Overview

This activity will orient psychologists and mental health clinicians to the role of forensic psychologists and support them in developing a basic understanding of key forensic psychology competencies, including:

• understanding the intersection of the mental health and court systems in Victoria,

• determining the difference between forensic psychology and other endorsements, 

• understanding risk assessments,

• what to consider when asked to write a support letter or a report for the courts, 

• learning to screen for risk of harm to other people, and 

• developing basic competencies in working with mandated populations and difficult clients. 

It will also introduce participants to a range of other resources for those who wish to deepen their understanding and practice in forensic mental health.

Level of Learning

Foundational. This activity is targeted to those new to the topic.

Duration of access

Access to the recording and presenter slides (once available) is for 12 months from the date of confirmed registration.

APS CPD-Approved

This activity has been assessed against the APS Standards for CPD activities and approved for its education quality.

Learn more about the APS CPD Approval process

CPD Frequently Asked Questions

Refer to the APS CPD Frequently Asked Questions for general and technical information when undertaking APS Professional development activities.

Activity details

• On-demand webinar recording

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this webinar, participants should be able to:

• develop an understanding of the role and scope of forensic psychology, including the intersection of the legal and mental health systems in Victoria,

• develop an understanding of good risk assessment practices, including where to refer for specialised forensic risk assessments, and

• learn to identify and manage basic forensic issues in their practice, such as client requests for letters for court, and risk screens when risk of harm to others is indicated.

Presenter(s)

Dr Ahona Guha

About the presenter(s)

Dr Ahona Guha, DPsych, is a clinical and forensic psychologist in Melbourne.
She works at Forensicare in the Problem Behaviour Program and at Marrmak Unit and Dame Phyllis Frost Centre, and in private practice. Dr Guha writes about a range of psychology topics at Psychology Today.
Find her on Twitter and Instagram.