Gary L. Fischler, Ph.D., ABPP

Licensed Psychologist
Board Certified Specialist in Police & Public Safety   Psychology

Curriculum Vitae
Contact Dr. Fischler

Curriculum Vitae

• COMPETENCIES:   Personality, intellectual, and neuropsychological assessment; Individual, couple, and group psychotherapy (adult specialty); Chemical dependency assessment; Public safety personnel screening and fitness for duty examinations; Forensic Psychology; Clinical supervision, teaching, and research.
  
  
• SPECIAL INTERESTS: Forensic, disability and rehabilitation psychology; Public safety and occupational health psychology; Diagnostic interviewing techniques; Objective personality assessment; Clinical supervision.
  
  
• EDUCATION :
  Ph.D. Clinical Psychology, 1984, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota
  B.A. Psychology, Cum Laude, 1977, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York

• LICENSE: 1986-present. Minnesota Licensed Psychologist (No. LP0722).
  
  
• CERTIFICATIONS:
  Board Certified Specialist in Police & Public Safety Psychology, American Board of Professional Psychology (Diploma No. 6981).
  Health Service Provider, National Register of Health Service Providers in Psychology
  Substance Abuse Professional (SAP), The National Association for Addiction Professionals Certification Commission, Certification Number 12788 (expired)
  
  
• CURRENT PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITIES:
  1988 - present: Director, Gary L. Fischler & Associates, P.A. Forensic, disability, and vocational rehabilitation psychological evaluation; Pre-employment psychological evaluation for law enforcement and public safety personnel; Training and consultation.

1986 - present: Adjunct Assistant Professor. University of Minnesota, Department of Psychology, Clinical Science and Psychopathology Research program. Taught classes in personality assessment, and brief psychotherapy/ crisis intervention. Supervision of assessment practicum graduate students.

1990 - present. Adjunct Faculty. The Minnesota School of Professional Psychology at Argosy University, Twin Cities. Taught courses in Objective Personality Assessment (e.g., MMPI-2), Intellectual Assessment (e.g., WAIS-III), Diagnostic Interviewing, and Brief Psychotherapy and Crisis Intervention. Supervision of assessment practicum graduate students.

1987 - present: Consulting Psychologist. State of Minnesota Division of Rehabilitation Services. Evaluation of DRS clients for the purposes of vocational rehabilitation planning; case consultation, training, and staff development.

1995 - present. Court-appointed Examiner. Hennepin County District Court, Mental Health Division. Providing examination and court testimony for involuntary commitment of individuals with mental illness and/or chemical dependency.

2001 - present. Examining Psychologist. Veterans Affairs Medical Center. Evaluate veterans who apply for compensation and pension benefits on the basis of posttraumatic stress disorder or other psychological disorder related to military service.

2011 - present. Oral Examination Coordinator. American Board of Police and Public Safety Psychology.  Coordinate and conduct oral examinations for candidates applying for ABPP board certification.

• PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATIONS:
  -American Psychological Association (APA):
      -Public Service: Police and Public Safety Section (18)
      -American Psychology & Law Society (41)
  -Minnesota Psychological Association (MPA):
      -Forensic Psychology Division, Co-Chair, 2009 - present
      -Ethics Committee, 2001 - 2007 (Chair 2005-2007)
      -Psychologically Healthy Workplace Award Committee, Chair, 1999 - 2003
  -International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP):
      -Police Psychology Services Section Member (1991-present)
      -Fitness-For-Duty Guidelines Revision Committee, 2003 - 2009 (Chair 2007-2009)
      -Ethics Committee, Chair, 2010 - present
  -Minnesota Chiefs of Police Association (Supporting member)
  -American Association for Correctional & Forensic Psychology
  -The Society for Police and Criminal Psychology
  -Diplomate, American Board of Forensic Examiners
  -Diplomate, American Board of Psychological Specialties, Forensic Clinical Psych -Fellow, American College of Forensic Examiners International
  -Diplomate Emeritus, American Board of Disability Analysts
  
  PREVIOUS EMPLOYMENT:
  1986 - 1988. Senior Clinical Psychologist. Hennepin County Mental Health Center, Minneapolis.
  1983 - 1986: Clinical Psychologist. Hennepin County Mental Health Center. 
  1981 - 1982: Clinical Psychology Intern. Hennepin County Mental Health Center.
  1979 - 1980: Psychological Associate. Veteran Administration Medical Center, Minneapolis.
  
