessment, psychological testing under legal scrutiny, court involvement, and work with special populations. Emphasis is placed on understanding the distinction between therapeutic and forensic roles, maintaining objectivity and impartiality, managing dual roles, and practicing within the limits of competence. Participants will learn how courts evaluate psychological evidence, how standards of proof differ from clinical standards, and how to reduce the risk of ethical violations, harm, and malpractice. This course is appropriate for licensed psychologists, postdoctoral fellows, and advanced trainees who seek a foundational forensic understanding. Specialized forensic training is not required; however, participants should have basic familiarity with psychological assessment and ethical practice. This course meets continuing education standards for professional development in ethics and risk management.

Courseware Supervisor: Ryan C. Warner, Ph.D., CRC

Author: Jay Trambadia, Psy.D.

CE Course Objectives

1. Define forensic psychology and distinguish it from general clinical practice.
2. Illustrate the structure of criminal and civil courts and explain standards of proof relevant to psychological testimony.
3. Differentiate legal reasoning from clinical reasoning in evaluation and decision-making.
4. Identify key ethical principles relevant to forensic work, including confidentiality limits and informed consent in legal contexts.
5. Identify appropriate uses and limitations of psychological testing in forensic contexts.
6. Describe the psychologist’s role in court proceedings, including report writing and testimony.
7. Recognize scope-of-practice boundaries and determine when consultation, supervision, or referral is required.
8. Apply risk management strategies to reduce ethical and malpractice exposure in forensic settings.

1. Section 1: Introduction to Forensic Psychology - 10 minutes
   • Section 1: Conclusion - 5 minutes
2. Section 2: Overview of Legal Systems for Psychologists - 10 minutes
   • Section 2: Conclusion - 5 minutes
3. Section 3: Ethics and Professional Responsibility in Forensic Psychology - 10 minutes
   • Section 3: Conclusion - 5 minutes
4. Section 4: Introduction to Forensic Assessment - 10 minutes
   • Section 4: Conclusion - 5 minutes
5. Section 5: Psychological Testing in Forensic Contexts - 10 minutes
   • Section 5: Conclusion - 5 minutes
6. Section 6: Introduction to Court Involvement - 10 minutes
   • Section 6: Conclusion - 5 minutes
7. Section 7: Special Populations and Forensic Considerations - 10 minutes
   • Section 7: Conclusion - 5 minutes
8. Section 8: Professional Boundaries and Competence in Forensic Psychology - 10 minutes
   • Section 8: Conclusion - 5 minutes
9. Section 9: Conclusion and Future Directions in Forensic Psychology - 10 minutes
   • Section 9: Conclusion - 5 minutes
10. References

Course Date: 2026-05-14

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