Biography
Maeve Cardwell, PsyD is a Research Assistant Professor for the Division of Forensic Behavioral Sciences in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences. She earned her PsyD in clinical psychology with a specialization in forensic psychology and is a graduate of the UNM Forensic Psychology Postdoctoral Fellowship. She has experience working with adults and adolescents, has practiced in a variety of settings including schools, community health clinics, inpatient and correctional settings, and she has received focused training in assessing and treating trauma and psychosis. In her current role with UNM she conducts adult and juvenile competency to stand trial evaluations and pre-employment evaluations, participates in research, and is involved in the development of Assisted Outpatient Treatment (AOT) programs throughout New Mexico. She is also a member of the New Mexico Psychological Association (NMPA) and is involved with the NMPA Legislative Committee.
Personal Statement
I've had an interest in forensic psychology since I was first exposed to it during my undergraduate education, but my time working on an adolescent inpatient psychiatric unit after college was what solidified my intention to pursue a doctorate in forensic psychology. This setting was the first in which I worked with people with severe chronic mental health conditions, some of whom were also involved with the legal system. Working with my patients, and the adult patients on other units, opened my eyes to the extent of the overlap between serious mental illness and criminal justice involvement, the distress this overlap causes to everyone involved, and the need for an understanding of psychology in our justice system. Through my work, I hope to help provide this understanding and advocate for appropriate interventions for folks who need additional support.
Areas of Specialty
Forensic Assessment
Comorbid Trauma and Psychosis Treatment
Achievements & Awards
Former UNM Forensic Psychology Postdoctoral Fellow
Gender
Female
Languages
- English
Research and Scholarship
Cardwell, M. M., Cecil, A., Paniagua, V., Swaminath, S., Perillo, A., Perillo, J. T. (Ongoing study). Compensation structures for competency to stand trial (CST) evaluations across the United States.University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM.
Assess the differences in compensation structure for competency to stand trial evaluations across the United States. Collect preliminary data to obtain an initial understanding of how different jurisdictions compensate for this type of assessment. Contribute to the development of a survey to gather more nuanced information from evaluators.
Cecil, A., Cardwell, M. M., Perillo, A., Perillo, J. T. New Mexico Behavioral Health Services Division (BHSD) Policy Projects. University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM.
Collaborate with BHSD program executives and UNM faculty on projects addressing forensic behavioral health policy in New Mexico, Developed a comprehensive infographic shared with state legislators to illustrate competency processes and obstacles. Structured a state proposal for a jail-based competency restoration program.
Cardwell, M. M., Fass, T., Contreras, P. (July 2023). Impact of power differential on juror identification of sexual assault. William James College, Newton, MA.
Assessed whether participants identified a vignette describing a sexual assault differently in relation to the occupation of the offender.