The Forensic Psychologist Podcast

A quick final episode giving you updates at Vienna Psychological Group (hint: We have been so busy!) and a look ahead at TFPP for 2024!

On today’s episode, I chatted with Dr. Leslie Dobson, Psy.D., a clinical and forensic psychologist, author, and speaker. We talked about:

-Dr. Leslie's journey into a forensic psychology career

-Securing an internship at St. Elizabeth's Hospital

-Alarming times at Atascadero State Hospital

-Enlightenment that emerged through working with violent criminal offenders

-Transitioning into private practice focusing on civil litigation

-Becoming an author and her upcoming book, "The Friends Cleanse."

About Dr. Leslie

Dr. Leslie has spent over 20 years in the assessment and treatment of mental health disorders in individual and group therapy, and criminal and civil law. Her experience ranges from mild life adjustments to severe and persistent mental health struggles. 50% of her practice focuses on evidence-based clinical intervention for trauma. 50% of her practice is focused on civil litigation and personal injury, assessing the validity and truthfulness and post-injury emotional, cognitive, and behavioral functioning.

If interested in forensic consultation, assessment, or testimony, please contact her directly for more information, or through Leslie Dobson, BS, MS, MA, PsyD Expert Witness - SEAK, Inc. (seakexperts.com)

On today’s episode, I talked with Adam Bloom, Ph.D., ABPP., a board certified forensic psychologist. We talked about:

The psychologists' role at NYPD

How suicide is the largest threat to a law enforcement officer

What triggers a fitness for duty evaluation

The three prongs to a fitness for duty evaluation

How common a fitness for duty evaluation really is

NYPD is hiring unlicensed/licensed psychologists

About Dr. Bloom

Dr. Adam Bloom, Board Certified Forensic Psychologist, is an active member of the Appellate Division, Supreme Court - First and Second Judicial Department, Mental Health Professionals Panel and he served 2 - two-year terms as a member of the Board of Directors of the New York Chapter of the Association of Family and Conciliation Courts (AFCC-NY).Dr. Bloom has been a member of the Assigned Counsel Advisory Committee, Attorneys for Children Panel - Second, Eleventh and Thirteenth Judicial District since 2014, as well as an Independent Contractor for the Federal Aviation Administration, Division of Aerospace Medicine since 2008. Dr. Adam Bloom has been a member of the Editorial Board of the Open Access Journal of Forensic Psychology since 2010 and is a member of the American Psychology Law Society (Division 41) and the New York State Interdisciplinary Forum on Mental Health and Family Law.

In addition to his private practice, Dr. Bloom currently serves as the Director of the NYPD Medical Division - Psychological Evaluation Section.  Prior to that, Dr. Bloom was the Chief Psychologist/Clinic Director at NYC Health + Hospitals - Kings County & Bronx County Family Court, Mental Health Services Department.

Dr. Bloom has maintained professional licensure in the State of New York since 1994 and the Commonwealth of Virginia since 2014.

Thanks for listening! See you again in two weeks for another amazing episode delving through psychology and the law.

Please Note: The podcast shows, guests, and all linked content is for educational and informational purposes only. It does not constitute medical, psychiatric, or legal advice. Nor is it intended to replace professional advice from your healthcare or legal professional. The views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of any entities they represent. Last, it is not a substitute for supervision. Please continue to seek the appropriate guidance form your clinical supervisor. The show content is to be used at listeners’ own risk.

I invite you to show your support for the show by:

Telling your friends and colleagues about the show

Subscribing (free) and leaving a rating/review

Find and connect with Dr. Vienna on Twitter, TT, Fb, or IG to continue the discussion

Connect with Dr. Vienna:

Ph: 626-709-3494

Email: [email protected]

LinkedIn: Dr. Nicole M. Vienna

IG: @drnicolevienna

TikTok @laforensicpsychologist

Facebook: Vienna Psychological Group, Inc.

Are you an attorney looking for a forensic evaluation? Book a FREE 20-minute consultation with Dr. Vienna here.

