2026 ACA Winter Conference Long Beach CA_Program Book

Psychological Assessment of Feigning and Diagnostic Considerations of Malingering in Corrections [ Ψ CE|CME|CE|CERP] Room: 103 A Primary Community of Focus: Adult Corrections|Prisons|Prisons & Jails Overview: This workshop training on the psychological assessment of malingering is designed to equip mental health professionals, including psychologists, psychiatrists and social workers, with the essential knowledge and practical skills needed to identify and assess feigning. Malingering is defined as the intentional production of false or grossly exaggerated physical or psychological symptoms, motivated by external incentives to avoid, obtain, or evade. Accurately assessing malingering is a critical skill in correctional settings to ensure appropriate diagnosis and treatment. Learning Objectives: • Define malingering and differentiate it from other related concepts like factitious disorder, somatoform disorders and genuine illness. • Describe a multi-method approach to malingering assessment, including clinical interviews, collateral information and psychological testing. • Critique the ethical and legal considerations associated with assessing and reporting malingering. Moderator: Lewis J. Peiper , Ph.D., Chief of Behavioral Health, North Carolina Department of Adult Correction, Raleigh, North Carolina Speaker: Lewis J. Peiper , Ph.D., Chief of Behavioral Health, North Carolina Department of Adult Correction, Raleigh, North Carolina

Digital Treatment Delivery in Secure Housing: A Collaborative Pilot with Utah Department of Corrections [ Ψ CE|CME|CE|CERP] Room: 103 B Primary Community of Focus: Prisons Overview: This session will explore the Utah Department of Corrections’ pilot program utilizing a digital treatment platform to expand access to substance use disorder (SUD) services for incarcerated adults in secure housing units. In collaboration with The Change Companies, UDC implemented a structured, self-directed curriculum using the Atlas platform to address criminogenic and substance-related thinking and behaviors. Presenters will review early pilot outcomes, including participant engagement, behavioral improvements and implications for parole consideration. The workshop will also cover how correctional leaders can design, manage and monitor similar digital treatment programs while maintaining safety and fidelity. Learning Objectives: • Describe how a digital treatment platform can increase access to evidence-based programming in secure housing environments. • Identify implementation strategies used by the Utah Department of Corrections to deliver and evaluate outcomes in a self-directed digital pilot for SUD treatment. • Examine the broader implications of digital program delivery on participant engagement, facility safety and parole processes. Moderator: Valerie Bagley , MAPP, Chief Program Officer, The Change Companies, Carson City, Nevada Speakers: Valerie Bagley , MAPP, Chief Program Officer, The Change Companies, Carson City, Nevada; Lena Gustafson , Ph.D., Clinical Deputy Director, Reentry and Rehabilitation Division, Utah Department of Corrections, Draper, Utah

WORKSHOPS

Thursday, Feb. 5 ▼ 10–11:30 a.m.

ACA 2026 Winter Conference | Long Beach, CA — 73