Simone Viljoen Ph.D.
Dr. Viljoen has been actively working in the field of psychology since 2014 and founded Southwest Clinical & Forensic Psychological Services in 2018 and co-founded Gold Standard Forensics in 2021. As a licensed and accredited Clinical Psychologist, she is highly regarded and sought after to perform both criminal and civil forensic evaluations across the nation. She additionally serves as an expert in court martial cases both nationally and internationally (Cage Number 9UBV9). She is also a Co-Founder and Clinical Co-Director of the Second Judicial Competency Clinic in Bernalillo County, which handles most competency to stand trial evaluations in the Second Judicial District of New Mexico.
In her career, Dr. Viljoen has developed and delivered numerous trainings and workshops in both law and mental health related topics to a variety of agencies. Presently, she continues to leverage her teaching skills at the University of New Mexico as an Adjunct Instructor. In her instructor capacity, Dr. Viljoen supervises the clinical work of trainees and teaches undergraduate courses, including Introduction to Forensic Psychology and Alcohol Use Disorders. Dr. Viljoen has also presented over 45 conference presentations on topics relating to mental health, psychology, and law.
As an accomplished author, Dr. Viljoen has co-authored a book chapter and written for several publications. She is also the co-author of the updated manual of the Competence Assessment for Standing Trial for Defendants with Intellectual Disability (CAST*ID; in press, 2023).
Clinical Positions
U.S. Military Cage Number 9S9E4
Duties:Run and manage a group forensic psychology clinic. Supervise and mentor forensic psychology postdoctoral fellows and early career psychologists.
11/2019 - Present:
Court Clinic Director: - Second Judicial District Court, Albuquerque, NM
Duties:Assisted with design and implementation of pilot program for court ordered competency to stand trial evaluations.
Train and supervise master’s level court-clinicians, postdoctoral fellows, graduate students, and other trainees.
Conduct competency to stand trial evaluations for District 2 Court and provide court testimony as needed.
07/2018 - Present:
Owner: - Southwest Clinical & Forensic Psychological Services LLC, Albuquerque, NM
U.S. Military Cage Number 9UBV9
Duties:Conduct forensic and clinical evaluations and conduct court testimony as
needed. Examples of evaluations types include: competency to stand trial,
criminal responsibility, violence risk assessment/dangerousness, mitigation,
pre-sentence evaluations, neuropsychological screenings, pre-employment
evaluations, fitness for duty/return to duty, fitness for duty violence risk
screenings, psychological injury/damages, personality, and cognitive
functioning
04/2018 – 02/2019:
Clinical Psychologist: - New Sunrise Regional Treatment Center, Indian Health Service, San Fidel, NM
Duties:Conduct psychological evaluations and evidence based individual
and group treatment with Adolescents that are residents of this 120-day treatment program.
1/2016 – 04/2018:
Forensic Evaluator – Office of Forensic Mental Health Services: - Department of Social and Health Services, Olympia, WA
Duties:Conduct forensic evaluations for the courts (competency, criminal responsibility etc.);
report writing; conduct court testimony as needed; conduct various training with clinical staff and trainees; participate in various committees.
11/2017 - 04/2018:
Clinical Psychologist: - Northwest Family Psychology, Poulsbo, WA
Duties:Conduct psychological evaluations with child, adolescent, and adult
clients in a group private practice setting. Types of evaluations include: fitness to
return to duty, learning disability assessments, developmental disability
assessments, personality assessments, and diagnostic clarification assessments
2/2015 – 01/2016:
Clinical Forensic Psychologist: - New Mexico Behavioral Health Institute, Las Vegas, NM
Duties:Conduct forensic evaluations for the courts (competency to stand trial);
conduct psychiatric admission evaluations on adult psychiatric units; report
writing; conduct court testimony; conduct various training with clinical staff;
voting member of the medical team; participate in various committees.
10/2015 - 12/2015:
Clinical Psychologist/Independent Medical Examiner: - MedPlus Disability Evaluations, New Mexico, State Wide
Duties:Conduct Independent Medical Examinations/ Consultative
Examinations to inform Social Security Disability benefits determinations;
perform psychological testing; review medical/employment/education records;
and timely report writing.
