Forensic psychology is the interface between psychology and the courts.
More specifically, it involves “psycho-legal” issues as opposed to clinical referral questions. Both Forensic and Clinical Psychologist would use tools that measure various dimensions such as:
- Assessment tools: Different list of tools for both forensic and clinical
- Dimensions: Cognitive, neuro-psychological, self-report, projective, psycho-educational
- Intra-psychic: Deep underline issues versus surface issues (clinical issues)
- Clinical referral questions: How functional is the person able to deal with everyday life (theory and/or speculation)
The difference between a Forensic Psychologist and a Clinical Psychologist:
A forensic psychologist looks primarily at scientific data and possibly case law in order to come to a decision and/or recommendation. A clinical psychologist would look at observable phenomena and integrate it with a more intuitive process than being objective.
Dr. Shifrin focuses on quality service and integrity in his approach to assessments. He schedules time to research the areas of forensic study, which creates an advantage over his collegues. He purposefully integrates new information into his expertise, giving full advantage to the court cases.
With 30 years of mental health experience and several years of continuing education within the area of forensics, his skills include subspecialites in over 5,000 evaluations within the following areas:
- Child Custody
- Criminal Responsibility
- Sex Offenders
- DFS/DCFS Ward Assessments
- Disability
- PTSD
- Workman’s Comp Evaluations
- Personal Injury Neuropsychological
- Psycho-educational Evaluations
- Psychological Assessments
Why lawyers work with Dr. Shifrin:
Lawyer firms work with Dr. Shifrin primarily because his is equiped, experienced and educated. He has worked with defense and prosecution attorney’s in both Missouri and Illinois. He brings objectivity to the field while being well-educated both generally and specialized. Dr. Shifrin is licensed in two states (Missouri & Illinois) thereby have national prominence. He has also consulted and lectured within four different states within the probation and parole departments. These states include Illinois, Missouri, Texas and Louisiana.
Currently, Dr. Shifrin has been selected to develop a scientifically based research study on "compliance" with probation and parole in conjunction with the criminology department at University of Central Missouri. Dr. Shifrin has edited a book on sexual assault. The title is Sexual Assault.
An example of Forensic Psychology:
For example, when asked to do a child custody evaluation, the clinical psychologist would look at deeper underling issues as well as clinical symptoms that impact the child’s capacity to function within a specific home environment. A forensic psychologist would look at the “best interests of the child” in order to educate the court as to which parent would best qualify as being most suitable as to who can best meet the child’s needs.