Photo of Nuha Abudabbeh, Psychologist in Washington, DC
Nuha Abudabbeh
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Washington, DC 20007
I have a lengthy experience treating patients with serious mental illnesses and also with patients who have been involved with the criminal justice system and immigration issues. I speak several dialects of the Arabic language and have extensive experience with Americans of a variety of backgrounds. I use multicultural approaches to compliment different therapeutic interventions.My additional lengthy experience working with different Arab Americans as well as Muslim Americans puts me in a unique position to offer specialized services to these two populations.
I have a lengthy experience treating patients with serious mental illnesses and also with patients who have been involved with the criminal justice system and immigration issues. I speak several dialects of the Arabic language and have extensive experience with Americans of a variety of backgrounds. I use multicultural approaches to compliment different therapeutic interventions.My additional lengthy experience working with different Arab Americans as well as Muslim Americans puts me in a unique position to offer specialized services to these two populations.
(202) 509-0592 View (202) 509-0592

Forensic Psychology Therapists

How does forensic psychology work?

Forensic psychology works by providing those in the legal system with expert information about psychology and behavior that they wouldn’t otherwise have. Forensic psychologists do this through a range of services—conducting psychological assessments for court cases, assisting police officers with investigations, providing expert opinion, helping with mediation, and providing mental health care to victims or perpetrators of crimes.

Can a forensic psychologist help with child custody cases?

Yes. In the event that it’s needed, an attorney or judge may appoint a forensic psychologist to provide an assessment and recommendation. This process involves multiple interviews with the child, the parent (or parents), and sometimes others. The psychologist assesses the parent’s mental health, strengths and weaknesses, and parenting practices to understand what’s in the child’s best interest. They then complete a report with recommendations based on their assessment.

Do forensic psychologists help solve crimes?

In some cases they do. For example, criminal profiling involves collaborating with law enforcement officers to construct a profile of a perpetrator based on psychology, personality, and behavior as suggested by the crime in order to focus the investigation. They may also offer expert input on subjects related to a case such as deception, false confessions, and the reliability of testimony based on eyewitness accounts.

How long do people typically work with a forensic psychologist?

The length of time an individual works with a forensic psychologist depends on the relevant service. For example, if a forensic psychologist is conducting a psychological assessment for a court case, this may take one to two sessions to complete (although they can be more extensive). If the forensic psychologist is providing therapy to someone accused or convicted of a crime, treatment may last for several months or more.