On today’s episode, I interviewed Dr. Ben Silber, Ph.D., Licensed Psychologist, Specialist of the American Board of Professional Psychology in Forensic Psychology and Fellow of the American Academy of Forensic Psychology. We talked about:

What is Psychosis and How it Differentiates from Other Mental Illnesses.

Causes/Etiology of Psychosis.

Ethical Considerations of Treatment (Involuntary/Voluntary)

Challenges with Treatment in the Jail

Examples of Psychosis and its Role in Legal Outcomes (i.e., NGRI)

About Dr. Ben Silber, ABPP

Benjamin Silber is a licensed clinical psychologist based out of Little Rock, Arkansas. Following specialized training in psychological assessment and forensic evaluation at Patton State Hospital, he completed a predoctoral internship at the federal correctional complex in Butner, NC, where he received further training in forensic psychology. He completed a formal postdoctoral fellowship in forensic psychology at the Arkansas State Hospital, worked as a forensic evaluator for seven years there, and started Expert Psychological Evaluations, where he performs forensic psychological evaluations and serves as the training director of the postdoctoral fellowship in forensic psychology. Dr. Silber is certified as a Specialist of the American Board of Professional Psychology in Forensic Psychology and is a Fellow of the American Academy of Forensic Psychology. He is licensed in Arkansas, Ohio, and through PSYPACT, allowing him to conduct psychological evaluations in 33 jurisdictions.  Website: www.psychological-evaluations.com Phone: 501-444-2688 Email: [email protected]

Thanks for listening! See you again in two weeks for another amazing episode delving through psychology and the law.

Please Note: The podcast shows, guests, and all linked content is for educational and informational purposes only. It does not constitute medical, psychiatric, or legal advice. Nor is it intended to replace professional advice from your healthcare or legal professional. Last, it is not a substitute for supervision. Please continue to seek the appropriate guidance form your clinical supervisor. The show content is to be used at listeners’ own risk.

I invite you to show your support for the show by:

-Telling your friends and colleagues about the show

- Subscribing (free) and leaving a rating/review

- Find and connect with Dr. Vienna on Twitter, TT, Fb, or IG to continue the discussion

Connect with Dr. Vienna:

LinkedIn: Dr. Nicole M. Vienna

IG: @drnicolevienna @vienna_psych_group

Facebook: Vienna Psychological Group, Inc.

Are you an attorney looking for a forensic evaluation? Book a FREE 20-minute consultation with Dr. Vienna through email at [email protected]

Specialty Guidelines for Forensic Psychology: https://www.apa.org/pubs/journals/features/forensic-psychology.pdf

On today’s episode, I interviewed Dr. Lina Haji, a clinical forensic psychologist in Florida about psychopathy. Dr. Haji discusses how psychopathy is misunderstood and sometimes presents differently than how it is in Hollywood. A thorough understanding of psychopathy on a spectrum is necessary for clinicians who practice in any area. In addition, malingering is prevalent in corrections and forensics and it isn't just about "catching a liar" but about understanding the underlying reasons and guiding treatment.

On today’s episode, I interviewed Dr. Brie-Pileggi-Vallen, a board-certified forensic psychologist. We talked about:

Advantages of completing a post-doc fellowship

The journey to board certification

Forensic Assessments

The transition to private practice

The importance of networking

About Dr. Pileggi-Vallen

Dr. Pileggi-Valleen is a board certified forensic psychologist. She works for the state of Minnesota and has a private practice. Her work includes forensic evaluations for civil and criminal cases in Minnesota and the federal courts. She also provides clinical supervision and training. More information, including her contacts, can be found at www.veritasforensicpsychology.com.

Thanks for listening! See you again in two weeks for another amazing episode delving through psychology and the law.

Please Note: The podcast shows, guests, and all linked content is for educational and informational purposes only. It does not constitute medical, psychiatric, or legal advice. Nor is it intended to replace professional advice from your healthcare or legal professional. Last, it is not a substitute for supervision. Please continue to seek the appropriate guidance form your clinical supervisor. The show content is to be used at listeners’ own risk.

