forensic psychiatry?

[prominence]

could someone please describe what this specialty entails (i.e. job description of forensic psychiatry)

any feedback on where these specialists work, average salaries, amount of job stress, and qulaity of life would be appreciated as well.

thanks.

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[alina_s]

I am only a MS-II but I took an elective at the law school on psychiatry and criminal law, taught by a forensic psychiatrist. It requires a one-year fellowship after the psych residency and I think that many forensic psychiatrists work for the justice department. I have no idea what the pay is but since many jobs are with the government, they are probably somewhat below average. In the court system, defendents are assessed separately before they are arraigned and when they stand trial; the standards to stand trial are more strict. The psychiatrist only gives an opinion, which the judges and juries evaluate along with the rest of the evidence. Forensic psychiatrists are also hired by defense and prosecution attorneys to evaluate and testify about the defendent's sanity at the time of the crime. It seemed like interesting work but the more advanced positions (in court) require a fondness for public performance. The testimony of the forensic psychiatrist often sways the judge regarding the death penalty, which would be a heavy burden on the conscience.

 

[Sanman]

As far as I understand, forensic pych. can be one if many things. For one, you can work as the resident psych. for a corrections facility. Largely though, it involves assessing defendants for either the prosecution or defense. It can be practiced as part of a private practice. Upside is you can make $300,000 + because you are paid for your time in court as an expert witness. Downside is that you have to work with criminals, so there are safety issues and potential problems there. Something to keep in mind is that it depends highly on your reputation, since you have to testify in court. I hope that this helps you. I'm no expert, I just had an interest in this field, so I searched around for info.

 

[Sanman]

It's not the most common thing in the world to make that much, usually forensic work is only part time. However for the few who can do it full time I read somewhere on the internet that a strong reputation working for private defense lawyers can get you $300/hr easily. This includes prep for eyewitness testimony. However, One would assume that you need a good business sense and the ability to be a solid, believable witness to make such bank. If I were you I wouldn't go in with ideas of that kind of cash, but it is possible. Besides, I'm sure that it's not exactly the most satisfying medical practice since you can't help anyone. Just my opinion.

 

[prominence]

It's not the most common thing in the world to make that much, usually forensic work is only part time. However for the few who can do it full time I read somewhere on the internet that a strong reputation working for private defense lawyers can get you $300/hr easily. This includes prep for eyewitness testimony. However, One would assume that you need a good business sense and the ability to be a solid, believable witness to make such bank. If I were you I wouldn't go in with ideas of that kind of cash, but it is possible. Besides, I'm sure that it's not exactly the most satisfying medical practice since you can't help anyone. Just my opinion.

what do u mean u can't help anyone?

 

[Sanman]

In the case of assessing a person's competency and testifying, which is the most lucrative aspect of forensics, you simply diagnose whether the patient is fit to stand trial or knows the difference between right and wrong. You don't help a patient with a psychiatric disorder, you simply assess and move on.

 

[PublicHealth]

could someone please describe what this specialty entails (i.e. job description of forensic psychiatry)

any feedback on where these specialists work, average salaries, amount of job stress, and qulaity of life would be appreciated as well.

thanks.

http://www.reidpsychiatry.com/

Job posting for forensic psychiatrist in Phoenix, AZ:
http://www.maricopa.gov/human_resources/job_pdf/3997sc.pdf

I think the range is from $100K to millions, depending on one's reputation and experience. Park Dietz, for example, is world renown, works on high-profile cases, and probably makes a boatload.

 

[forensicpractice]

In the case of assessing a person's competency and testifying, which is the most lucrative aspect of forensics, you simply diagnose whether the patient is fit to stand trial or knows the difference between right and wrong. You don't help a patient with a psychiatric disorder, you simply assess and move on.

Not true. Many forensic psychiatrists serve as expert witnesses, fact witnesses about a given psychiatric condition, etc. or as those who have reviewed the records, conducted a forensic IME (see Fellowship training) and coming to findings about which they testify. A defense only or plaintiff only affiliation will kill your integrity and career. Note that in civil litigation, after Board Certification and 3 or 4 experiences testifying, $400-600/hour is more common. This is more than most clinical jobs for a psychiatrist. It is untrue that Competency to Stand Trial or "know right from wrong" are the only FP practices. In fact, it is far from the truth. Imagine, if you will, a person who changed their will at a time when they were taking a combination of meds that impact judgment. Later they die and there is a will contest. A Forensic Psychiatrist is best qualified to conduct the assessment (obviously no in-person IME on the dead person) look at the medical and legal records, etc. and help the jury to understand the mental status of the person. Undue Influence is another area where a psychiatrist is the best person to speak to a jury. The fact is that anytime behavior is possibly driven by a psychiatric condition, medical treatment, and then that behavior ends up in court, there is a need for a Board-Certified, Fellowship-trained Forensic Psychiatrist.

 

[mistafab]

Truly impressive. You responded to a statement made 20 years ago. I didn't realize there were postings that long ago.

Good response, but again, this was 20 years ago.

Not true. Many forensic psychiatrists serve as expert witnesses, fact witnesses about a given psychiatric condition, etc. or as those who have reviewed the records, conducted a forensic IME (see Fellowship training) and coming to findings about which they testify. A defense only or plaintiff only affiliation will kill your integrity and career. Note that in civil litigation, after Board Certification and 3 or 4 experiences testifying, $400-600/hour is more common. This is more than most clinical jobs for a psychiatrist. It is untrue that Competency to Stand Trial or "know right from wrong" are the only FP practices. In fact, it is far from the truth. Imagine, if you will, a person who changed their will at a time when they were taking a combination of meds that impact judgment. Later they die and there is a will contest. A Forensic Psychiatrist is best qualified to conduct the assessment (obviously no in-person IME on the dead person) look at the medical and legal records, etc. and help the jury to understand the mental status of the person. Undue Influence is another area where a psychiatrist is the best person to speak to a jury. The fact is that anytime behavior is possibly driven by a psychiatric condition, medical treatment, and then that behavior ends up in court, there is a need for a Board-Certified, Fellowship-trained Forensic Psychiatrist.

 

[Sushirolls]

People get bent out of shape over the age of posts and bringing up old ones.
Honestly, I don't see the issue.
The search feature of forums allows digging up the old things, that may just be the Q and A some one is looking for.
The only negative, is the OP is less likely contribute.

 

[DOswag]

I clicked on the thread and read a little before I realized this was from 2003

 

[chilly_md]

Closing.