I refer to the interview with Susan Van Scoyoc entitled ‘Not all psychologists are expert witnesses’ (The Sunday Times of Malta, June 29). The Maltese Psychological Association would like to clarify some aspects of the interview that could lead to misinterpretations.

While it is true that not all psychologists are trained to be expert witnesses, it is important to note that a professional Master’s level course, such as that offered locally by the University, provides the necessary training in clinical assessments (according to area of specialisation, clinical, counselling, forensic, among others), which enables a warranted psychologist to be able to conduct assessments.

Indeed, it is only warranted psychologists who should conduct psychological assessments and write psychological reports. Psychologists who run a private practice or who offer psychological interventions within agencies may be asked to give their professional opinion in court.

The association would like to clarify that being an expert witness and being asked to give a professional opinion are two distinct roles.

In addition, Maltese psychologists are guided in their work by ethical principles, as established by the Malta Psychology Profession Board.

However, the MPA is also aware of the great professional responsibility inherent in carrying out such delicate work, especially in the context of a court setting; it is in this context that the association invited Van Scoyoc to Malta to provide further training to our members to enhance their expertise in the area.

The association would also like to point out that, given the importance of such training, it has for the first time organised this seminar in collaboration with both the University and the Maltese Union of Professional Psychologists in an effort to bring together most psychologists involved in court work.

This seminar was well attended and gave us the opportunity to share with Van Scoyoc our experiences in the Maltese courts and together learn from our different areas of expertise.

As part of the association’s commitment to provide continuous professional development to our members, we will shortly be organising other training courses on the subject.