Forensic mental health assessment (FMHA) has grown into a specialization informed by research and professional guidelines. This series presents up-to-date information on the most important and frequently conducted forms of FMHA. The 19 topical volumes address best approaches to practice for particular types of evaluation in the criminal, civil, and juvenile/family areas. Each volume contains a thorough discussion of the relevant legal and psychological concepts, followed by a step-by-step description of the assessment process from preparing for the evaluation to writing the report and testifying in court. In making recommendations for best practice, authors consider empirical support, legal relevance, and consistency with ethical and professional standards. These volumes offer invaluable guidance for anyone involved in conducting or using forensic evaluations.

This volume addresses best-practice standards in conducting competence to stand trial evaluations. Assessment of a defendant's fitness for trial is the most frequently requested type of forensic evaluation. The significance of the forensic mental health professional's opinion cannot be overstated, in terms of both the implications for the integrity of the criminal legal process that is to follow, and for the outcome of the trial and the impact of the verdict on the defendant's life.

Patricia Zapf's profile page

Ronald Roesch's profile page

Patricia A. Zapf, PhD, is currently associate professor in the Department of Psychology at John Jay College of Criminal Justice, the City University of New York. She is the associate editor of the Encyclopedia of Psychology and Law and an associate editor of Law and Human Behavior. She was appointed Fellow of the American Psychological Association in 2006 for outstanding contributions to the field of psychology and law. She has published over 60 articles and chapters, mainly on the assessment of criminal competencies. In addition to her research and publishing, she serves as a consultant to various criminal justice and policy organizations and maintains a private practice in forensic assessment. She received her doctoral degree in clinical forensic psychology from Simon Fraser University in Canada in 1999. Ronald Roesch, PhD, is professor of psychology and director of the Mental Health, Law, and Policy Institute at Simon Fraser University. He served as president of the American Psychology-Law Society (APLS), and is president-elect of the International Association of Forensic Mental Health Services. He was editor of the journals Law and Human Behavior and the International Journal of Forensic Mental Health, and is currently the acting editor of Psychology, Public Policy, and Law. His book with Dr. Stephen Golding, Competency to Stand Trial, won a merit award in the American Bar Association Gavel Awards Competition. Dr. Roesch remains interested in research focusing on competency issues for both adult and juvenile offenders, and is also involved in studies of jail/prison mental health assessment, and youth violence.