Overview

Forensic mental health evaluations have historically been under the dominion of psychiatrists and psychologists. The American Board of Forensic Psychology, established in 1978, restricts its membership candidates to doctoral degrees in psychology accredited by APA, CPA, or doctoral programs meeting designated criteria specific to psychologists.

Similarly, in order to become a forensic psychiatrist, one must first be a board certified psychiatrist, successfully graduate from medical school, perform an internship of one-year, and meet other closely related regulations that are designated criteria specific to psychiatry.

With only two mental health professions, psychiatry and psychology, with peer trust and recognition as the standard in the forensic certification process, and considered by the legal and mental health field, qualified to perform forensic mental health evaluations, there remains little room for licensed mental health professionals to be considered qualified in the forensic mental health arena. 

There are over two-hundred thousand, licensed, (non-psychiatrists --psychologists) mental health professionals in the United States. Many of whom are looking towards obtaining specialized certification training and stature in providing forensic mental health evaluations, and expert court testimony. Therefore, it becomes necessary to develop a credible, and professionally recognized training/certification process for the other allied licensed mental health professionals.

NBFE originated, in 2000, from a specialty certification training program developed by licensed mental health professionals, physicians, and practicing family attorneys.

THE HOFFMAN INSTITUTE (HI)

NBFE (a division of The Hoffman Institute), [HI] was then firmly established in 2003 to enhance skills of licensed mental health professionals and forensic counselors, otherwise not effectively trained, or recognized by the public or private sector, as well as by the legal or mental health field. Eligible candidates will be professionally recognized and nationally credentialed with NBFE certification.

The Hoffman Institute (HI) was established to promote and serve the continuing education needs of licensed mental health professionals and forensic counselors nationally. Additionally, HI serves families of difficult children by providing specialized treatment plans. This is accomplished through a professional team approach used to assess and diagnose attention deficit hyperactivity disorders, autism, disruptive behaviors, oppositional defiant disorders, and various other problematic child behavioral issues.      

FOR YOUR INFORMATION

Dr. Hoffman received his experience and training at the world renowned Devereux Foundation in Devon, PA and the Menninger Memorial Hospital in Topeka, Kansas.