Lithia Forensics & Consulting’s postdoctoral fellowship in forensic psychology aims to provide specialized training to develop advanced skills and expertise in the area of forensic mental health assessment. The program is designed to prepare fellows to conduct high-quality, ethical, and culturally sensitive assessments of individuals involved in legal proceedings, while also advancing research and contributing to the fields of clinical and forensic psychology. A large portion of the fellow’s work will also be conducted with indigent defendants, highlighting Lithia’s commitment to providing access to quality mental health evaluations for those who may otherwise not have such access.

The Lithia Forensics & Consulting postdoctoral fellowship has been determined to meet the guidelines of the American Board of Forensic Psychology (ABFP) and qualifies for 5-year experience waiver for board certification (2023-2027 fellowship years).

Fellowship Training Goals:

1.     Develop advanced skills in forensic mental health assessment: The fellowship will provide rigorous training in forensic mental health assessment, including assessment of competency to stand trial, criminal responsibility, violence risk assessment, mitigation for sentencing, and other areas relevant to forensic mental health.

2.     Understand legal and ethical considerations: Fellows will gain an understanding of the legal and ethical considerations that are involved in forensic mental health assessment. This includes knowledge of relevant laws, regulations, and professional standards.

3.     Conduct assessments in a culturally sensitive manner: Fellows will develop the ability to conduct assessments in a culturally sensitive manner, recognizing the importance of cultural context and diversity in the assessment process.

4.     Collaborate with professionals across disciplines: Fellows will work closely with other professionals involved in the legal system, including attorneys, judges, and other legal personnel, as well as mental health professionals, to provide comprehensive forensic evaluations.

5.     Conduct research in forensic mental health: The fellowship will provide opportunities to conduct research in forensic mental health, including professional commentary on evaluation practices, case law reviews, and empirical research on topics relevant to forensic mental health assessment.

6.     Contribute to the field: Fellows will be encouraged to contribute to the field through publications, presentations, and other professional activities. They will also be expected to serve as co-supervisors to practicum students within Lithia’s practicum training program.

 Fellowship Training Philosophy:

The postdoctoral training program at Lithia Forensics & Consulting, LLC is dedicated to the highest standards of practice. At minimum, fellows and supervisors commit themselves to complying with the ethical standards articulated by the relevant professional groups, including the Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct of the American Psychological Association (APA), the Specialty Guidelines for Forensic Psychologists, and the Standards for Educational and Psychological Testing.

The postdoctoral fellowship in forensic mental health assessment is grounded in the belief that effective training requires a balance between structured learning experiences and practical application of knowledge and skills. Our program is committed to providing fellows with the opportunity to develop advanced skills in forensic mental health assessment while also gaining experience in a variety of settings, including the provision of evaluation services via telehealth and in-person across an array of environments (e.g., jails, state hospitals, attorney offices). 

We believe that successful training requires a collaborative approach that involves active participation and engagement from both the fellow and the supervisory team. Our program provides a supportive environment in which fellows can learn from experienced professionals and receive feedback and guidance as they develop their skills.

We also believe that training in forensic mental health assessment should be guided by a commitment to ethical and culturally sensitive practice. Fellows will be expected to adhere to the highest standards of professional conduct, including respect for diversity and the rights of those being assessed.

Our training philosophy is grounded in the following principles:

1.     Experiential learning: We believe that learning is most effective when it is based on practical experience. Fellows will have the opportunity to conduct assessments in a variety of settings and work with a diverse range of individuals involved in legal proceedings.

2.     Collaborative learning: We believe that learning is most effective when it is a collaborative process. Fellows will work closely with experienced professionals in the field, receiving feedback and guidance as they develop their skills.

3.     Evidence-based practice: We believe that forensic mental health assessment should be based on the best available evidence. Fellows will be encouraged to critically evaluate existing research and to contribute to the development of new knowledge in the field.

4.     Ethical practice: We believe that ethical practice is essential to the field of forensic mental health assessment. Fellows will be expected to adhere to the highest standards of professional conduct, including respect for diversity and the rights of those being assessed.

