Court Involved Practice: Skills and Ethics for Mental Health Professionals

This full-day in-person training provides a wealth of practical information to help psychologists, therapists, counselors, social workers, and other helping professionals navigate the complex intersection of mental health work and the legal system. Participants will gain the knowledge, skills, and confidence to respond effectively when involved in family court proceedings—whether responding to a subpoena, appearing as a witness, or as a treating professional working with court-involved clients.

NBCC - 6 clock hours (The Mediation Center has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 7171. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. The Mediation Center is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs)

Learning Objectives

By the end of the training, participants will be able to:

• Interpret and respond appropriately to subpoenas, including identifying the requirements and implications for practice.
• Differentiate between fact and expert witness roles and prepare effectively for each.
• Navigate the court process with increased comfort, professionalism, and confidence.
• Apply strategies for clear, effective, and ethical testimony during examination and cross-examination.
• Recognize the legal and ethical responsibilities of mental health professionals in court-involved cases.
• Communicate effectively with clients about the professional’s role and limitations in legal contexts.
• Identify and manage potential biases that may affect clinical judgment or testimony in court-related matters.

You may transfer your registration to another person at no cost at any time.

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We are able to refund the cost in full (minus the registration fees), if you make the request 30 days in advance of the event. We are able to refund 50% of the cost (minus fees), if you make the request 14 days in adance of the event.

Please note that ticketing and processing fees are not refundable at any time.

Info: Understand how to interpret a subpoena, determine the actions required, and prepare effectively for court. Learn to distinctions between fact and expert witnesses, how to recognize appropriate and inappropriate responses, strategies for managing problematic subpoenas, and techniques for examination and cross-examination. The morning will also cover what to expect when appearing in court, from arrival to testimony, including strategies for presenting oneself in the courtroom, handling cross-examination, and navigating challenging situations to increase comfort, composure, and effectiveness as a witness.

Info: When clients are involved in court proceedings, mental health professionals must balance therapeutic best practices with legal requirements. This session covers ethical responsibilities, role boundaries, and the unique needs of court-involved clients. Participants will develop skills to communicate clearly with clients about their role, identify available resources, and recognize how bias can affect decision-making in these cases.

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