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First Friday Forum: Formulating Diagnostic Impressions and Pitfalls of Self-Report
Metropolitan State University, St. Paul Campus – Founders Hall Auditorium
700 E 7th Street
St. Paul, MN 55106
Friday, September 02, 2016, 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM CDT
Category: First Friday Forum (CE)

Formulating Diagnostic Impressions and Pitfalls of Self-Report

Friday, September 2, 2016
Registration: 8:30 - 9:00 a.m.
Program: 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.

About the Program

The program addresses the process of formulating diagnostic impressions and critical analysis of data.  The pivotal role of the clinician is delineated and emphasized. Psychological tests/instruments are identified as tools that must not supplant clinical judgment.  Sources and types of data (objective versus subjective) are reviewed with a spotlight on the pitfalls of accepting self-report at face value.  Diagnostic and clinical indicators are presented along with case students to illustrate and apply salient points.  This presentation is at the intermediate level and is designed for psychologists and other mental health professionals.

This session qualifies for 3.0 continuing education credits. You must attend the full 3-hour program to get continuing education credit for the event.

Participants will be able to:

  1. Explain how to determine the reliability of, and critically integrate data from various sources (e.g. testing, interview, behavioral observations, self-report).
  2. Discuss the difference between objective and subjective data in an assessment setting.
  3. Compare differential diagnoses in cases where indicators such as mood lability, guardedness, or discrepancies between functional status and self-report are present.

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.

About the Presenter:

Catherine Carlson, Psy.D., L.P., earned a Psy.D. from Argosy University in 1994 and has been a forensic psychologist for over 20 years. She has provided forensic psychological services for adult, criminal, and family courts for the State of Minnesota since 1995. She has expertise in the identification of mental illness, character pathology, substance use/disorders, organicity, intellectual disabilities, and malingering.  She spent over 4 years at the Minnesota Security Hospital, where she also provided clinical services.  She has evaluated over 5000 defendants/respondents and testified to her opinions on many occasions.  As a court-appointed examiner, she has had access to records not readily available to other examiners.

To Register:

Register Online

Download a Registration Form 

Refund/Cancellation Policy: A 100% refund will be made if the event is cancelled. Refunds, less a $5 handling free, will be given if a written cancellation is received at least two working days before the scheduled program begins. Transfer of fee to another program is granted if written cancellation notice is received at least one day before the program. No refund or transfer is given the day of the program.


Contact: Rhea Sullivan, (952) 564-3048