5.     Cultural sensitivity: We believe that cultural sensitivity is essential to effective forensic mental health assessment. Fellows will be trained to recognize the importance of cultural context and to conduct assessments in a culturally sensitive manner.

 Training Curriculum and Activities

The postdoctoral fellowship in forensic psychology is designed to be completed over a one-year period, with a minimum of 2000 hours of training. The training curriculum is designed to be comprehensive, providing fellows with the knowledge and skills necessary to competent, autonomous practitioners.

The following is an overview of the training curriculum for a postdoctoral fellowship in forensic mental health assessment:

1.     Conducting Forensic Mental Health Evaluations (60% of the fellow’s time)

Fellows will receive training in conducting evaluations for a variety of legal issues, including competency to stand trial, criminal responsibility, and risk assessment. Fellows will receive training in the use of standardized assessment instruments and will gain extensive experience in conducting interviews, reviewing records, and formulating opinions in legal cases. Fellows will be supervised by experienced professionals in the field of forensic mental health assessment.

2.    Supervision of Clinical and Forensic Practice (7.5% of the fellow’s time)

Fellows will receive three hours of clinical supervision weekly. Supervision provision is described in greater detail below.

3. Providing Consultation to Attorneys and Other Legal Professionals (5% of the fellow’s time)

Fellows will receive training in providing consultation to attorneys and other legal professionals, including the preparation of expert reports and testimony in court. Fellows will have the opportunity to work with attorneys and other legal professionals on real cases, providing consultation and guidance on issues related to mental health assessment.

4.  Attending Weekly Didactic Seminars in Advanced Forensic Psychology and Mental Health Case Law (7.5% of the fellow’s time)

Fellows will attend weekly didactic seminars covering advanced topics in forensic psychology and mental health case law. Seminars will be led by experienced professionals in the field of forensic mental health assessment, including forensic psychologists, psychiatrists, and attorneys. 

5.     Supervising Practicum Students (5% of the fellow’s time)

Fellows will have the opportunity to supervise practicum students in the administration and interpretation of psychological assessments in legal settings. Fellows will be supervised by experienced professionals in the field of forensic mental health assessment.

6.     Contributing to Ongoing Research on Forensic Mental Health Practice (10% of the fellow’s time)

Fellows will have the opportunity to contribute to ongoing research in the field of forensic mental health assessment. Fellows will be encouraged to develop research projects related to forensic mental health assessment, with the goal of making meaningful contributions to the field.

7.     Developing and Delivering Continuing Education Trainings for Attorneys and Mental Health Professionals (5% of the fellow’s time)

Fellows will develop and deliver continuing education trainings for attorneys and mental health professionals. These trainings will cover a range of topics related to forensic mental health assessment and will be designed to provide professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively work with clients involved in legal proceedings.

Supervision and Evaluation

The fellowship provides each trainee the required supervised experience to meet licensing regulations in most states. Through participation in our program, our trainees typically accrue a total of approximately 2000 hours of supervised professional experience. These hours include in-person and telehealth assessments, independent reading and writing time, weekly supervision meetings, and weekly didactic trainings.

In order to comply with APA, APPIC, and state standards for supervised experience, fellows are provided with at least the following core supervision hours:

·      One hour per week of individual supervision with the primary supervisor

·      One additional hour of supervision per week with another qualified supervisor

·      One hour per week of supervision with the training director or associate training director

Each fellow is formally evaluated at the beginning, middle, and end of the training year; supervisors are expected to review their evaluations in person with the fellow prior to submission. Fellows are also observed providing services and are provided oral and written feedback following the live observations. The evaluations of each supervisor are integrated and summarized by the Fellowship Director and discussed in person with the fellow. A written summary of the feedback is prepared and signed by the Director and the fellow.

Fellows are asked to participate in the formal evaluation of the fellowship at the end of the year and are surveyed after graduation from the fellowship as part of the program’s ongoing self-study process. 

