Specialized Psychosexual Psychological Evaluations. Explanation of the Benefits of an Independent Evaluation

Transcription

1 Specialized Psychosexual Psychological Evaluations Explanation of the Benefits of an Independent Evaluation As a leader in the field, the Center for Contextual Change, Ltd. provides comprehensive services to clients and organizations, including both evaluation and treatment. At times, CCC retains independent evaluators to perform certain testing and recommendations for treatment. We do this to protect the integrity, objectivity, competence, and effectiveness of that professional and his/her recommendations. We believe this practice best ensures that the evaluation/recommendations remain independent from our primary function of providing treatment services. Therefore, this practice helps us maintain the ability to provide comprehensive services without impacting the integrity of our programming. All evaluations exceed our own rigid standards as well of those of the professional community. This practice means that clients and referral sources can look to the CCC for objective, evidence-based, court-defensible, competent evaluations as well as competent, caring, professional treatment services without questioning our integrity. We have extensive experience in evaluating and treating individuals who have engaged in a wide range of sexual behaviors (from non-contact to serial offenders), a wide range of risk in clients (from low risk to high risk), from a wide range of relationships (from family intimates to work-related acquaintances to strangers), and a wide range in contexts of the behaviors (from private settings to public settings to virtual/electronic settings). With our evaluations, clients and referral sources can confidently understand the relevant issues, the risks related to reengaging similar behaviors, and receive specialized treatment to manage and reduce the risks while building a resilient lifestyle that is inconsistent with returning to the problem behaviors. Specialized Psychosexual Psychological Evaluations Option 1: Risk Assessment: Address potential for sexual violence to others; Option 2: Entry to Treatment Assessment: Identify if a client would benefit from participating in a psychotherapeutic treatment program to address sexual deviance, as well as other relevant treatment interventions (e.g., substance abuse/dependence, anger management/expression, and/or individual counseling). Option 3: Both a Risk Assessment & an Entry to Treatment Assessment Option 4: Evaluation tailored to a particular referral question (i.e., is this individual s sexual behavior likely to impact his or her employment and, if so, what recommendations will enable the individual to resume work with the risks being managed). Reports are typically completed within 10 business days. Adult Psychosexual Psychological Test Battery Record Review (Criminal Background, Department of Corrections and Past / Current Treatment Providers, when available and accessible) Shipley Institute of Living Scale Estimated IQ and Intellectual Functioning

2 Cognistat Assess five areas of cognitive functioning Personality Assessment Inventory Assess Psychopathology Substance Abuse Subtle Screening Inventory Assess Substance Use Disorder Personal History Checklist Self-Reported Historical Information Symptom Checklist 90-R Assess a Range of Psychological Problems and Symptoms of Psychopathology Multiphasic Sex Inventory-II Measures the sexual, emotional, and behavioral characteristics of an adult male or female alleged to have committed a sex offense or sexual misconduct and can be used both to do a sex deviance evaluation and also to measure treatment progress STATIC-99 Estimates of sexual and violent recidivism STABLE 2007 Assesses change in intermediate-term risk status, identifies treatment needs, helps predict recidivism, and assists probation officers with prioritizing caseload ACUTE 2007 Assesses change in short-term risk status, helps predict sexual, violent, and general recidivism Abel Assessment for Sexual Interest-II (if applicable) The AASI-II is a computer based instrument used to measure levels of sexual interest relative to dimensions of age (e.g., preschool, grade school, adolescent, and adult), gender, and race (e.g., Caucasian or African American). In addition, this assessment can suggest interests in sexual violence and other paraphilias, such as exhibitionism and voyeurism. This assessment is not used to determine the likelihood of re-offense as it can only determine that which the client currently finds sexually interesting or attractive. Clinical, Diagnostic, and Forensic Interview Juvenile Psychosexual Psychological Test Battery Record Review (Criminal Background, Department of Corrections and Past / Current Treatment Providers, when available and accessible) K-Bit 2 Measures verbal and nonverbal cognitive ability Adolescent Psychopathology Scale Assess Psychopathology Symptom Checklist 90-R Assess a Range of Psychological Problems and Symptoms of Psychopathology Substance Abuse Subtle Screening Inventory-Adolescent Assess Substance Use Disorder Multiphasic Sex Inventory-II Measures sexual, emotional, and behavioral characteristics of male or female juveniles age 12 and older who admit sexual assault or misconduct, and for juveniles age 14 and older who deny sexual assault or misconduct allegations The Estimate of Risk of Adolescent Sexual Offense Recidivism (ERASOR) Designed to assist evaluators to estimate the risk of a sexual reoffense ONLY for individuals aged who have previously committed a sexual assault (Used when appropriate) The Juvenile Sex Offender Assessment Protocol-II (J-SOAP-II) A checklist whose purpose is to aid in the systematic review of risk factors that have been identified in the professional literature as being associated with sexual and criminal offending. It is designed to be used with boys in the age range of 12 to 18 who have been adjudicated for sexual offenses, as well as nonadjudicated youths with a history of sexually coercive behavior Clinical, Diagnostic, and Forensic Interview