  
• PREVIOUS PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE:
  2000 - 2003. Co-Coordinator, Crisis Intervention Team (CIT). Minneapolis Police Department. Helped develop, coordinated , and instructed 40-hour training course of the CIT special response police team.  Coordinated services with Hennepin County, other community groups, and consumer groups.
  
  2000. Editorial Reviewer. American Family Physician Journal.
  
  1993 - 1999. Supervising/Consulting Psychologist. Kelly Institute. Supervise and consult with staff of Rule 25 Mental Health/Chemical Dependency day treatment program on issues related to psychological practice issues.

1989 - 1995. Utilization Review Appeals Reviewer. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Minnesota.

1992 - 1995. Consulting Psychologist. KARR Project NetWork. Provided case review/consultation and psychological evaluation and treatment services for this Social Security Administration 30-month pilot research project exploring whether private rehabilitation efforts will benefit Social Security Disability recipients.

1988- 1990: Consulting Psychologist. Hennepin Pain Clinic and Research Center, Minneapolis. Evaluation and treatment of a wide spectrum of pain conditions; teaching of medical students and other health professionals.

1987: Consulting and Supervising Psychologist. Metropolitan Clinic of Counseling. Provided Rule 29 supervision and diagnostic chart review. 

1986 - 1987: Behavioral Psychologist. Minnesota Head and Neck Pain Clinic.

1985 - 1986: Consulting and Supervising Psychologist. Centro Cultural Chicano.

• PUBLICATIONS  AND MANUSCRIPTS:
  Ben-Porath, Y.S., Detrick, P. Fischler, G. (2004). Examining an MMPI-2-based model for screening public safety employee candidates. Poster presented at the 39th Annual MMPI-2 Research Symposium, Minneapolis, MN
  
  Fischler, G.L. (1983). Qualitative and process measures of social‑cognitive problem-solving skills in elementary school children: Relationships with social and emotional adjustment. Unpublished doctoral dissertation, University of Minnesota.
  
  Fischler, G.L. (1992). Diagnostic Interviewing: Supervisory Training Manual. Minneapolis: United Behavioral Systems.
  
  Fischler, G.L. (1997). Psychological examination of peace officer applicants: Theory and practice. Minnesota Police Chief, 17, 35-37.
  
  Fischler, G.L. (2000). Assessing Fitness-For-Duty and Return-to-Work Readiness for People With Mental Health Problems, MCDA Communique, Summer, 2000.
  
  Fischler, G.L. (2000). Predicting and maximizing return-to-work outcomes for people with mental health disorders, Journal of Controversial Medical Claims, 7, 15-21.
  
  Fischler, G.L. (2001). Using Pre-employment Psychological Assessment to Maximize Hiring Outcomes. Human Resource Professionals Update, 5, 4-6
  
  Fischler, G.L. (2001). Psychological Fitness-for-Duty Examinations: Practical Considerations for Public Safety Departments. Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board Forum, 1, 77-92.
  
  Fischler, G.L. (2001). Psychological Health in the Workplace: It's worth the extra effort. Employee Benefits Planner. Third Quarter Edition, 14-15
  
  Fischler, G.L. (2004). Identifying Psychological Predictors of Police Officer Integrity Problems. Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) Office of the United States Department of Justice (US DOJ) (CFDA No. 16.710), “Creating a Culture of Integrity.”
  
  Fischler, G.L. (in press). Review of "Personality Assessment in Police Psychology: A 21st Century Perspective." Journal of Personality Assessment.
  
  Fischler, G.L. & Booth, N.E. (1999). Vocational Impact of Psychiatric Disorders: A Guide For Rehabilitation Professionals. Baltimore: Aspen Publishers.
  
  Fischler, G.L., McElroy, H.K., Miller, L., Saxe-Clifford, S., Stewart, C.O., & Zelig, M. (2011. The Role of Psychological Fitness-for-Duty Evaluations in Law Enforcement. Police Chief, 78, 72-78.
  
  Fischler, G.L. & Kendall, P.C. (1988). Social-cognitive problem-solving and childhood adjustment: Qualitative and topological analyses. Cognitive Therapy and Research, 12, 133-154. 
  
  Fischler, G.L. & Kerber, J. (1994). Computerized scoring program for the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale - Revised (WAIS-R). Minneapolis, MN: Gary L. Fischler & Associates, P.A.
  
  Kendall, P.C., & Fischler, G.L. (1983). Teaching rational self-talk to impulsive children. In A. Ellis & M. Bernard (Eds.) Rational self talk with children and youth. New York: Plenum.
  
