Assignment:
Practicing Psychology in the US & Canada
In any forensic treatment setting, there are legal concerns that impact practice. State laws guide how a professional is credentialed or licensed. There are significant differences between types of professionals, settings in which these professionals may practice, and in what capacity they may practice. For instance, social workers have different legal requirements for licensure than psychologists do. State laws for master's level credentialed professionals providing psychotherapy are different from those for their doctoral counterparts. Thus, laws related to practice are of interest to all professionals in forensic treatment settings.
Laws regarding credentialing are not the only laws forensic psychology practitioners need to concern themselves with when working in forensic treatment settings. For instance, legal definitions of confidentiality are important to the forensic treatment practitioner. Laws clarify who has confidentiality rights and privileged communication, and the requirements and limits of forced/coerced treatment. An awareness of various state and federal laws is necessary to ensure legal and ethical practice
1. Review the Psychology Laws and Licensing Boards in Canada and the United States website. Research your particular state laws related to the treatment of forensic populations.
2. Review this website for any specific details that may be unique to certification in your state or locale as they pertain to treatment of special populations (e.g., sex offenders, drug offenders).
3. Review the information from your respective state licensing board regarding the qualifications to practice in your desired forensic setting. Note any special requirements for practice in the forensic treatment setting. Reflect on how this information might impact your professional goals.
A description of at least two specific laws from your state or locale that pertain to treatment in forensic settings. Then explain the implications of each law on treatment with forensic populations. Be specific and use examples to support your explanation. Finally, briefly explain how these state/local laws impact your own professional goals related to treatment in forensic settings