CANCELLED: First Friday Forum: Requests for Client Information for Use by Various Courts: Considerations for Psychologists in Non-forensic Roles

This program will be held virtually via Zoom. Details with instruction on how to view the webinar will be sent to all registrants the day before the program (11/30).

Program: 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. This session is at the intermediate level and is designed for psychologists and other mental health professionals.

Friday Forums are cosponsored with the Metropolitan State University Psychology Department.

About the Program:
Although only a small percentage of psychologists choose to specialize in forensic work, the majority will find themselves unexpectedly interacting with the legal system in their professional capacity throughout their career. Requests for access to client information that may be used in legal proceedings can come in many forms and contexts (e.g., therapy records, testimony), and from diverse parties, ranging from representatives of the Court to family members to clients themselves. The prudent psychologist will thoughtfully prepare for these likely scenarios by staying abreast of relevant laws and practice guidelines governing the disclosure of client information, and by proactively reflecting on how to adeptly navigate Court-related requests for client information when clients agree or refuse to the release of such information. This presentation aims to equip non-forensic psychologists with knowledge, confidence, and awareness of key resources on which to rely when confronting future requests for client information in wide-ranging legal contexts - many of which involve complex and competing considerations. Specific case examples will be used to illustrate the nature and types of legally-relevant client information requests psychologists most often face in non-forensic practice when working with adults, children, and families. The presentation will highlight several relevant laws, ethical guidelines, and other key resources that should inform one’s response to client information requests for the Court. Several additional considerations (e.g., safety, relevance, client or family preference) and recommended steps to follow will also be reviewed.

This program qualifies for 3.0 continuing education credits. Attendees must attend entire session to gain credit. Registration fee includes access to live webinar, program agenda, program PowerPoint, and continuing education certificate.

The speakers have indicated no conflicts of interest to report.

Participants will be able to:

1. Describe several situations in which psychologists in non-forensic roles may receive requests for client information for use in various courts.
2. Identify various factors that may influence a psychologist’s response to a request for client information for use in the legal system.
3. Describe specific steps to consider when clients do not agree to the release of their requested information for use in the legal system.

About the Presenters:
Heidi Strohmaier, Ph.D., LP, obtained her doctoral degree in clinical psychology with a forensic concentration at Drexel University in 2015. She trained, practiced, taught, and supervised in a variety of medical and legal settings prior to transitioning to private practice. Dr. Strohmaier is licensed in Minnesota and Wisconsin, where she provides psychotherapy and forensic mental health assessments for adults involved in various civil and criminal matters. She also offers consulting services to values-driven, high-pressure organizations. Dr. Strohmaier serves on MPA’s Ethics Committee and is active in the American Psychology-Law Society (APA Division 41). She is a frequent guest lecturer and presenter, and her forensic research has been recognized with awards and in national news outlets including The Washington Post and Time magazine.

Marie-Gabrielle Reed, Ph.D., LP, obtained a Ph.D. from the Joint Child Development and Clinical Psychology Program at the University of Minnesota in 2003. After her training at HCMC, she served adults, children, and families at the Hennepin County Mental Health Center. She opened her private practice in 2007, providing psychotherapy and psychological evaluations for children, adolescents, and adults. She also provided psychotherapy services for children and their families at Allina Health for six years, and in this context interacted with family and juvenile courts. She settled into her private practice full time in 2016. Dr. Reed served on the MPA Ethics Committee for three years, until 2020. Since 2022, she has exclusively provided forensic psychological services, and is mostly retained by criminal defense and personal injury law firms.

The Minnesota Psychological Association is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. The Minnesota Psychological Association maintains responsibility for this program and its content.

ACCESSIBILITY ACCOMMODATIONS:  If you need disability related accommodations to make this event accessible, please contact the Metropolitan State University Center for Accessibility Resources, 651-793-1549, or [email protected].