Forensic psychiatrists are trained professionals who work in the fields of psychology and criminal justice. Also often known as criminal psychologists, they are trained to apply their psychology training to different sectors like the judicial system and law enforcement. You may be more familiar with them as the people called into court to evaluate criminal defendants and provide expert witness statements. However, the work of a Park Slope forensic and addiction psychiatrist often extends beyond the courtroom. Here is a review of five situations in which a forensic psychiatrist may be helpful.
Trial or Court Consultancy
Court and trial consultants are what many people think of when they hear a forensic psychiatrist – and with good reason. Many practitioners in this field choose this specialization. As trial or court consultants, they provide court-ordered evaluations, screenings, and therapy.
They are usually called to determine whether a defendant is fit to stand trial, exhibited intent, or other aspects of judicial law. Forensic psychiatrists in this field also conduct specialized research and offer expert witness testimony based on their findings and experience with similar cases.
Forensic Social Work
For forensic psychiatrists that major in social work, much of their workload involves creating and implanting therapeutic services for people on probation, reducing recidivism, and helping with case management. They may need to constantly assess and monitor criminality risks and recidivism rates to help inmates leaving detention from going back. This often involves implementing plans for ongoing support, evaluating mental fitness, and providing mental health support.
Correctional Supervision or Counseling
Forensic psychiatrists doing social work deal with inmates after they leave detention. In contrast, forensic psychologists in this field provide counseling and supervision services in detention centers. They also differ from victim advocates because they offer support to people charged with crimes rather than their victims. In this job, forensic psychiatrists work in prisons and similar facilities to provide mental health and therapeutic support or supervision while helping design and implement policies.
Victim Advocacy
Victim advocacy requires forensic psychologists to combine their knowledge of criminal case management and criminal psychology. It primarily involves offering therapeutic support and advice to crime-related violence or trauma victims. Depending on the psychologist’s interests, they can work as a victim advocate for a nonprofit, the government, or an independent office. You can reach out to them for help after you experience or live through a traumatic event.
Criminal Profiling and Analysis
Criminal profiling has been widely portrayed in the media. Criminal analysts and profilers are forensic psychiatrists who help law enforcement agencies conduct criminal investigations. Essentially, they perform case analysis and investigative research that focuses on the behavioral aspects of crime. In this role, forensic psychiatrists have helped solve many crimes.
Do You Need a Forensic Psychiatrist?
Forensic psychiatrists are trained to assess the mental health of defendants and inmates to determine their ability to stand trial, be rehabilitated, receive treatment, get pardoned, or harm themselves and others. Outside the courtroom, they also perform evaluations for insurance, civil, and criminal matters like risk assessment, disability, child abuse, and child custody.
If you have a situation you think falls in the purview of a forensic psychiatrist, contact one today to learn how they can help you. Forensic psychiatrists understand the confidential nature of their work so your privacy will be upheld.
