Kevin Petersen, Ph.D. will outline ways to defend your clients against involuntary commitment. He will cover common weaknesses in Grave Disability case. As for Harm to Others cases, most hospital and hospital evaluators have little experience in analyzing or determining the risk of future dangerousness so you can show the court how acceptable practices are not being performed on clients, thus undercutting the state’s case and increasing your chances of defeating the commitment.

KEVIN PETERSEN, Ph.D. is a licensed forensic psychologist with over 30 years’ experience in working with defense in civil commitment and criminal defense cases. He has worked for both sides. Kevin was a forensic psychologist for the involuntary treatment program at Overlake and Eastside Mental Health. He also performed clinical consulting for Seattle Mental Health Institute, Catholic Community Services and Ryther Child Center. Dr. Petersen has testified in Not Guilty by Reason of Insanity, criminal defenses cases for competency and diminished capacity and many civil commitments cases. He earned his B.A. in Psychology at Seattle University and his Ph.D. and M.S. at Purdue University.

This training is not sponsored by WDA, however, if you are interested in attending, contact Mike DeFelice at mike.defelice@kingcounty.gov for further details.