Risk Management in Forensic Psychology Practice

Abstract

The mental health professional who goes into the courtroom faces an environment which is often different and challenging. Sometimes it can get hostile, so the wise forensic expert should take precautions to manage the risk by making sure he or she practices in an ethical manner. All of the mental health professions (e.g., psychology, psychiatry, social work, nursing, counseling) have their own codes of ethics. In reviewing these ethical issues, we will be referring to two documents, The Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct (1992, 2002) and The Specialty Guidelines for Forensic Psychologists (1991). Sometimes these codes deal explicitly with forensic issues and at other times, these issues are incorporated into more generic statements, applicable to professional practice as a whole. For example, some major issues that need to be addressed are: