Alana N. Cook

Dr. Alana N. Cook is a Registered Psychologist (College of Psychologists of BC) maintaining private practice while holding dual academic appointments: Adjunct Faculty in Simon Fraser University's Department of Psychology and Instructor at the Justice Institute of BC's School of Criminal Justice and Security. Her career bridges clinical forensic practice, academic instruction, and psycholegal policy development across British Columbia's mental health and justice systems.

Her educational foundation includes:

• Ph.D. in Clinical-Forensic Psychology, Simon Fraser University
• M.Sc. in Clinical Psychology, Pacific University
• Post-Doctoral Fellowship with joint appointments at SFU's Mental Health Law & Policy Institute, BC Forensic Psychiatric Service Commission, and ProActive ReSolutions

Dr. Cook's research focuses on forensic risk assessment at psychology-law intersections, particularly evidenced by her development of the Suicide Assessment Manual for Inmates (SAMI). This structured professional judgment tool addresses critical gaps in custodial suicide prevention through evidence-based risk factor analysis. Her clinical methodology integrates assessment of serious mental illness and personality disorders within forensic contexts, emphasizing practical application in correctional and legal settings.

As an educator, she trains mental health professionals through SAMI certification programs covering risk formulation, case management, and implementation protocols for 5 CE credits. Her supervision extends to graduate students in forensic psychology and criminal justice programs, with emphasis on evidence-based assessment techniques applicable to real-world legal scenarios.