Cheryl Paradis

Cheryl Paradis is a Professor of Psychology at Marymount Manhattan College, where she teaches courses in general, abnormal, community, and forensic psychology. She holds a Psy.D. from Yeshiva University and has over two decades of clinical experience in psychiatric hospitals and forensic settings. Her research focuses on forensic psychology, neuropsychology, and cross-cultural issues, particularly competency to stand trial (CST) evaluations in diverse populations.

• B.A., Marymount Manhattan College
• M.A., Yeshiva University
• Psy.D., Yeshiva University

Dr. Paradis's research explores forensic assessment, malingering, intimate partner violence, and the psychological effects of medications like zolpidem. She has published extensively in journals such as Journal of the American Academy of Psychiatry and the Law, International Journal of Law and Psychiatry, and Psychiatric Annals, often collaborating with students and colleagues. Her 2010 book, The Measure of Madness, is a forensic casebook analyzing disturbed criminal minds.

Her recent publications reveal a strong trend in forensic evaluation, particularly CST assessments in multicultural urban settings, sovereign citizens, and the role of psychosis, malingering, and cultural factors. She also investigates pharmacologically induced violence and memory disturbances, especially related to zolpidem and SSRIs.

Dr. Paradis has presented her work at major professional conferences including the Eastern Psychological Association and the American Psychiatric Association. She serves as Coordinator of the Forensic Psychology Minor and mentors numerous student research projects. Her collaborations highlight her commitment to training the next generation of forensic psychologists.

She has conducted research on:

• Competency to stand trial in diverse populations
• Malingering and effort testing
• Zolpidem-associated violence and amnesia
• Culturally responsive therapy
• Intimate partner violence
• Legal education for mental health professionals

Dr. Paradis actively advises undergraduate and graduate students, co-authoring research on topics such as attitudes toward rape, substance abuse, internet safety, and mental illness in violent crime. She has secured institutional support for her forensic research and continues to publish and present on critical issues at the intersection of psychology and law.