Want to expand your clinical career into the world of forensic consultation?
In today’s courtroom, forensic mental health experts often influence the outcome of cases involving competency, criminal responsibility, custody, risk assessment, and psychological injury. But attorneys lack the clinical knowledge needed to effectively challenge expert testimony—creating a major opportunity for skilled mental health professionals to serve as high-impact consultants.
Facilitated by two experienced forensic consultants and an attorney, this continuing education workshop is designed for clinicians who want to learn how to consult with attorneys and strengthen cross-examination strategy by identifying flawed methodology, misused psychological testing, unsupported conclusions, and deviations from accepted forensic standards.
Participants will gain practical tools for analyzing forensic reports, spotting red flags, and translating complex psychological concepts into clear, courtroom-relevant consultation guidance.
Note: This workshop fulfills one of the requirements for NBFE's Certified Forensic Mental Health Consultant (CFMHC) credential. Click here for details!
Learning Objectives
After this workshop, participants will be able to do:
- Differentiate the role of a forensic mental health consultant from the role of a forensic examiner.
- Identify practice standards that can be used to critique forensic mental health evaluations.
- Locate key findings from scientific sources that can inform evaluation reviews.
- Describe administrative and business aspects of forensic consultation.
Presenters
Norman E Hoffman, PhD, EdD, LMHC, LMFT
A man who saw the potential, an innovator, pushing the boundaries to advance the cause of licensed professional counselor in the field of forensic mental health. He had the vision, the success in his field, sometimes overcoming great challenges to pave the way for those seeking status and professional recognition in a field of forensic mental health that has in the past been inaccessible.
Dr. Hoffman is considered a pioneer with his passion and creativity to develop the pattern for those who pursue a role as an expert forensic mental health expert witness, having founded the National Board of Forensic Evaluators, created the Certified Forensic Mental Health Evaluator (CFMHE) credential, developed the Hoffman Organicity Test (HOT) to differentiate between schizophrenia and other organic brain disorders.
Dr. Hoffman developed and validated the Child & Adolescent Forensic Screening Inventory (CAFSI), meticulously designed to support professionals in conducting thorough and effective clinical interviews with children and adolescents within forensic contexts, ensuring that critical information is gathered accurately and efficiently.
Aaron Norton, PhD, LMHC, LMFT, CFMHE, CFBA, CFP
Dr. Aaron Norton is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with certifications in addictions, alcohol and drug counseling, rehabilitation counseling, clinical mental health counseling, trauma treatment, forensic mental health evaluation, forensic behavioral analysis, and forensic psychometry.
He serves as executive director of the National Board of Forensic Evaluators, assistant professor at the University of South Florida's Counselor Education program, International Counseling Task Force chair for the American Mental Health Counselors Association, and chair of the Government Relations Committee for the Florida Mental Health Counselors Association.
He co-authored the Forensic Evaluation section of the "AMHCA Standards for the Practice of Clinical Mental Health Counseling,” authored the proposal for AMHCA’s Clinical Mental Health Specialist in Forensic Evaluation (CMHS-FE) credential, authored the DSM-5 to DSM-5-TR update article published in the American Counseling Association's Counseling Today magazine, and served on the expert panel that created the standards and written exam for the Florida Certification Board’s Certified Telehealth Practitioner (CTP) credential.
He has 20 years of experience as a psychotherapist and clinical supervisor, was awarded Mental Health Counselor of the Year by the American Mental Health Counselors Association in 2016, Counselor Educator of the Year by the Florida Mental Health Counselors Association in 2016, Researcher of the Year by the Florida Mental Health Counselors Association in 2019, and he was awarded AMHCA’s Public and Community Service Award in 2020.
Panelist
David L. Ferguson, Esq.
David Ferguson, a Seabreeze High School graduate, holds degrees from Daytona Beach Community College and the University of Florida, culminating in a Juris Doctorate from Mercer University's Walter F. George School of Law in 1982. With a career spanning over three decades, Ferguson initially worked in insurance defense before branching out into various legal domains including personal injury, criminal law, family law, estate planning, trusts, and probate. His extensive experience in representing clients across Volusia, Flagler, Orange, and Seminole counties underscores his expertise in criminal defense, family law matters, and diverse legal areas.
Notably, he also served as a chief executive for Rankin-Patterson Oil Company, offering unique insights into safeguarding assets during divorce and estate planning processes. Actively engaged in community service, Ferguson is involved in multiple organizations and holds a strong commitment to mentoring in Volusia County Schools. He remains a proud and active member of the Ormond Beach/Daytona Beach area, contributing to the community through his legal expertise and civic engagement.
Cost
$150 for NBFE members (i.e., CFMHEs and CFMHE applicants/candidates) and, for members of our partnering organizations please see Professional Partners for current listing)
$200 for Non-members
Continuing Education Information
ACEP No. 6189
Florida CE Broker Tracking No. 20-1357436
CE Broker Provider No. 50-15823
The National Board of Forensic Evaluators (NBFE) has been approved by the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC) as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 6189. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. NBFE is solely responsible for all aspects of the program. NBFE is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. NBFE maintains responsibility for this program and its content. NBFE is recognized and endorsed by the American Mental Health Counselors Association.
This workshop has been approved for 6 general hours, with the Florida Board of Clinical Social Work, Marriage & Family Therapy, Mental Health Counseling and Florida Board of Psychology. CE Broker Tracking # 20-1357436 (CE Broker Provider #50-15823). This workshop has been approved for 6 hours of continuing education (5 general hours, and 1 hour ethics/professional boundaries).
Click here for NBFE Cancellation/Refund Policy.
