ABSTRACT
The history of mental health evaluation and treatment is rooted in the interview process. This chapter addresses the interviewing process in the forensic world. Interviewing in its most effective form is a skilled art that is difficult to teach and ultimately embedded in the providers core personality attributes. Forensic assessment and treatment are subspecialties also based on skilled interviewing. Forensic assessment is comprised of investigative data analysis and investigative interviewing. This chapter focuses on forensic investigative interviewing. That involves a broad range of players. The forensic evaluator must have a thorough grasp of ethical considerations unique to the forensic circumstance. In forensic work, interviewing may include a wide range of players. These players can include suspects, witnesses, victims, first responders, investigators, fellow professionals, correctional staff, court personnel, and an array of professionals from other disciplines. The forensic evaluator is challenged with orchestrating this complex playing field skillfully and effectively.
