Psychology & Law Committee

Objectives and Goals

• Provide information and resources to psychologists about forensic psychology
• Inform the legal system (including attorneys, judges, and court personnel) about relevant psychological principles, assessments, and interventions
• Provide public education about the ways psychologists can assist families or family members who are involved with legal issues

These objectives may be pursued through:

1. Presenting workshops and trainings in collaboration with Bar Associations and/or the Courts
2. Collaborating with Bar Associations and the Judicial System to develop and implement more effective psychological interventions for individuals and families involved in legal cases

Consultation for Attorneys

PAST CONSULTATIONS:

• Pros & Cons of Confidentiality in Court Ordered Treatment: Impact on the Psychologist, Court, Attorneys and Clients
• Parent Allegations of Child-Sexual Abuse
• Intimate Partner Aggression/Violence
• Munchausen’s by Proxy
• How Psychological Problems Affect Parenting Skills
• Forensic Evaluations
• Rebuttal Consultation
• Impact of High-Conflict Divorce on Children
• Standards and Guidelines for Child Custody Evaluations in NYS

Resources

• Information about Supreme Court in Suffolk and Nassau Counties
• Information about Family Court in Suffolk and Nassau Counties
• Information about the NYS Court System in general: PDF | Website

Links

• American Psychological Association
• American Psychology-Law Society
• American Bar Association
• Association of Family and Conciliation Courts
• New York Association of Collaborative Professionals
• Suffolk County Bar Association
• NYSPA Division of Forensic Psychology

Click here for a video podcast - You Are Thinking About Divorce

Click here for a video podcast - Thomas Valva - Child Abuse, Custody, and the Legal System

Upcoming Conferences

• American Psychology-Law Society Conference Annual Meeting
  March 12-14, 2026, Reno, Nevada.
  Speakers: Daniel Murrie, PhD & Chriscelyn Tussey, PsyD, ABPP

• AFCC 63rd Annual Conference
  May 27-30, 2026, Seattle, Washington

• AFCC 17th Symposium on Child Custody 
  November 5-7, 2026, Rosen Centre Hotel, Orlando, Florida

Committee Members