06/2014 – 08/2015:
Clinical Public Safety Police Psychologist: - Public Safety Psychology Group LLC, Albuquerque, NM
Duties:Conduct pre-employment evaluations for various public safety applicants
(i.e. police, firefighter, corrections officer); conduct fitness for duty and return to
duty evaluations; conduct various training with police officers on relevant
mental health and psychological topics; individual therapy; and research and
program evaluation.
06/2014 – 08/2015:
Psychology Intern: - Southwest Consortium Pre-doctoral Psychology Internship (APA Accredited), Albuquerque, NM
Veterans Affairs Rotations: Provide individual, group, and couple’s psychotherapy
using evidence-based therapies (CBT, CPT, and Solution Focused);
Neuropsychological and personality assessment in a locked psychiatric ward.
University New Mexico Hospital Rotations: Provide consultation to medical
providers in a medical hospital and trauma center; suicide and homicide risk
assessments/triage and crisis interventions; brief behavioral assessments and
interventions; decisional capacity evaluations.
Police psychology at Albuquerque Police Department Rotations: Observed Preemployment evaluations and early warning evaluations; authored reports;
Developed and conducted training with police service aid cadets; Individual
therapy with police officers and civil employees
Indian Health Services Rotations: Developed and conducted a program evaluation
for New Sunrise Regional Treatment center, to examine reliability and validity of a
risk assessment measure for purpose of implementation in program. Reported
findings and conducted half day training for NSRTC staff and a webinar training
for IHS providers nationwide.
01/2011 - 04/2013:
Therapist: - Simon Fraser University Clinical Psychology Center, Burnaby, BC
Duties:Long term individual intervention. Using solution focused therapy,
interpersonal therapy and CBT techniques.
09/2012 - 04/2013:
Forensic Therapist and Evaluator: - BC Forensic Psychiatric Services Commission, Forensic Psychiatric Hospital, Coquitlam, BC
Duties:Individual and Group Intervention using CBT for Psychosis, forensic
assessment, and report writing.
10/2012– 05/2013:
Forensic Evaluator: - Sentry Correctional Health North Fraser Pretrial Centre, Port Coquitlam, BC
Duties:Evaluation of mental health issues and suicide & violence risk
10/2012 – 05/2013:
Forensic Evaluator: - Sentry Correctional Health Alouette Correctional Centre for Women, Maple Ridge, BC
Duties:Evaluation of mental health issues and suicide & violence risk
08/2011 - 04/2013:
Psychologist Assistant: - Front Street Clinic, Poulsbo, WA
Duties:Psychological Report Writing for both child and adult clients. Types of
reports include: fitness to return to duty, transplant assessment,
neuropsychology evaluations, learning disability assessments, personality
assessments, child forensic abuse evaluations, and custody evaluations.
05/2012 - 12/2012:
Health Psychology Evaluator: - Vancouver General Hospital, Solid Organ Transplant Program, Vancouver, BC
Duties:Conducting pre-transplant assessments and short-term individual
intervention using CBT for post-operative clients.
06/2011 - 12/2012:
Neuropsychology Therapist and Evaluator: - HeadWise Rehabilitation, Surrey, BC
Duties:Administered neuropsychological and vocational assessments, wrote
summary reports and integrated reports. Also completed medical legal forensic
reports. Individual and group intervention using CBT and supportive therapy
01/2011 - 12/2012:
Psychologist Assistant: - M Jackson Group, Burnaby, BC
Duties:Neuropsychological and personality test administration
02/2010 - 07/2011:
Psychologist Assistant: - BC Forensic Psychiatric Services Commission Surrey Forensic Outpatient Clinic, Surrey, BC
Duties:Neuropsychological and personality test administration and clinical interviewing
06/2009 – 02/2010:
Psychologist Assistant: - BC Forensic Psychiatric Services Commission Forensic Psychiatric Hospital, Coquitlam, BC
Duties:Neuropsychological and personality test administration and clinical interviewing
12/2008 – 03/2009:
Forensic Therapist and Evaluator: - NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde Forensic Directorate, Glasgow, UK
Duties:Individual and group Intervention. Neuropsychological assessment and attended weekly multi-disciplinary risk assessment meetings
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Academic/Teaching Appointments
01/2015 - Present:
Adjunct Instructor II: - University of New Mexico, Department of Psychology Albuquerque, NM
Ongoing Classes Taught:
- Introduction to Forensic Psychology online 450, upper level
undergraduate, department of psychology. Mode of instruction: Online
- Alcoholism online 430, upper level undergraduate, department of
psychology. Mode of instruction: Online
DutiesWeekly lectures (either online or in person) and office hours, exam construction, grade assignments and exams, and invigilate exams.
