Specializing in: Forensic psychology, Neuropsychology

Dr. Michael J. O’Connell is a board certified forensic psychologist (ABPP-F) who specializes in the assessment of forensic matters or mental health issues as they relate to the law. He offers training and consultative services on forensic matters to the professional staff. Dr. O’Connell also provides neuropsychological diagnostic and treatment services to inpatients at MedStar National Rehabilitation Hospital and to outpatients at MedStar NRH Rehabilitation Network, Ellicott City.

Dr. O’Connell’s research interests have been primarily in the areas of understanding functional abilities, including legal capacities, for those individuals with cognitive disorders. He is also interested in developing strategies and techniques to enhance underlying capacities and improve overall functioning.

Dr. O’Connell has served as an expert witness in both forensic and neuropsychology throughout the various counties of Maryland and in Federal Court. Dr. O’Connell is licensed in both Maryland and the District of Columbia.

Publications

Garmoe, W., Newman, A.C. and O’Connell, M.J. (2005). Self-awareness early following traumatic brain injury: Comparison of brain injury and orthopedic inpatients using the Functional Self-Assessment Scale. Journal of Head Trauma Rehabilitation 20(4), 348-358.

O’Connell, M.J., Garmoe, W. and Goldstein, N. (2005). Miranda Comprehension in Adults with Mental Retardation and the Effects of Feedback Style on Suggestibility. Law and Human Behavior 29(3), 359-369.

O’Connell, M.J. (2000). Prediction of return to work following traumatic brain injury:Intellectual, memory and demographic variables. Rehabilitation Psychology 45(2), 212-217.

O'Connell, M.J. (2000). Prediction of return to work following traumatic brain injury: Intellectual, memory and demographic variables. Rehabilitation Psychology 45(2), 212-217.

O'Connell, M.J. (2004, March 7). The Risk of False Confessions for Individuals with Mental Retardation. Paper presented at the Annual Conference of the American Psychology - Law Society 2004, Scottsdale, Arizona.

O'Connell, M.J. and Garmoe, W. (2003, June 11). False confessions: Current research and ethical issues. Grand rounds presentation at the National Rehabilitation Hospital, Washington, D.C.

O'Connell, M.J. (2003, May 9). False confessions: Psychological vulnerabilities and interrogative situations. Presentation at Maryland Public Defender Spring Conference, Lancaster PA.

O'Connell, M.J. and Garmoe, W. (2002, November 19). Competence to consent to medical treatment: Ethical issues and practical responses. Grand Rounds presentation to the Washington Hospital Center Division of Surgery, Washington, D.C.

O'Connell, M.J. (1999, November 1). Prediction of return to work from TBI using cognitive and demographic variables. Paper presented at the HealthSouth Braintree Rehabilitation Hospital's Neurorehabilitation Conference, Boston MA.

O'Connell, M.J. and Olsson, J.E. (1998, December 4). Forensic issues in specific populations. Grand Rounds presentation to Crownsville Hospital Center forensic staff, Crownsville, MD.

O'Connell, M.J. (1998, March 9). Traumatic brain injury: A neuropsychological perspective. Lecture delivered to the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation residents of the Sinai Hospital - Johns Hopkins Program, Baltimore, MD.