  Kendall, P.C., & Fischler, G.L. (1984). Behavioral and adjustment correlates of problem solving: Validational analyses of interpersonal problem-solving measures. Child Development, 55, 879-889.
  
  Sellbom, M., Fischler, G. L., & Ben-Porath, Y. S. (2006, May). Good Cop or Bad Cop? Predicting Negative Outcomes in Police Officers with the Restructured Clinical (RC) Scales. Paper presented at the 41st Annual Symposium on Recent Developments in the Use of the MMPI-2 and MMPI-A, Minneapolis, MN.
  
  Sellbom, M., Fischler, G. L., & Ben-Porath, Y. S. (2007).  Identifying MMPI-2 Predictors of Police Officer Integrity and Misconduct.  Criminal Justice and Behavior, 34, 985-1004.
  
  Zuckerman, M., Brown, R.H., Fischler, G.L., Fox, G.A., Lathin, D.R., & Minasian, A.T. (1979).  Determinants of information‑seeking behavior. Journal of Research in Personality, 13, 161-174.
  
  

• RESEARCH GRANTS:
  2003-2004. Project Director. Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) Office of the United States Department of Justice (US DOJ) (CFDA No. 16.710), Creating a Culture of Integrity, with the Minneapolis Police Department.  Involved in design, implementation, and write-up of research following-up over 500 police officers to predict misconduct from pre-employment psychological data.
  
  1980 - 1982. Co-principal Investigator. Interpersonal Cognition and Behavior, National Institute of Mental Health.
  
  
• WORKSHOPS AND PRESENTATIONS:
  
  -10/22/11. Resolving Ethical Ambiguities in Police Psychology. (Panel; 1.5 hours). International Association of Chiefs of Police, Police Psychology Services Section, Ethics Consultation Committee. Chicago, IL.
  
  -10/23/11. Factors Involved in Determining Fitness & Issues Related to Recommendations. (Panel; 1 hour). International Association of Chiefs of Police, Police Psychology Services Section, Chicago, IL.
  
  -10/24/10. Addressing Ethical Issues in the Practice of Police Psychology. (Panel; 1 hour). International Association of Chiefs of Police, Police Psychology Services Section, Ethics Consultation Committee. Orlando, FL.
  
  -5/13/10 (repeated 6/17/10, 6/24/10, 7/8/10). Understanding the Vocational Impact of Mental Health Disorders (3.5 hours). Texas Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services (through the University of Arkansas). Houston, Dallas, San Antonio, and El Paso, Texas.
  
  -6/4/09 (repeated 7/15/09).  Critical Incident Training (.5 hours). Burnsville Police Department, Burnsville, MN.
  
  -5/11/09.  Firefighters with Attention Deficit Disorder & Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (panel discussion; 1.0 hour). The Leader's Toolbox podcast on Firehouse.com. http://dynamic.firehouse.com/broadcast/2009/05/18/the-leaders-toolbox-firefighters-with-attention-deficit-disorder-attention-deficithyperactivity-disorder/
  
  -03/18/09.  Psychological Evaluations for Protective Service Personnel:  Fitness-for-Duty and Pre-employment Screening. (5.0 hours). Cities and Villages Mutual Insurance Company. Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin.
  
  -03/19/09.  Fitness For Duty Mental Health Exams: What the Attorney Needs to Know. (Panel; 3.0 hours). Hennepin County Bar Association. Minneapolis, MN.
  
  -08/14/08.  Fitness for Duty Issues.  (Panel; 1.5 hours).  Minnesota Public Employers Labor Relations Association (MPELRA).  Brainerd, MN.
  
  -01/11/08.  Fitness for Duty Mental-Health Exams: When Are They Available, When Are They Desirable, and What the Psychologist Needs to Know (Panel; 1 hour).  Minnesota State Bar Association Continuing Legal Education - Public Sector Labor & Employment Law Conference. Minneapolis, MN.
  
  -02/01/07.  Using Psychological Evaluations in Employment Matters (3 hours). Hennepin County Bar Association. Minneapolis, MN.
  
  -09/22/06. Psychological Fitness-For-Duty Evaluations for Public Safety Personnel (3 hours). Conference title: The Effective and Responsible use of Psychological Tests in Pre-employment Selection. University of Minnesota Workshops, Albuquerque, NM
  
  -10/20/05. Understanding the Vocational Impact of Mental Health Disorders. (6.75 hrs). Minnesota Rehabilitation Counseling Association (MRCA). Eagan, MN.
  