06/2018 - 2023:
Clinical Assistant Professor: - University of New Mexico, Department of Psychiatry, Division of Community Behavioral Health, Albuquerque, NM
Role/Duties: Forensic Post-Doctoral Committee member. Help develop postdoctoral curriculum/learning plan, provide didactic training seminars,
supervision of post-doctoral student clinical work
01/2015 - 05/2015:
Adjunct Instructor: - Southwest Indian Polytechnic Institute, Albuquerque, NM
Class: Intro to Psychology 105, undergraduate level, liberal arts department
Duties: Weekly lectures and office hours, exam construction, grade assignments
and exams, and invigilate exams.
09/2010 - 12/2010:
Teaching Assistant: - Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC
Class: Intro to Psychology 100, undergraduate level, department of psychology.
Duties: Held office hours for students, graded assignments and exams, and
invigilate exams.
Trainings/Workshops Provided
11/02/2023:
Intellectual Disability (ID) and Competency to Stand Trial Evaluations, Tacoma, WA
Provided a half day training to Washington state forensic evaluators on evaluating
competency to stand trial with individuals with intellectual disability for the Office of
Forensic Mental Health Services.
Trainers: Simone Viljoen Ph.D. & Julie M. Brovko, Ph.D.
07/20/2023:
Anxiety Disorders, Albuquerque NM
Training on the diagnosis and management of individuals with Anxiety disorders.
Presented as part of a monthly series of “lunch and learn” trainings for the United
States Probation office
Trainer: Simone Viljoen Ph.D.
03/15/2023:
Intellectual Disability (ID) and Competency to Stand Trial Evaluations, Philadelphia, PA
Pre-Conference workshop provided at the American Psychology–Law Society
conference on evaluating competency to stand trial with individuals with intellectual
disability.
Trainers: Sara B. Millspaugh, Ph.D, Ann M. Delpha, J.D., Simone Viljoen Ph.D. & Julie M. Brovko, Ph.D.
01/25/2023:
Delusions vs (Extreme) Overvalued Ideas/Beliefs, Albuquerque NM
Training on the diagnosis and management of individuals with delusional beliefs and
(Extreme) Overvalued Ideas. Presented as part of a monthly series of “lunch and learn”
trainings for the United States Probation office.
Trainer: Simone Viljoen Ph.D.
11/17/21 & 11/19/21:
Joint Public Defender and District Attorney Competency Training, Taos, NM.
This training provided an overview of multiple competency related items to include: Overview
of competency, Components of a competency evaluation, Malingering, a Mock competency
proceeding, and Next steps after a determination of competency. Training also included an
opportunity for discussion with members of the judiciary, seasoned attorneys and forensic
evaluation experts
Trainers: Simone Viljoen Ph.D. & Julie Brovko Ph.D.
10/14/21:
The Difficult Ones: Personality Disorders, Competency and Other Matters of the Mind. Via Zoom.
CLE presentation to the federal public defender and contract federal attorneys on
working with defendants with borderline personality disorder and antisocial
personality disorder and competency to stand trial.
Trainers: Simone Viljoen Ph.D., Julie Brovko Ph.D., Kari Converse JD
09/08/21:
The Difficult Ones: Working with individuals who exhibit traits of borderline personality disorder and antisocial personality disorder. In person and via Zoom.
Training for the Federal Probation Office in Albuquerque, NM on working with
defendants with borderline personality disorder and antisocial personality disorder
Trainers: Simone Viljoen Ph.D. & Julie Brovko Ph.D.
02/25/21:
Childhood Trauma and Personality Disorders. Via Zoom.
CLE presentation to the Federal Public Defender’s office for the District of New
Mexico on complex trauma, the development of personality disorders, evidenced based
treatment, and legal implications of personality diagnosis.
Trainer: Simone Viljoen Ph.D.
07/23/20:
The effect of Technology on Juvenile Development and Court Engagement. Center for Children, law & Police at the University of Houston Law Center and the Southwest Juvenile Defender Center. Via Zoom.
CLE presentation on the impact of technology on adolescent development and the efficacy of
mental health and legal service delivery though videoconferencing.