3 Reports typically address the following: Identifying Information Diagnostic Procedures & Psychological Tests Administered Sources of Information Referral Information Mental Status Background Information o Family History o Medical History o Education History o Professional History o Mental Health Assessment / Treatment History o Substance Use History o Interpersonal History (Peer & Marital) o Criminal Offense History (Sexual & Non-Sexual) Reported Allegations (Official Reports or Sources of Information) Test Results Client s Sexual History Client s Explanation of Reported Allegations/Convictions Assessment of Static Risk Factors Assessment of Dynamic Risk Factors Discussion Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-Text Revision-Fourth Edition Discussion and Evidence Applied to Determine Level of Risk Potential for Sexually Victimizing Others Summary and Recommendations Center for Contextual Change Office Locations: 9239 Gross Point Road 815 West Van Buren 180 West Park Street Suite 300 Suite 305 Suite 160 Skokie, IL Chicago, IL Elmhurst, IL What the Client can expect: In most cases, having to meet once for approximately 6-8 hours (includes all testing and interview); accommodations can be made to have two 4-hour meetings if needed. The client will first take the psychological tests, most of which are scored before participating in the interview. The client need only bring any corrective eyewear, and can bring food and beverages as needed, and can expect to have breaks throughout the evaluation process. For more information or to set up an evaluation, please contact: Joel A. Falco, MA, LCSW Director of Specialized Treatment Programs ext#1

4 OTHER TYPES OF PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT SERVICES Direct Psychological Violence Risk and Threat Assessments Individuals are typically referred for a direct assessment after they have violated an organization s workplace violence prevention policy. In addition to a concern for violence potential, the organization may also want to know if the individual is capable of completing his or her essential job requirements (i.e., fitness for duty). Both of these referral questions can be addressed with a direct assessment. The individual then participates in a psychodiagnostic assessment using psychological test procedures and interview techniques to address his or her potential for violence. This entails administering a comprehensive battery of standardized psychological test instruments. An interview is conducted with the individual which is comprised of a mental status examination, an in-depth psychiatric diagnostic interview, and a confrontation stage that addresses the allegations or reports that prompted the assessment. Indirect Psychological Violence Risk and Threat Assessments This approach to violence risk and threat assessment differs from a direct assessment in that the individual in question does not participate in the psychological assessment. Organizations that request an indirect assessment are typically not referring employees. Rather, they may have concerns about a disgruntled or potentially dangerous former employee, client, vendor, or other third party individual or group. While we strive to make direct contact with the individual(s) in question, on occasion it might be impractical, unrealistic, or impossible to do so. Our clients sometimes feel that this may escalate a potentially volatile situation. When these situations arise, an indirect assessment can be conducted. The violence risk potential is based on collateral interviews and record reviews (e.g., criminal history, surveillance media, and inappropriate communications), which act as primary sources of information that assist in the development of the risk assessment. Included is a discussion of intervention strategies applicable to the case, ranging from how to assist the identified target(s) to addressing personal and/or structural physical security of the organization. We can make referrals to local private investigation and security firms who are available to consult on these cases as needed. Fitness for Duty Psychological Evaluation Fitness for duty evaluations involve assessing an employee s ability to perform the essential job requirements. Sometimes problems such as alcohol abuse, family or relationship issues, psychological trauma, maladaptive personality traits, or stress-related symptoms affect an employee s ability to perform his or her job in a safe and effective manner. For example, a referral may be made if the employee receives supervisor concerns or complaints, or presents with a sudden decline with respect to the employee s performance, attendance, attitude, or behavior. The employee participates in a psychodiagnostic assessment using psychological test procedures and interview techniques to address his or her fitness for duty and/or potential for violence. This entails administering a comprehensive battery of standardized psychological test instruments. An interview

