Forensic Psychological Assessment in Practice

Forensic Psychological Assessment in Practice: Case Studies presents a set of forensic criminal cases as examples of a scientist-practitioner model for forensic psychological assessment. The cases involve a number of forensic issues, such as criminal responsibility, violence risk assessment, treatment planning, and referral to long term forensic care. Likewise, different types of offenses are covered, for example, sexual offending, arson, homicide, robbery and domestic violence. The authors address a variety of mental disorders including psychosis, posttraumatic stress disorder, psychopathy and other personality disorders. The book will be useful for novice and experienced forensic psychologists and psychiatrists who are looking for case studies that integrate the most recent empirical evidence with psychological test findings.

"In just eight case studies, Ruiter and Kaser-Boyd demonstrate how to conduct assessments that are bounded by best practices and clinical literature, and not based on supposition or overwhelmed by behaviors (or trying to understand the causes of those behaviors). Another strength of the book is its firm grounding in both clinical practice and clinical research literature. The result is a book that leads readers to a firm understanding of the “scientist as practitioner” model. Concise but packed with information, this volume provides lots of practical bang for the buck, in terms of reading time as well as cost. Summing Up: Highly recommended. Graduate students; practitioners/professionals." - R. E. Osborne, Texas State University, for CHOICE, August 2015"The science and practice associated with psychological evaluations for the courts have advanced considerably in the last two decades. In Forensic Assessment in Practice: Case Studies, Corine de Ruiter and Nancy Kaser-Boyd illustrate just how far the field has come. Featuring case studies drawn from both the inquisitorial and the adversarial legal systems, this book will be valuable to forensic mental health professionals, legal professionals, trainees, and others who work with justice-involved defendants." - Kirk Heilbrun, PhD, Drexel University"For those who are looking for a different kind of forensic psychology book, this is it. Its two distinguishing features are its comparative angle and its mix of theory and practice. In addition to including sample reports and analysis of fascinating cases, this book features a nuanced discussion of how to present scientific information in a language that is accessible to people involved with the legal system." - Christopher Slobogin, JD, LLM, Milton Underwood Professor of Law, Vanderbilt University Law School"[Assisting] would-be practitioners in understanding how to make appropriate decisions and draw valid conclusions about individuals must transcend the classroom. This collection of case studies serves that need. In just eight case studies, Ruiter and Kaser-Boyd demonstrate how to conduct assessments that are bounded by best practices and clinical literature, and not based on supposition or overwhelmed by behaviors [...] Another strenght of hte book is its firm ground in both clinical practice and clinical research literature. The result is a book that leads readers to a firm understanding of the 'scientist as a practitioner' model. Concise but packed with information, this volume provides lots of practice bang for the buck, in terms of reading time as well as cost. Summing Up: Highly recommended." -R.E. Osborne, Texas State University, CHOICE

Corine de Ruiter is Professor of Forensic Psychology at Maastricht University, The Netherlands. Previously, she worked as Head of the Research Department of the Van der Hoevenkliniek, Forensic Psychiatric Centre in Utrecht, and as endowed Professor of Forensic Psychology at the University of Amsterdam.Nancy Kaser-Boyd is Associate Clinical Professor of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, and she is on the Los Angeles County Superior Court Psychiatric Expert Panels in Criminal and Delinquency Court.