The use of video conferencing technology to conduct forensic psychological assessment is not new, but became more widely utilised during the COVID-19 situation. There are a range of issues to consider when deciding if a valid assessment can be completed without a face to face interview, but almost all are manageable. Some particular limitations arise in administration of certain psychological tests, involving the client physically handling test materials. In deciding if I can assess your client remotely, I will be considering the following at a minimum:
Useful References
Adjorlolo, S. & Choon, H. (2015). Forensic assessment via videoconferencing: Issues and practice considerations. Journal of Forensic Psychology Practice, 15:3, 185-204.
Antonaci, D.J., Bloch, R.M, Saeed, S.A., Yildirim, Y., & Talley, J. (2008). Empirical evidence on the use and effectiveness of telepsychiatry via video conferencing: Implications for forensic and correctional psychiatry. Behavioral Sciences and the Law, 26, 253-269.
Cullum, C., Hynan, L., Grosch, M., Parikh, M., & Weiner, M. (2014). Teleneuropsychology: Evidence for video teleconference-based neuropsychological assessment. Journal of the International Neuropsychological Society, 20, 1028-1033.
Lexcen, F.J., Hawk, G.J., Herrick, S., & Blank, M.B. (2006). Use of video conferencing for psychiatric and forensic evaluations. Psychiatric Services, 57, 713-715.
Luxton, D.D., Pruitt, L.D., & Osenbach, J.E. (2014). Best practices for remote psychological assessment via telehealth technologies. Professional Psychology: Research and Practice, 45, 27-35.
Sullivan, D.H., Chapman, M., & Mullen, P.E. (2008). Videoconferencing and forensic mental health in Australia. Behavioral Sciences and the Law, 26, 323-331.
- Does the person have access to a suitable device and a reliable data connection? (Zoom uses about 1 GB of data per hour)
- Does the person have adequate privacy from being overheard?
- Is there a requirement for psychological testing where I am physically present?
Useful References
Adjorlolo, S. & Choon, H. (2015). Forensic assessment via videoconferencing: Issues and practice considerations. Journal of Forensic Psychology Practice, 15:3, 185-204.
Antonaci, D.J., Bloch, R.M, Saeed, S.A., Yildirim, Y., & Talley, J. (2008). Empirical evidence on the use and effectiveness of telepsychiatry via video conferencing: Implications for forensic and correctional psychiatry. Behavioral Sciences and the Law, 26, 253-269.
Cullum, C., Hynan, L., Grosch, M., Parikh, M., & Weiner, M. (2014). Teleneuropsychology: Evidence for video teleconference-based neuropsychological assessment. Journal of the International Neuropsychological Society, 20, 1028-1033.
Lexcen, F.J., Hawk, G.J., Herrick, S., & Blank, M.B. (2006). Use of video conferencing for psychiatric and forensic evaluations. Psychiatric Services, 57, 713-715.
Luxton, D.D., Pruitt, L.D., & Osenbach, J.E. (2014). Best practices for remote psychological assessment via telehealth technologies. Professional Psychology: Research and Practice, 45, 27-35.
Sullivan, D.H., Chapman, M., & Mullen, P.E. (2008). Videoconferencing and forensic mental health in Australia. Behavioral Sciences and the Law, 26, 323-331.