I invite you to show your support for the show by:

Telling your friends and colleagues about the show

Subscribing (free) and leaving a rating/review

Find and connect with Dr. Vienna on Twitter, TT, Fb, or IG to continue the discussion

Connect with Dr. Vienna:

LinkedIn: Dr. Nicole M. Vienna

IG: @drnicolevienna

TikTok @laforensicpsychologist

Facebook: Vienna Psychological Group, Inc.

Are you an attorney looking for a forensic evaluation? Book a FREE 20-minute consultation with Dr. Vienna here.

On today’s episode, I talked with my fellow forensic psychologist colleagues, Drs. Collins, Delatorre, and Haji about their careers as expert witnesses and forensic evaluators. Listener questions that were briefly addressed on the episode include:

How did you find yourself working in the field?

Are there things you wish you did differently in route to becoming a psychologist?

How do you obtain work as an expert witness?

What is a dilemma or hurdle you have come across when working as an expert witness?

How do you prepare for court as an expert witness? What is the process like?

What is the difference between forensic evaluations done in private practice versus evaluations done by psychologists working in a prison?

What is your day like as a forensic evaluator?

Where can you get hired if you want to do forensic evaluation work?

How many hours does one case typically take?

If forensic psychology is a field of interest, what is the first thing someone should do after undergrad?

Any current forensic psych hot topics you are particularly interested in right now?

On today’s episode, I interviewed Dr. Joni Johnston on Psychological Autopsies. We talked about:

-Certified Forensic Psychological Autopsies

- Child Death Reviews

-How Dr. Johnston determine between Suicide vs. Accidental Overdose

About Dr. Joni Johnston:

Dr. Joni Johnston is a Forensic Psychologist, Private Investigator and a Crime Writer who has authored numerous books. As a practicing psychologist, she has worked in a medium-maximum security prison, for the Board of Parole, for the Superior Court of San Diego, and as a workplace investigator of misconduct allegations including harassment, discrimination and violence.

She currently evaluates mentally disordered offenders up for parole and provides expert testimony in criminal and civil litigation where a forensic psychologist can help shed light on pertinent issues.

Contact Dr. Joni Johnston

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.drjonijohnston.com

Facebook: Unmasking a Murderer

Referenced resource website: www.all-about-forensic-psychology.com

Thanks for listening! See you again next time for another amazing episode delving through psychology and the law.

Please Note: The podcast shows, guests, and all linked content is for educational and informational purposes only. It does not constitute medical, psychiatric, or legal advice. Nor is it intended to replace professional advice from your healthcare or legal professional. Last, it is not a substitute for supervision. Please continue to seek the appropriate guidance form your clinical supervisor. The show content is to be used at listeners’ own risk.

I invite you to show your support for the show by:

• Telling your friends and colleagues about the show

• Subscribing (free) and leaving a rating/review

• Find and connect with Dr. Vienna on Twitter, LinkedIn, IG, or TikTok to continue the discussion

Find and Connect with Dr. Vienna:

LinkedIn: Dr. Nicole M. Vienna

IG: @drnicolevienna

TT @laforensicpsychologist

Facebook: Vienna Psychological Group, Inc.

Visit Dr. Vienna's website at www.vpg-corp.com

On today’s episode, I interviewed Mr. Robert Ochs on the role of probation in the criminal justice system. We talked about:

What are the roles and duties at CYA, Gateways, and treatment centers?

What is it like to manage mentally ill offenders in the probation population?

Does treatment actually work for this population of offenders?

