Forensic Psychology

The residency/fellowship in forensic psychology provides a broad variety of experiences and advanced training, primarily in forensic psychological assessment. Time is divided approximately equally between two sites. The Western State Hospital (WSH) forensic service provides opportunities for inpatient forensic assessments, particularly evaluations of competency to stand trial and mental state at the time of the alleged offense. The trainee works within a multidisciplinary treatment team with other hospital staff.

The University of Virginia’s Institute for Law, Psychiatry, & Public Policy (ILPPP) provides a unique opportunity for both education and practical forensic training. The ILPPP provides formal training programs in a variety of topics, including law, basic forensic evaluation skills, juvenile forensic evaluation, civil commitment, competency to stand trial, mental state at the time of the alleged offense, sex offender evaluations, violence risk assessment, capital sentencing, and expert testimony, among others. Residents/fellows attend law school classes taught by ILPPP faculty and affiliates when those classes are offered. Within the UVA Forensic Clinic at ILPPP, the forensic fellow collaborates with faculty to conduct intensive forensic evaluations addressing criminal forensic issues (e.g., competence, sanity, risk assessment, capital sentencing, sex offender sentencing, and other less common evaluations). Fellows typically have some opportunity to assist with civil forensic evaluations (e.g., psychological injury, law enforcement suitability, and fitness for duty) and other forms of consultation (e.g., threat assessment) as well.

Overall, residents/fellows who train at both WSH and ILPPP are exposed to a variety of referral questions, criminal defendants, and approaches to forensic evaluation. Depending on their background and expertise, fellows may assist with training other mental health professionals or psychology trainees. Fellows may participate in research projects with ILPPP faculty or initiate their own.  Dr. Elisha Agee directs the fellowship and the work at ILPPP, while Dr. Gabby Trupp directs the work at WSH. Both sites feature several other psychologists and psychiatrists involved with the fellowship.

After the first year of residency, there is the possibility of a second year as a senior fellow for trainees who have completed licensure and performed well.

1. Inpatient forensic assessment of patients hospitalized on the Forensic Service of WSH
2. Clinical consultation at WSH
3. Outpatient forensic assessment through the Forensic Clinic at ILPPP
4. Testimony and consultation

1. Participate in weekly UVA-ILPPP seminars and case conferences
2. Participate in ILPPP training curriculum, including:
   • Basic Forensic Evaluation Training
   • Juvenile Forensic Evaluation
   • Violence Risk Assessment Training
   • Juvenile Risk Assessment
   • Sex Offender Evaluation Training
   • Insanity Acquittee Evaluation
3. Meetings with the Program Director and postdoctoral fellows across sub-specialty areas during the academic year to discuss administrative issues and professional development.

1. Develop original research in an area of Forensic Psychology
2. Participate in an ongoing research project through either WSH or UVA

To apply, please submit:

• Brief cover letter
• Application
• Curriculum vitae
• 3 letters of recommendation
• Graduate school transcripts
• Graduate school transcripts – an unofficial copy is sufficient for the application. Official transcripts will be required for all incoming fellows prior to their start date.

** If invited to interview, we will request a writing sample to be received prior to the scheduled interview

DIRECT INQUIRIES AND MATERIALS TO:

Elisha Agee, Psy.D.
Institute of Law, Psychiatry, and Public Policy
P. O. Box 800660
Charlottesville, VA 22908-0660
(434) 297-4442
agee@virginia.edu