Development of NBFE's Sample Report

Prior to sitting for the oral exam, candidates for NBFE's Certified Forensic Mental Health Evaluator (CFMHE) credential  must submit a sample written forensic mental health evaluation report that adheres to a report format developed by NBFE.  The format was developed by an panel of five experts who reviewed the professional literature on report formats, examined various sample reports offered by reputable training organizations in the forensic mental health field, and collaborated to create a a consensus on a report format. 

NBFE recognizes that in the field formats will vary depending on the type of forensic evaluation being conducted, the referral questions being answered, professional judgment, and referral source requirements.  However, we developed a comprehensive format that, when adhered to properly, demonstrates that candidates are capable of writing a quality report documenting informed consent, referral and relevant background information, a comprehensive biopsychosocial assessment, testing results, summaries of collateral interviews and records reviews, mental status examination, diagnosis, case formulation, conclusions, and recommendations.  

NBFE's sample report panel consisted of the following forensic mental health experts:

Tom Black, PhD, LPC, CFMHE, CFP

Howard Carroll, LCPC

Norman Hoffman, PhD, LMHC, LMFT, CFMHE, CCCE, CFBA, CFP

Valerie Hoffman, PhD, LCSW, CFMHE

Aaron Norton, PhD, LMHC, LMFT, MAC, CRC, CFMHE, CFP