Structured Violence Risk Assessments: Generations Ahead of Clinical Judgment

FOCUS The Journal of Lifelong Learning in Psychiatry 2026 Open access

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Authors: Charles L. Scott, Barbara E. McDermott
DOI: 10.1176/appi.focus.20250035
Cited by: 0
References: 29

Abstract

Violence risk assessments are a common and important aspect of mental health professionals' work in a range of settings. Providers must be aware of important components of violence risk assessments, including emerging standards of assessing risk of future harm. This review summarizes generations of risk assessments, factors to consider when choosing a risk assessment instrument, and the use of structured violence risk assessments in different settings.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Psychopathy Forensic Psychiatry Sexual Offending Healthcare Decision-Making and Restraints Crime Patterns and Interventions

Publication details

Journal / source
FOCUS The Journal of Lifelong Learning in Psychiatry
Volume
24
Issue
1
Pages
10–16
Publication date
1 January 2026
Language
EN