Michael Vitacco

Professor

Michael Vitacco

Professor

Academic Appointment(s)

School of Public Health
Department of Community & Behavioral Health Sciences

Bio

I earned my graduate degree in clinical psychology from the University of North Texas. I completed specialized training in forensic psychology from UNC and UMASS medical schools.

  • (706) 723-4396
  • Pavilion 3 - CJ2300

Education

  • Ph.D., Clinical Psychology University of North Texas, 2003

  • MS, Clinical Psychology University of North Texas, 2002

  • BS, Psychology, Other University of Wisconsin - Oshk, 1993

Certifications

  • PSYC 2011

Courses Taught Most Recent Academic Year

  • MEDI 6120

    Foundations of Medicine
  • MPHS 8400

    Social Behavioral Change
  • MEDI 6220

    Cardiopulmonary/Heme
  • MEDI 6240

    GI/GU/Endocrine

Teaching Interests

My areas of teaching are focused on issues related to psychology and the law including violence risk assessment, feigning, social media, competency to stand trial, and the insanity defense. I also teach case-based learning to first-year medical students.

Scholarship

Selected Recent Publications

  • Using Social Media Data in Forensic Evaluations: Addressing Bias, 2022
    Book, Chapter in Textbook-New
  • Jail-based competency restoration: What’s out there and what’s missing. , 2022
    Journal Article, Academic Journal
  • MMPI-2-RF Differences Between Violent Offending and Institutional Violence Among Incarcerated Women, 2022
    Journal Article, Academic Journal
  • Risk assessment and provisional discharge: Predictive utility of the HCR-20., 2022
    Journal Article, Academic Journal
  • Conditional release and cannabis use: Concerns and challenges for community reintegration, 2022
    Journal Article, Academic Journal

Research Interests

My areas of research include violence risk assessment, feigning, social media, competency to stand trial, and the insanity defense.