  -09/23/05. Recent Research Identifying Psychometric Predictors of Police Officer Integrity Problems: International Association of Chiefs of Police, Police Psychology Section 2005 Workshop (Panel; 1.5 hours). Police and Public Safety Psychology Section (Division 18), American Psychological Association. Miami, FL.
  
  -07/26/05. Psychological Factors in Disability & Return-to-Work (2.5 hrs.).  7th Annual Federal Workers Compensation Conference. Washington, D.C.
  
  -04/29/05.  Cultural Competence as an Ethical Issue (Panel Discussion, 1.5 hours). Minnesota Psychological Association, Brooklyn Center, MN.
  
  -04/14/05. Psychological Fitness-For-Duty Evaluations for Public Safety Personnel (3 hours). Conference title: The Effective and Responsible use of Psychological Tests in Pre-employment Selection. University of Minnesota Workshops, Fort Lauderdale, FL.
  
  -10/24/04. Psychological Fitness-For-Duty Evaluations for Public Safety Personnel (3 hours). Conference title: The Effective and Responsible use of Psychological Tests in Pre-employment Selection. Pearson Assessments. Houston, TX.
  
  -10/14/04. Understanding the Impact of Psychiatric Disorders in the Workplace (5.5 hrs.). University of Wisconsin-Stout Vocational Rehabilitation Conference. Menomonie, WI.
  
  -10/04/04. Managing Mental Health Problems in the Workplace (3.5 hours). University of Minnesota 15th Annual Occupational Health Nursing Symposium, Burnsville.
  
  -4/30/04. Comparing the 1992 and 2002 APA Ethical Principles: What’s New? (Panel Discussion, 1.5 hours). Minnesota Psychological Association, Bloomington.
  
  -11/13-14/03. Understanding the Vocational Impact of Psychiatric Disorders (3.5 hours). Nebraska Department of Education (Vocational Rehabilitation). Kearney, NE.
  
  -10/08/03. Managing Mental Health Problems in the Workplace (4 hours). Mayo Foundation. Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN.
  
  -09/13/03. Psychological Fitness-For-Duty Evaluations for Public Safety Personnel (3 hours). Conference title: The Effective and Responsible use of Psychological Tests in Pre-employment Selection. Pearson Assessments. New Orleans, LA.
  
  -6/26/03. Determining Psychological Fitness in the Workplace (1.5 hours). Hennepin County Bar Association. Minneapolis, MN.
  
  -6/13/03. Walk Through a Civil Commitment Exam (1 hour). Hennepin County Bar Association Civil Commitment Seminar. Minneapolis, MN.
  
  -6/12/03. Using Psychological Evaluations in Employment Matters (1.0 hour). "Psychologists in the Courtroom: A Practical Guide for Lawyers. Co-sponsored by the Hamline University School of Law & Minnesota Psychological Association, St. Paul, MN.
  
  -6/11/03. Vocational Impact of Psychiatric Disorders (3 hours). Association for Persons in Supported Employment Annual Conference. Kearney, NE.
  
  -6/5/03. Conducting Public Safety Employee Evaluations (1.5 hours). 38th Annual MMPI-2/MMPI-A Workshops & Symposium. Kent State University.
  
  -4/29/03. Service Providers Training on Working with the Police. (Panel Discussion) Hennepin County. Hennepin County Medical Center, Minneapolis.
  
  -02/02/03. Psychological Fitness-For-Duty Evaluations for Public Safety Personnel (1.5 hours). Conference title: The Effective and Responsible use of Psychological Tests in Pre-employment Selection. Pearson Assessments. Phoenix, Arizona.
  
  -11/02. Understanding the Vocational Impact of Psychiatric Disorders (7 hours). Minnesota Rehabilitation Counseling Association - Fall 2002 Conference, St. Paul.
  
  -11/02. Mischief Maker or Terrorist? The Limitations of Psychological Predictors (1 hour). Midwest Center for Occupational Health & Safety, University of Minnesota, St. Paul.
  
  -1/01 - 9/02. Dealing with Mentally Ill Persons: A Practical Guide for Law Enforcement Personnel (6 hours). Anoka County Sheriff's Department, Coon Rapids, Minnesota (Also repeated for Metropolitan Airport Commission PD, Crystal PD, New Hope PD, and Robbinsdale PD.).
  