Trainers: Simone Viljoen Ph.D. & Kameron Johnson J.D.
11/02/19:
Violence: Who, What, When, and Why. Exploring the Individual and Contextual Causes of Violence. New Mexico Psychological Association Saturday Forum, Albuquerque, NM.
Provided a half-day workshop for mental health professionals on the nature and
correlates of violence, and explained current models of violence risk assessment and
management
09/10/19:
Marijuana Use in the Juvenile Justice System Estes Park, CO.
This session explored the impact of normative and abnormal adolescent development
on juvenile justice proceedings with an emphasis on the impact of marijuana on
adolescent development.
Trainer: Simone Viljoen Ph.D.
07/12/19:
Using the Structured Assessment for Protective Factors for Violence Risk (SAPROF), Webinar Presentation
Provided a half-day workshop on using the Structured Assessment for Protective
Factors for Violence Risk (SAPROF) for The Postdoctoral Fellowship Committee
seminar Series.
Trainer: Simone Viljoen Ph.D.
04/26/19:
Trends in marijuana use among adolescent populations and the effect on brain and psychological development. Plenary session for the 7th annual excellence in juvenile defense conference, Denver, CO.
Presented data for rates of marijuana use among youth populations and explored longterm biopsychosocial effects of marijuana use.
Trainers: Simone Viljoen Ph.D. & Jack Reed
10/25/18:
Competency to Stand Trial Evaluation Basics NM HSD Contract Forensic Evaluator Training, Santa Fe, NM.
Provided training on competency to stand trial evaluation and restoration and legislature for New Mexico state.
Trainer: Simone Viljoen Ph.D.
9/28/18:
Where are the Borders of Borderline Personality Disorder? New Mexico Psychological Association Friday Forum, Albuquerque, NM.
Provided a half-day workshop for mental health professionals on differential diagnostic issues of cluster B personality disorders, with a focus on gender bias.
Trainer: Simone Viljoen Ph.D.
6/28/18:
Understanding Kids in Court: Adolescent Development and the Juvenile Justice System, Santa Clara Pueblo, NM
Workshop provided as part of the Juvenile Justice Advocacy for Tribal
Courts and Communities training. This session explored the impact of normative and
abnormal adolescent development on juvenile justice proceedings. Additionally, the
need for evaluations of justice involved youth was discussed, with a particular focus
on competency to stand trial evaluations.
Trainer: Simone Viljoen Ph.D.
6/29/18:
Understanding Kids in Court: Adolescent Development and the Juvenile Justice System, Pueblo of Isleta, NM
Provided a workshop on the impact of normative and abnormal adolescent Workshop
provided as part of the Juvenile Justice Advocacy for Tribal Courts and Communities
training. This session explored the impact of normative and abnormal adolescent
development on juvenile justice proceedings. Additionally, the need for evaluations of
justice involved youth was discussed, with a particular focus on competency to stand
trial evaluations.
Trainer: Simone Viljoen Ph.D.
09/17-04/18:
Forensic Assessment Seminar, Western State Hospital, Lakewood, WA
Provide bi-monthly seminar training the current interns on the utilization of
assessment tools in various areas relevant to the practice of forensic psychology.
Trainers: Simone Viljoen Ph.D. and Jenna Tomei Ph.D.
07/14/17:
Using the Structured Assessment for Protective Factors for Violence Risk (SAPROF), Western State Hospital, Lakewood, WA
Provided a half-day workshop on using the Structured Assessment for Protective
Factors for Violence Risk (SAPROF) for The Postdoctoral Fellowship Committee
seminar Series.
Trainer: Simone Viljoen Ph.D.
4/24/17:
Where are the Borders of Borderline Personality Disorder? Department of Corrections, Shelton, Washington.
Provided a half-day workshop for mental health professionals working in the
department of corrections on differential diagnostic issues of cluster B personality
disorders, with a focus on gender bias.
Trainer: Simone Viljoen Ph.D.
05/04/16:
Crisis Intervention Training for Correctional Officers, Clark County Jail, Vancouver, WA
Instructed on suicide Risk and Assessment with inmates and correctional staff.
Trainers: Simone Viljoen Ph.D. and Kelly Anderson MA
05/04/16:
Crisis Intervention Training for Correctional Officers, Clark County Jail, Vancouver, WA
Instructed on competency to stand trial and restoration procedures and legislature for Washington state.
