Forensic Psychiatry

What is a Forensic Psychiatrist?

Forensic Psychiatry is a subspecialty in which psychiatrists use their knowledge of mental illnesses to answer questions posed by the legal system. Forensic psychiatrists are physicians who completed, at minimum, four years of medical school and four years of psychiatry residency to become experts in the diagnosis and treatment of mental disorders. Fellowship-trained forensic psychiatrists complete an additional one year of education focused on the issues at the interface of mental health and the law. 

Forensic psychiatrists provide consultation, evaluations, expert opinions, and testimony regarding a variety of issues in criminal and civil courts where mental health factors are relevant.  Examples include competency to stand trial, sanity at the time of the act, civil commitment, and guardianship.  For a more comprehensive list of the types of evaluations that a forensic psychiatrist can offer, please see Services.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A FORENSIC PSYCHOLOGIST AND A FORENSIC PSYCHIATRIST?

Forensic psychologists have a doctorate degree in psychology (either a Ph.D. or a Psy.D).  They can also offer expert opinions about mental health issues in court. Some forensic psychiatrists have the training and ability to administer select psychological tests, but generally will collaborate with a forensic psychologist if more extensive psychological testing (e.g. I.Q. testing) is needed. Forensic psychologists do not have the medical training and background that a forensic psychiatrist has.  As above, forensic psychiatrists are medical doctors who hold either an M.D. or a D.O. Consequently, forensic psychiatrists are generally more qualified to provide expert opinions where there is a concern about the appropriateness of a medication treatment or organic causes of mental health symptoms (e.g. delirium, intoxication, or medication side effect).