  -5/02. The Changing Face of Ethics (Panel Presentation) (1.5 hours). Minnesota Psychological Association. Bloomington, MN.
  
  -4/02. Understanding the Vocational Impact of Psychiatric Disorders in Young Adults (6 hours). St. Paul Public Schools, St. Paul.
  
  -4/02. Understanding the Vocational Impact of Major Mental Illness (2 hours). Minnesota Rehabilitation Counseling Association. St. Paul.
  
  -1/02. Diagnostic Interviewing Strategies and Techniques: The Art and Science of Using the DSM-IV (3 hours). Minnesota Psychological Association, First Friday Forum, St. Paul.
  
  -9/01.  Using the MMPI-2 in Clinical Practice: A Practical Guide (3 hours). Quesnell & Associates, St. Paul.
  
  -5/01. Psychological Fitness-For-Duty Exams: Best Practices (1 hour). North Central Occupational and Environmental Medical Association. Bloomington, MN.
  
  -5/01. Introduction to Mental Health Issues at Work. Minneapolis Neighborhood Employment Network (6 hours). Minneapolis.
  
  -4/01. Psychiatric Disorders and Employment Issues (Panel Discussion; 3 hours). Hennepin County Bar Association. Minneapolis.
  
  -4/01. Understanding the Vocational Impact of Psychiatric Disorders (6 hours). Minnesota Division of Rehabilitation Services, St. Cloud, MN.
  
  -3/01. The Fitness-For Duty Exam: A Workshop for Public-Safety Administrators Dealing with Problem Personnel (4 hours). Wisconsin Chiefs of Police Association, Oshkosh, WI.
  
  -3/01. The Use of Psychological Testing in Vocational Rehabilitation (3 hours). Minnesota Division of Rehabilitation Services, St. Paul, MN.
  
  -3/01. Police Response to Mental Illness: Current Status and Future Directions (2 hours). St. Louis Park Police Department. St. Louis Park, MN.
  
  -3/01. A Practical Guide to MMPI-2 Interpretation (6 hours). Minnesota School of Professional Psychology, Minneapolis.
  
  -2/01. Psychological Issues in the Workplace and the Fitness-For-Duty Examination (3 hours). Minnesota Department of Corrections, St. Paul.
  
  -2/01. Vocational Impact of Psychiatric Disorders (6 hours). Minnesota School of Professional Psychology. Minneapolis.
  
  -1/01. Diagnostic Interviewing Strategies and Techniques: The Art and Science of Using the DSM-IV (6 hours). Minnesota School of Professional Psychology. Minneapolis.
  
  -1/01. Coping With Court: Being An Effective Expert Witness (with John Clark, Ph.D.) (6 hours). Minnesota School of Professional Psychology, Minneapolis.
  
  -3/00. Fitness-For-Duty & Return-To-Work Issues With Psychiatric Disorders (2 hours). General Electric Occupational Health Conference, Greensboro, NC. (Repeated in 5/00 in Montreal, Quebec).
  
  1/00. Personality Disorders: Diagnosis and Treatment (6 hours). Minnesota School of Professional Psychology. Minneapolis.
  
  6/99. Psychological Factors in Police Selection (1 hour). Minnesota Peace Officers Background Association. Eden Prairie, MN.
  
  -11/98 Vocational Impact of Psychiatric Disorders (With Frank Levin, Esq.).  National Organization of Social Security Claimants’ Representatives (NOSSCR). (2 hours). San Antonio, TX.
  
  -5/98. Personality Disorders: Functional Impairments and Implications For Rehabilitation and Disability Determination (2 hours). National Association of Disability Examiners. St. Paul, MN.
  
  -4/98. Psychological Screening of Police Officer Candidates: Theory and Practice (2 hours). Minnesota Chiefs of Police Association. St. Cloud, MN.
  
  -4/96. Psychological Testing for Adults with ADHD (1.5 hours panel discussion). Minnesota Association on Higher Education and Disability (MN AHEAD). Brooklyn Center, MN.
  
  -11/95. Psychiatric Conditions and in the Workplace (1 hour). Minnesota Rehabilitation Counseling Association. Shoreview, MN.
  
  -10/95. Personality Disorders: Functional Implications and Vocational Impact (6 hours). Minnesota Rehabilitation Association. Brainerd, MN.
  
  -02/02/95. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorders in Adults: Evaluation, Treatment, and Accommodations (With Dr. Dorothy Edelson, 1.5 hours). Minnesota Association for Higher Education and Disabilities. St. Paul, MN.