Forensic Briefs

Julie Goldenson - Trauma-Informed Forensic Mental Health Assessments

Dr. Michelle Guyton and Dr. Alex Millkey Episode 28

Dr. Julie Goldenson joins us to explore how trauma-informed principles can enhance forensic mental health assessments. Drawing from her 2022 article, she discusses the ethical tensions evaluators face, how complex trauma shapes behavior, and why therapeutic jurisprudence offers a framework for minimizing harm. Dr. Goldenson explains how empathy, cultural awareness, and transparency can improve assessments—without compromising objectivity or forensic integrity. 

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