Graduate Medical Education

Postdoctoral Fellowship Training Program in Forensic Psychology, Department of Psychology, Directorate of Behavioral Health: The WRNMMC Forensic Psychology Fellowship is the US Military’s only Postdoctoral Forensic Psychology Fellowship, and only two-year Forensic Psychology Fellowship currently operated in the United States.

Mission
The mission of the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center (WRNMMC) Postdoctoral Fellowship Training Program in Forensic Psychology is to provide in-depth training to active duty officers of the US Army that will foster trainees’ development of advanced skills as forensic psychological practitioners. Training occurs within the scientist – practitioner training model, utilizing a mentor model as the primary vehicle for interactive transfer of skills and knowledge. This primary model is supplemented by broad didactic training, courtroom experience, and consultancy with members of diverse professional disciplines. Upon successful completion of the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center Forensic Psychology Fellowship, graduates will be well-positioned to independently deliver advanced forensic psychological services both to the community at large and within the military community worldwide.

Objectives

• The legal basis of forensic evaluations
• The ethical practice of forensic psychology
• Forensic mental health assessment
• Forensic treatment
• Forensic research
• Forensic consultation
• Cultural competence in forensic assessment, treatment, and consultation
• Applications of forensic psychology to the military setting

Consultation and Assessment Services Offered

• RCM 706 Sanity Board Evaluations (Competency to Stand Trial & Criminal Responsibility)
• Forensic assessment and consultation on a wide variety of topics, including: violence risk assessment, aid-in-sentencing, assessment of violence risk, assessment of potential for rehabilitation, forensic issues related to PTSD, false confessions, psychological testing, and impact of criminal victimization.
• Psychological autopsy (equivocal death analysis)
• Expert testimony

Training Opportunities

• Forensic referrals are accepted from throughout the world
• Forensic Rotation at St. Elizabeths Hospital, Washington DC
• Rotation through the FBI’s Behavioral Analysis Unit, Quantico, VA
• Rotation through the US Marshals Service Behavioral Analysis Unit, Arlington VA
• Rotation through Psychological Service of the National Security Agency, Ft. Meade, MD
• Paid attendance at a conference sponsored by the American Academy of Forensic Psychology