ABPP Forensic Psychology study materials
ABPP Forensic Psychology study resources

ABPP Forensic Psychology case studies

ABPP Forensic Psychology · Put your knowledge to work in context.

The ABPP Forensic Psychology board certification is a specialty credential offered by the American Board of Professional Psychology, an organization whose stated mission is to serve the public by promoting quality psychological services through examination and certification of professional psychologists engaged in specialty practice. It is intended for licensed psychologists who already practice in forensic settings and who wish to have their competence in that specialty examined and publicly recognized; ABPP maintains a specialist directory that the public can use to verify certification. Because ABPP publishes only general application requirements at the organizational level, candidates should treat the specialty board itself as the authority on the specific assessment, treatment, legal-ethical, and consultation and testimony competencies it evaluates, and on its examination procedures. Preparation therefore combines deep, current knowledge of forensic assessment instruments and report writing, intervention with justice-involved populations, the legal and ethical framework governing forensic roles, and the practical demands of consultation and expert testimony. The ABPP Forensic Psychology case studies are 5 cases and about 1,782 words.

1

Competency to Stand Trial in an Older Defendant

R is a 72-year-old man with mild cognitive impairment (MoCA 22/30) and hearing loss, charged with felony theft. He is currently in jail awaiting trial.

358 words, about 2 min
2

Violence Risk Assessment in a Prison Setting

S is a 35-year-old incarcerated man with a history of violent assaults in prison. He has been diagnosed with antisocial personality disorder and substance use disorder (in remission).

344 words, about 2 min
3

Therapy with a Sex Offender: Confidentiality and Duty to Protect

K, a 45-year-old man convicted of child sexual abuse, in a community outpatient program. K is mandated to treatment as a condition of probation.

361 words, about 2 min
4

Child Custody Evaluation with Allegations of Abuse

M is conducting a child custody evaluation for a 7-year-old girl, Emma. The parents are divorced and each alleges the other is abusive.

345 words, about 2 min
5

Expert Testimony on Eyewitness Identification

P is asked to testify as an expert in a criminal trial involving eyewitness identification. The defendant was identified by a witness who viewed a lineup.

374 words, about 2 min