5 is conducted with the employee which is comprised of a mental status examination, an in-depth psychiatric diagnostic interview, and a confrontation stage that addresses the allegations or reports that prompted the assessment. General Clinical Psychological Evaluations We also offer general psychological evaluation services to address a wide array of referral questions or issues including: Personality Functioning Substance Use / Abuse / Dependence Disability Domestic Violence Stalking and Inappropriate Pursuit Workplace violence Psychopathy Violent Risk and Threat Assessment Antisocial and General Criminal Behaviors Malingering and Deception Disability EVALUATION METHOD Typically, the psychological testing can be completed within 4-6 hours, and includes administration, scoring, and interpretation. The clinical and forensic interview typically takes 2-4 hours. The record review and collateral interviews varies depending on the case, but typically takes about 2 hours, and a report takes approximately 6 hours to complete. Reports are typically submitted within 10 business days upon completion of the evaluation. The organization has the option of receiving the evaluation results either in oral or written format. The written report will detail the history of the case, summarize relevant documented records, as well as the clinical interview, integrate any psychological testing, discuss the referral question (e.g., violence risk/threat potential, fitness for duty) and provide intervention strategies and suggestions to resolve the situation. The report is written in plain English, free from complex psychological jargon. All assessment methodology is consistent with the current standards for practice. In the event that a case/report would be legally challenged, court testimony can be provided. Our staff are Members in good standing with the Association of Threat Assessment Professionals. Inappropriate Correspondence Analysis and Management Current research has demonstrated that many attackers have communicated inappropriately with their victims prior to engaging in the attack. Early detection and monitoring has proven to reduce or prevent encounters that may have otherwise resulted in physical violence as well as minimize the potential for psychological distress. Individuals often receive hate mail from coworkers, colleagues, clients, or the general public. These authors may be readily identifiable or may remain anonymous. Inappropriate communication

6 can arrive in the form of a written or electronic communication, packages containing objects or items, videotape, or audiotape. Most often, the communication that the individual receives is harmless. However, there are some communications that, if screened by a professional, can reveal ulterior motives. To the trained screener, this communication can be a valuable source of information, as the content and frequency of these messages can provide vital clues that could identify a problematic individual or group and their possible intentions. In addition, continuous monitoring of any future communication may also assist in identifying, managing, and mitigating physical and psychological harm to the executive and his or her family. The communication is first screened to determine if the content meets certain risk criteria. After review, a recommendation is provided determining whether the communication should be referred for further analysis, investigation, and assessment.

