For some, forensic involvement in psychological practice is an anxiety provoking venture.  For others, it is both interesting and appealing.   Whether one chooses forensic psychology as a career path or is forced into the adversarial context due to unforeseen circumstances, mental health practitioners can face numerous and complex ethical issues.  This workshop focuses on the unique ethical challenges psychologists encounter when working as forensic practitioners.   It will identify a practical ethical decision making model that forensic practitioners can rely upon when navigating these issues.  In addition, it will explore common ethical dilemmas faced by forensic psychologists and will discuss the use of the Ethics Code and Specialty Guidelines in dealing with real world ethical concerns,  with an emphasis on reducing the likelihood of ethical missteps.

About the Presenter
Leisl Bryant, Ph.D., ABPP

Dr. Leisl Bryant is licensed psychologist in private practice, who specializes in forensic psychological assessments, consultations, and expert witness testimony.  She holds a Diplomate in forensic psychology through the American Board of Professional Psychology, and has extensive experience in multiple areas of forensic practice.  In addition, she currently serves as secretary for the New Hampshire Psychological Association (NHPA) and is a member of the NHPA Ethics Committee, NHPA Ad Hoc Committee for the Board of Mental Health Practice Rule Revisions, and the Quality Improvement Committee for the Forensic Services Division of the Massachusetts Department of Mental Health.

Learning Objectives

Participants will:

1. Understand the differences between clinical and forensic psychological practice and how those differences may result in unique ethical challenges.
2. Become aware of and be able to identify the steps in a systematic model for ethical decision making in forensic practice.
3. Consider specific ethical challenges that arise for mental health professionals in the forensic context and develop an awareness of a variety of ethical and legal resources that can be relied upon when facing such challenges.
4. Identify critical moments in forensic practice when ethical issues are likely to arise and become familiar with strategies for reducing potential problems.