Fellow Selection Requirements

The postdoctoral fellowship accepts one new fellow each year for one-year fellowship appointments. We are accepting 2024-2025 applications on a rolling basis through June of 2024. Prospective fellows are recruited nationally from individuals who hold a doctoral degree in clinical or counseling psychology and have completed an internship in clinical or clinical/forensic psychology. Only candidates from APA-accredited institutions and APA-accredited internships are considered.

Prior to beginning the fellowship year, the doctorate must be completed. We expect that incoming fellows have completed their general clinical training. They should already possess proficiency in the selection, administration, and interpretation of traditional psychological tests; in writing concise yet thorough assessment reports that integrate the data from various sources; in addressing their findings to audiences of varying levels of psychological sophistication, and in conceptualizing appropriate treatment recommendations. 

The selection process begins when the applicant submits his or her materials to the Fellowship Director via email. The first level of review confirms that all required materials have been received prior to the deadline date. The second level of review is a thorough examination of all documentation by the Director and fellowship faculty. After this review, a decision is reached on whether to interview the candidate. Personal interviews are required. Interviews are conducted by the Fellowship Director and at least one additional associated faculty.

All application materials must be e-mailed by the application deadline indicated on our website to allow sufficient time to review applications for the selection process. The application deadline for the forensic fellowship is posted on the Lithia Forensics & Consulting, LLC website and is updated annually. All fellowship materials should be submitted to Dr. Mandy Davies at davies@lithiaforensics.com.

Completed applications require receipt of the following:

•       Lithia Postdoctoral Fellowship Application form (here)

•       Cover letter addressing why our forensic fellowship is a good fit for the applicant. Please include clinical and research interests in your cover letter.

•       Two letters of recommendation from supervisors who can speak to the applicant's experiences in forensic psychology

•       Unofficial transcripts from all graduate schools attended

•       Current Curriculum Vitae

•       One sample de-identified forensic report 

Applicants with questions about the fellowship program or application process that are not addressed here are encouraged to contact the Fellowship Training Director, Dr. Davies.

About Lithia Forensics & Consulting, LLC

Lithia Forensics & Consulting, LLC is a thriving group private practice that conducts forensic mental health evaluations throughout the state of Oregon. We also provide education, trial strategy consultation, witness preparation, expert witness testimony, and cross-examination preparation. Lithia Forensics & Consulting, LLC currently employs 9 full-time forensic evaluators, all of whom are certified to conduct forensic evaluations within the state of Oregon.

About the Area

Lithia Forensics & Consulting, LLC is based out of Salem, Oregon. Salem is Oregon’s capital and is known for its charming small-town atmosphere, rich history, and beautiful natural surroundings. Located in the heart of the Willamette Valley, Salem is surrounded by rolling hills, vineyards, and farmland, and is home to numerous parks and green spaces. The city has a vibrant downtown area with unique shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions, including the State Capitol Building, the Salem Art Association, and the historic Elsinore Theatre. Salem is also within easy driving distance of popular destinations such as Portland, the Oregon Coast, and the Cascade Mountains. With its friendly community, affordable cost of living, and plentiful outdoor activities, Salem is a great place to call home for the fellowship year and beyond.

Several of our evaluators also live in Portland and the surrounding metropolitan area. Portland is a vibrant and unique city known for its quirky and independent culture, stunning natural scenery, and thriving food and arts scenes. With a mild climate and easy access to both the coast and the mountains, outdoor enthusiasts will find plenty to do. The city is also famous for its excellent coffee and craft beer, and the dining options range from food trucks to fine dining.

Fellowship Program Administration Structure

Lithia Forensics & Consulting, LLC has a Fellowship Training Director (Dr. Davies) who is responsible for the overall administration of postdoctoral training at the firm. The fellow is assigned a primary supervisor who is responsible for clinical supervision and mentorship. The fellow will have the opportunity to work with additional supervisors on a case-by-case basis, depending on the type of evaluation being conducted. Because Lithia employs psychologists with a range of expertise across various types of forensic mental health evaluations, the didactic content, supervision process, and training experiences afforded to fellows are determined and managed by individuals with the appropriate expertise. The fellow will meet with the training director on a weekly basis for one hour to ensure his or her training needs are being appropriately met.