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Michelle Charness JD, PsyD, LCSW

About

Michelle Charness, JD, PsyD, LCSW, is a former assistant district attorney for Middlesex County, Massachusetts, where she specialized in the prosecution of domestic violence and sexual assault cases. She earned her PsyD in clinical psychology with a focus on trauma, attachment theory, and affect regulation.

Additionally, she is an LCSW in California, where her practice concentrates on patients suffering from trauma stemming from physical, sexual, and emotional abuse.

She has contributed to the books Voices of Pain, Voices of Hope, Students Speak About Racism, and others. She has also co-authored "Women and Money: Cultural Contrasts and Women and Money: Identities In Flux."

Michelle has taught at California State University Northridge in the MSW department regarding the intersection of law, psychology, and social welfare. She is committed to continuing to research the interplay between law and social welfare in the justice system.

Books by Michelle Charness JD, PsyD, LCSW
Recent Posts
CARE Court or Scare Court?
Is California's new CARE Court a "scare" court given its focus on involuntary treatment in violation of homeless and mentally disabled persons' right to autonomy?
Could New Evidence Help Free the Menendez Brothers?

New evidence of sexual abuse by their father and the resulting PTSD could lead to the reopening of the Menendez brothers' case.

New evidence of sexual abuse by their father and the resulting PTSD could lead to the reopening of the Menendez brothers' case.

What Constitutes a Threat Amidst Stalking on Facebook?

The Supreme Court must decide if threats made in a stalking case on Facebook are defined by the intent of the perpetrator or through the eyes of the victim.

The Supreme Court must decide if threats made in a stalking case on Facebook are defined by the intent of the perpetrator or through the eyes of the victim.

Idaho College Slayings: Does Motive Matter?

Motive plays an essential role in sense-making at various stages of the criminal justice process for the jurors and layman.

Motive plays an essential role in sense-making at various stages of the criminal justice process for the jurors and layman.

Lost Girl: The Gabby Petito Case

An examination of the case of Gabby Petito and how trauma-informed investigation in domestic violence cases may help save victims' lives.

An examination of the case of Gabby Petito and how trauma-informed investigation in domestic violence cases may help save victims' lives.

Passing the Bar or Passing Out There? Lawyer Mental Health

Lawyers are primed to study for the bar and then later die there. The legal profession has a high prevalence of attorney alcohol abuse and mental health deterioration.

Lawyers are primed to study for the bar and then later die there. The legal profession has a high prevalence of attorney alcohol abuse and mental health deterioration.

No Way Out: Supreme Court Disempowers 6th Amendment Defense

Dismantling the 6th Amendment's defense for prisoners may increase death row syndrome, which includes symptoms of psychosis and suicide.

Dismantling the 6th Amendment's defense for prisoners may increase death row syndrome, which includes symptoms of psychosis and suicide.