About Mr. Robert Ochs:

Mr. Robert Ochs started his career as a licensed clinician (MSW) and began working at the California Youth Authority (CYA). During his time there, he conducted adolescent forensic evaluations. Seeking more experience with treatment, he left the CYA and began working at Gateways where he worked in an adolescent residential treatment program with disturbed youth - many of which were on probation. He then transitioned to evaluating adult mentally ill offenders. He would track and treat the population of NGRI's, MDO's, and MDSO's (Mentally Disordered Sex Offenders). Mr. Ochs was later promoted to run the Community Corrections Center (CCC) - a Federal program. Later, Mr. Ochs transitioned to the Sonoma County Probation Department where he ultimately retired as a Chief Probation Officer. During retirement, Mr. Ochs enjoys spending his free-time painting and playing golf.

Contact Mr. Robert Ochs

Email: [email protected]

Thanks for listening! See you again next time for another amazing episode delving through psychology and the law.

Please Note: The podcast shows, guests, and all linked content is for educational and informational purposes only. It does not constitute medical, psychiatric, or legal advice. Nor is it intended to replace professional advice from your healthcare or legal professional. Last, it is not a substitute for supervision. Please continue to seek the appropriate guidance form your clinical supervisor. The show content is to be used at listeners’ own risk.

I invite you to show your support for the show by:

• Telling your friends and colleagues about the show

• Subscribing (free) and leaving a rating/review

• Find and connect with Dr. Vienna on Twitter, LinkedIn, IG, or TikTok to continue the discussion

Find and Connect with Dr. Vienna:

LinkedIn: Dr. Nicole M. Vienna

IG: @drnicolevienna

TT @laforensicpsychologist

Facebook: Vienna Psychological Group, Inc.

Visit Dr. Vienna's website at www.vpg-corp.com

On today’s episode, I interviewed Dr. John Delatorre on expert witness work. We talked about:

What is the Gold Standard?

What are some tips for effective testimony?

Why is knowledge of test construction important?

A brief discussion on the Depp/Heard expert witnesses as it related to biases, credibility, and test selection.

About Dr. Delatorre

John Delatorre, Psy.D. is a licensed psychologist in Arizona and Texas and holds the Authority to Practice Interjurisdictional Telepsychology (APIT). He earned his doctorate from Midwestern University – Glendale, an APA accredited program. Dr. Delatorre completed his doctoral internship at a crisis stabilization unit and completed advanced training in forensic psychology. Dr. Delatorre provides therapy and assessment for a variety of concerns, including providing interventions to the severely mentally ill, individuals with significant trauma histories, and crisis interventions/de-escalation. He has training and experience in various assessments including general psychological, risk/threat assessments (member of Association of Threat Assessment Professionals, ATAP), competency to stand trial and criminal responsibility, psychosexual evaluations (member of Association for Treatment of Sexual Abusers, ATSA), police and public safety, and immigration evaluations. He is a trial consultant and often provides psychological analysis for television news and court shows.

Contact Dr. John Delatorre

Email: [email protected]

www.resolutionfcs.com; [email protected]; twitter: @CrimePsycFiles; instagram: @drjohndelatorre

Thanks for listening! See you again next time for another amazing episode delving through psychology and the law.

Please Note: The podcast shows, guests, and all linked content is for educational and informational purposes only. It does not constitute medical, psychiatric, or legal advice. Nor is it intended to replace professional advice from your healthcare or legal professional. Last, it is not a substitute for supervision. Please continue to seek the appropriate guidance form your clinical supervisor. The show content is to be used at listeners’ own risk.

I invite you to show your support for the show by:

• Telling your friends and colleagues about the show

• Subscribing (free) and leaving a rating/review

• Find and connect with Dr. Vienna on Twitter, LinkedIn, IG, or TikTok to continue the discussion

Find and Connect with Dr. Vienna:

LinkedIn: Dr. Nicole M. Vienna

IG: @drnicolevienna

TT @laforensicpsychologist

Facebook: Vienna Psychological Group, Inc.

Visit Dr. Vienna's website at www.vpg-corp.com

Resources Mentioned-

Book- Coping with psychiatric and psychological testimony

Book-Coping with Cross Examination

CONCEPT Training on Expert Witness

The Art & Science of Expert Witness Testimony - LIVE Workshop

AAFP workshops