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Therapists Forensic Examiners Who is the client? Patient Attorney or the court Goals Provide treatment and support Objectively evaluate a defendant or claimant Data Accept what the client says Corroborate examinee's statements with collateral information Emphasis Treatment, helping Assessment of psycholegal matter at stake Trust Assume basic honesty Assess for malingering or attempts to create a positive impression Accountability Anticipate little challenge to conclusions, diagnoses Anticipate cross examination, consider alternative hypotheses, explanations Privilege Governed by therapist-client privilege Governed by attorney-client privilege, if any Knowledge of legal matters May be unaware of legal standards, rules of evidence Familiar with case law governing the matter at hand. Daubert and Frye standards of evidence Attitude Avoid court appearances Accept legal proceedings as part of the work; develop testimony skills Data adapted from Greenberg and Shuman.26