7 Specialized Treatment Program for Individuals with Problematic Sexual Behaviors Destructive and dangerous behaviors pose threats to our children, families and communities. Yet, psychological rehabilitation, behavioral modification and restoration of safety are critical to the healing process for individuals who have acted with sexually offensive behaviors as well as those impacted by their behaviors. At the Center for Contextual Change, no problem is too severe to treat. We are internationally known for our restorative capabilities and facilitation of positive, permanent change. Evaluation Process The management and treatment of individuals who have engaged in problematic sexual behavior begins with a comprehensive, objective, and professional psychosexual evaluation. A comprehensive psychosexual evaluation is a specialized evaluation designed to define the severity of the sexually problematic behavior(s), assess the individual's vulnerabilities and resilience that lead to the sexually problematic behavior, illuminate the risks of reengaging in the problematic behaviors, and guide the development of a comprehensive treatment plan. The psychosexual evaluation will also give an opinion as to the individual's ability to benefit from treatment and determine the type and setting of treatment that will best restore safety to both the individual and the community. Treatment of Problematic Behaviors To restore safety to both the individual and community, treatment of aberrant, dangerous or destructive behavior is essential. The Center for Contextual Change offers individual, group and family therapy to individuals who have engaged in some form of abusive and/or destructive behavior. The Center for Contextual Change has multiple levels of treatment programs to meet the unique needs of the client. Since different clients have different needs, the single program option typically contributes to clients being forced into groups that may not address their unique needs or keep them from entering a group because it is not the right group. Unfortunately, organizations with only one level of group then are frequently either pushing all into the one group model or treating them without a group and the proven benefits of a group approach for these issues. At the Center for Contextual Change, we provide three levels of programs to address these issues. The primary level for many individuals is the specialized treatment program for individuals with problematic sexual behavior, addressing a wide range of behaviors that have become intrusive and entrenched. This program is a task-based longer-term program to help clients both find ways to interrupt problematic patterns of behavior and build healthy lives that are inconsistent with returning to problematic patterns. In addition, we have a unique, Center for Contextual Change developed program called the Transformative Life Skills Program. This program is designed for individuals with compulsive, repetitive, and concerning sexual behaviors that are less intrusive or entrenched. The program is a goal-directed skills-focused approach to building a healthy lifestyle. It focuses heavily on problem solving approaches and support networks. The program is time limited and provides a burst of information to guide clients pathways to change. The final level of our programs is an intensive specialized treatment program for high risk offenders. This program is typically for individuals with significant criminogenic thinking, serial patterns of offending and

8 criminal behaviors, and a high risk for reengaging in problematic patterns of sexual offending. Consequently, the Center for Contextual Change provides a wide range of programs to meet the unique needs of our clients and your referrals. Our unique model of treatment, the Collaborative Stage Model, guides our programs as well as our treatment for our clients. This model has been studied and is recognized internationally as a treatment model that facilitates change by creating a context which addresses the individual's unique issues. Collaboration means that every client receives treatment from a team of highly trained therapists who interact to form collaborative case management teams with professionals in other disciplines in the community. This collaborative approach is consistent with a containment approach for individuals who need comprehensive inter-disciplinary management of their lives to enable them to thrive through the process of treatment. Ultimately, the model enables clients, therapists, and supervising agencies to collaborate in creating lasting change in the lives of our clients and those around them. Other Treatment Services The Center for Contextual Change is a community-based counseling treatment center that serves a wide range of clients with limited general mental health issues as well as significant needs for intensive specialized treatment programs. We are a group of highly-trained therapists committed to enhancing the lives of our clients through strengths-based contextual therapy and effective, compassionate care. Nationally recognized for our unique treatment, the Collaborative Stage Model (CSM) developed by director Mary Jo Barrett, we practice a three-stage, holistic therapy, treating clients within the context of their lives to create lasting and positive change. Whether an individual is suffering from depression, anxiety, addiction, eating disorders, trauma, crisis, grief, sexual dysfunction, gender issues or self-abuse, we can help. If an individual has a difficult child, a troubled marriage, an abusive partner, or an unfulfilled life, there is hope. If a person is ready to discover his/her true potential and embrace your personal best, we can assist. From healing the wounds of childhood trauma to creating a more enriched and meaningful life, we are experts in strengths-based transformative therapy. We are your partners in positive change. The Center for Contextual Change, founded in 1993, is a nationally and internationally recognized, collective of compassionate and dedicated therapists specializing in the use of the Collaborative Stage Model (CSM) therapy and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). The Transformative Alliance is a division of the CCC, created to treat nonviolent emotional challenges for individuals, couples, and families. Individuals are encouraged to make a brief, free intake phone call to explore if the Center for Contextual Change has the ability and program to meet an individual s/family s/organization s needs. Please visit our website for more information about our therapists and wide range of Therapeutic programs at: We have therapy offices located in convenient areas accessible by public transportation and near major highways across the greater Chicago area. To explore your options, please contact our Director of Specialized Treatment Programs, Joel Falco, MA, LCSW, at (630) ext. #1.