The first handbook to explore forensic assessment from psychiatric and psychological perspectives "The editors have assembled a magnificent collaboration between psychiatrists and psychologists to bring forth critical knowledge and insight to the core competency of forensic assessment. This handbook is essential reading and a comprehensive resource for both newly minted and seasoned forensic practitioners."
—Robert I. Simon, MD, Director, Program in Psychiatry and Law, Georgetown University School of Medicine

"This long-awaited resource blows the dust off traditional standards, shakes the cobwebs out of our old ways of thinking, and shows the practical steps in producing work that will make sense to juries and withstand the most skillful cross-examination. . . . [T]here is no better resource."
—Kenneth S. Pope, PhD, ABPP, Diplomate in Clinical Psychology; coauthor, Ethics in Psychotherapy and Counseling, Fourth Edition

"From preparation to collection to interpretation to communication of the results, this excellent, comprehensive treasure shows how to conduct forensic assessments. Each splendid evidence-based chapter is presented from the collaboration between psychologists and psychiatrists. It is a must-have resource for forensic experts as well as general practitioners or anyone wishing to understand standard of care in forensic assessment."
—Melba Vasquez, PhD, ABPP, 2011 American Psychological Association President

The practitioner-oriented coverage in the Handbook of Forensic Assessment examines:



The current state of psychology and psychiatry—including requisite clinical competencies, ethical guidelines, and considerations of multidisciplinary collaboration


Various approaches to assessments in criminal and civil matters


The principles of effective preparation, data collection, and interpretation, as well as communication for each special situation


Topics including competence to stand trial, sexual offender evaluations, addictions, child abuse, and education


Overarching practice issues, such as practice development, retention, compensation, consultation, and forensic treatment


Includes sample reports that demonstrate the integrative potential of both psychology and psychiatry



Incorporating a wealth of current and multidisciplinary research, the Handbook of Forensic Assessment is destined to become every mental health professional's most valuable one-stop reference for their forensic work.