Forensic Assessment via Videoconferencing: Issues and Practice Considerations

Abstract

Forensic assessment videoconferencing (VC) is gradually gaining popularity among forensic mental health practitioners. Given the profound impacts of the characteristics of VC on forensic assessment destined for courts, knowledge of and familiarity with the salient features of the technology and its application in forensic assessment is relevant so as to obviate any potential negative impact. The present study examines some issues as well as practice considerations that may help forensic psychologists enhance the results of forensic assessments conducted with VC technology. Discussions and suggestions on how to advance forensic assessment via VC are offered.

KEYWORDS:

• forensic assessment
• forensic mental health evaluation
• videoconferencing (VC)
• telepsychology
• forensic telepsychology