Workshop Pricing: 

$50: GPA Members

$80: Non-members

$20: GPA Student Members

Restoring Competency Behind Bars:

Tackling Delusions with Modified CBT and Implications for Forensic Evaluators

On-Demand Workshop

CE: 3 Hours

Presenters:

Aubree Harrington, PsyD; Charice Williams, PsyD

Workshop Description:

This workshop will provide an overview of jail-based competency restoration programs, focusing on the
challenges of evaluating and restoring defendants with psychosis, particularly delusions, that may impede
legal competency. Participants will explore how delusions can be managed using modified Cognitive
Behavioral Therapy for psychosis (CBTp) as an adjunct treatment to traditional competency restoration
and will gain tools for determining whether delusions interfere with competency. The workshop will
provide key takeaways for forensic evaluators to assess when delusions impact a defendant’s ability to
participate in legal proceedings, recognizing that delusions alone do not necessarily render someone
incompetent.

(Introductory)

Learning Objectives:

1. Identify and describe at least three key components of jail-based competency restoration programs and
   explain the specific challenges faced by defendants with psychosis, particularly delusions, in achieving
   legal competency.
2. Demonstrate the ability to apply modified Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for psychosis (CBTp) by outlining
   at least two specific techniques that address psychotic symptoms interfering with legal competency.
3. Identify the prongs of legal competency and utilize tailored forensic evaluation questions to adequately
   assess the impact of delusions on a defendant's ability to understand legal proceedings and collaborate
   with counsel.
4. Analyze program outcomes by identifying at least two methods to assess the effectiveness of
   competency restoration and the application of CBT for psychosis treatment in jail-based settings.
   
    

Workshop References

About the Presenters:

	Aubree N. Harrington, PsyD Forensic Psychology Postdoctoral Fellow, Emory University Psychiatry and Law Service Dr. Aubree Harrington is a Postdoctoral Fellow at Emory University, specializing in forensic psychology. She earned her Doctorate in Clinical Psychology, with a forensic emphasis, from Spalding University. Dr. Harrington has extensive clinical and research experience working with justice-involved individuals in various settings, including juvenile detention facilities, correctional complexes, and private forensic practices.
	Her current work focuses on conducting forensic evaluations related to competency, criminal responsibility, and violence risk. Dr. Harrington is also involved in competency restoration programs and supervises doctoral students in forensic spaces. Her research interests include restorative justice, forensic assessments, program and treatment development within forensic settings, and trauma-informed care within the criminal justice system. She has contributed to academic literature, co-authoring a book chapter on the intersection of racial trauma and forensic risk assessment, co-authoring a bill proposal to raise the age of majority in Kentucky, and publishing a preliminary outcome study on an intensive prison based treatment program for high-risk emerging adult offenders. Dr. Harrington is passionate about using her expertise to advocate for systemic change in forensic assessment practices and to promote culturally competent approaches in forensic psychology. She has presented her work to diverse interdisciplinary audiences and continues to explore innovative approaches to forensic intervention and assessment for both adult and juvenile populations.
	Charice Williams is a current forensic psychology postdoctoral fellow with Emory University School of Medicine’s Psychiatry and Law Service. She completed her doctorate degree in clinical psychology with an emphasis in forensics at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology, Washington, D.C. campus. Dr. Williams completed a doctoral internship at the Bureau of Prisons, Federal Correctional Complex in Butner, North Carolina where she worked in the Commitment and Treatment Program for Sexually Dangerous Persons and in Forensic Evaluation Services completing federal court ordered evaluations addressing legal questions related to competency to stand trial, criminal responsibility, and violence risk. Dr. Williams is considered an expert witness in forensic psychology with the United States District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina. Prior to her completion of her doctorate degree, Dr. Williams practiced mental health counseling as a Licensed Professional Counselor in Georgia, Virginia, and Maryland. Throughout her clinical experience at the doctorate and master’s level, Dr. Williams’ focus areas have been in juvenile and adult corrections, courts, inpatient forensic hospitals, veteran services, emergency services, recidivism, cultural diversity & social justice, and assessments. She is a native of Florida, but considers Atlanta, Georgia her second home.

All cancellations must be submitted in writing to Sylvia Cardona via email (operations@gapsychology.org). A $35 cancellation fee will be retained for any cancellations prior to one week before the event. No refunds will be given within one week of the event.

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

Workshop recorded: 7/25/2025.