Trainers: Simone Viljoen Ph.D. and Patricia Gribble Ph.D.
04/29/15:
Crisis Intervention Training for Field Officers, Public Safety Psychology Group LLC, Las Cruces, NM
Instructed the sections on: How Drugs and Alcohol Affect People; Interventions Strategies for the CIT Officer; Anxiety Disorders and PTSD; and Destigmatizing Mental Illness and Psychotropic Medications.
Trainer: Simone Viljoen Ph.D.
04/22/15:
Crisis Intervention Training for Correctional Officers, Public Safety Psychology Group LLC, Albuquerque, NM
Co-instructed the sections on: Mood Disorders, Self-Harm, and Suicidal Behavior; Anxiety Disorders and PTSD; and Destigmatizing Mental Illness and Psychotropic Medications.
Simone Viljoen Ph.D., and Officer David Baca
03/11/15:
Advanced CIT: Specialized Training for Detectives and Mobile Crisis Specialists, Public Safety Psychology Group LLC, Albuquerque, NM
Co-instructed the sections on: Issues Relating to Reporting to CYDF and APD; and HIPAA as it Relates to Law Enforcement for CIT Police Officers.
Trainers: Simone Viljoen Ph.D. and Sgt. Mizel Garcia
02/23/15:
Crisis Intervention Training for Prisoner Transport Officers, Public Safety Psychology Group LLC, Albuquerque, NM
Co-instructed the sections on; Mood Disorders, Self-Harm, and Suicidal Behavior; Psychotic Disorders; Anxiety Disorders and PTSD; Destigmatizing Mental Illness and Psychotropic Medications; and Practical De-Escalation Techniques for Prisoner Transport Officers.
Trainers: Simone Viljoen Ph.D., Nicole Duranceaux Ph.D., and Andrea Watts MA
01/19/15:
Crisis Intervention Training for Field Officers, Public Safety Psychology Group LLC, Albuquerque, NM
Co-instructed the sections on: Mood Disorders, Self-Harm, and Suicidal Behavior; Anxiety Disorders and PTSD.
Trainers: Simone Viljoen Ph.D. and Officer David Baca
01/15/15:
Crisis Intervention Training for Field Officers, Public Safety Psychology Group LLC, Albuquerque, NM
Instructed the section on: Destigmatizing Mental Illness and Psychotropic Medications.
Trainer: Simone Viljoen Ph.D.
01/09/15:
Assessing Serious Mental Illness using the SCID-I and PANSS, The Mind Research Network, Albuquerque, NM
Trained research assistant staff on assessment of serious mental illness (i.e. Psychotic disorders and Bipolar disorder) using SCID-I and PANSS
Trainer: Simone Viljoen Ph.D.
12/08/14:
Crisis Intervention Training for Field Officers, Public Safety Psychology Group LLC, Albuquerque, NM
Co-instructed the sections on: Mood Disorders, Self-Harm, and Suicidal Behavior; Psychotic Disorders; Anxiety Disorders and PTSD
Trainers: Simone Viljoen Ph.D., David Baca and Andrea Watts M.S.
06/2014:
START-AV Training New Sunrise Regional Treatment Center, Acoma Pueblo NM
One and half day training workshop on the Short-Term Assessment of Risk and Treatability Adolescent Version (START-AV).
Trainer: Simone Viljoen M.Sc
11/2013:
Police Service Aid Pre-Academy Training, Albuquerque, NM
Training on mental health and communication skills for grade 12 high school students preparing to enter into the Albuquerque’s Police Academy to receive training to become Police Service Aids. Total of three 1.5-hour classes.
Trainers: Simone Viljoen M.Sc. and Nicole Duranceaux Ph.D.
06/2012:
SAPROF and FAM Training Forensic Psychiatric Hospital, Port Coquitam, BC
Provided 2 half day training on the Structured Assessment for Protective Factors for Violence Risk (SAPROF) and the Female Additional Manual (FAM) for research assistants working on the large-scale longitudinal project using these measures.
Trainer: Simone Viljoen M.Sc.
04/2012:
SAPROF Training International Association of Forensic Mental Health, Miami, FL
Post-Conference Half-Day Workshops on using the Structured Assessment for Protective Factors for Violence Risk (SAPROF).
Trainers: Michiel de Vries Robbe M.Sc. and Simone Viljoen M.Sc.
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