At TheHealthBoard, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.
What is Forensic Mental Health?
Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen
Forensic mental health comprises a field of workers who work with the legal system as it relates to laws regarding mental health issues. These workers can be psychiatrists, psychologists, licensed counselors or social workers. The work in this field is varied, and includes a number of different areas.
Some forensic mental health workers, particularly psychiatrists, may examine those accused of a crime to determine fitness to stand trial, or level of criminal responsibility in those with severe mental illness. Often, such psychiatrists may offer expert testimony regarding their opinions on a suspect. These experts often clash with experts from opposing sides, meaning that the field is one that is subject to interpretation.
In other cases, workers may deal specifically with treating those with mental illnesses involving pedophilia or other disorders. They may work at criminal institutions for the mentally ill, and develop strategies for helping patients overcome extreme mental illnesses. Their goal is to reduce criminal recidivism.
Forensic mental health may also allow some therapists to profile suspects. For example, they may write or study teachings on the types of people most likely to be serial killers or to commit rapes. In some cases, such profiling also will mean expert testimony, but in many cases, the person simply helps assist in police investigations of specific types of crimes.
These workers must also be present to work with suspects who appear mentally ill and apprise them of their rights. They may work with a suspect to let him or her know how the law affects confidentiality, and what rights suspects may have in regards to either accepting or refusing medication. Forensic mental health workers may also work with families to appoint a person who can make decisions for a mentally ill suspect when that suspect is too ill to make such decisions on his or her own.
Most forensic mental health experts receive training first in the field of mental health, and then further training in forensics. For example, the average psychiatrist first becomes a doctor, then a psychiatrist, and finally may spend two or three years training in forensic psychiatry.
Some counselors or mental health professionals receive their training through organizations like the FBI. This is the case with many professional profilers in the US. Others attend schools designed to give this specific type of training.
Tricia Christensen
Tricia has a Literature degree from Sonoma State University and has been a frequent TheHealthBoard contributor for many years. She is especially passionate about reading and writing, although her other interests include medicine, art, film, history, politics, ethics, and religion. Tricia lives in Northern California and is currently working on her first novel.
Learn more...
Tricia Christensen
Tricia has a Literature degree from Sonoma State University and has been a frequent TheHealthBoard contributor for many years. She is especially passionate about reading and writing, although her other interests include medicine, art, film, history, politics, ethics, and religion. Tricia lives in Northern California and is currently working on her first novel.
Learn more...AS FEATURED ON:
AS FEATURED ON:
-
![Forensic mental health comprises a field of workers including licensed counselors.]()
By: Monkey BusinessForensic mental health comprises a field of workers including licensed counselors. -
![Individuals in the forensic mental health field may work in institutions for the mentally ill.]()
By: Monkey BusinessIndividuals in the forensic mental health field may work in institutions for the mentally ill. -
![Mental health professionals may receive their training through the FBI.]()
By: Orhan ÇamMental health professionals may receive their training through the FBI. -
![A forensic psychiatrist might be called upon to give expert testimony in court.]()
By: Stephen CoburnA forensic psychiatrist might be called upon to give expert testimony in court.
Discussion Comments
Can I actually be qualified to work in this field if I get a Masters in Forensic Mental Health, or can only qualified nurses or psychologists work in this field?
@artlover--You can contact the FBI and similar organizations directly by getting onto the website jobs page for each organization. Usually you cannot walk into one of these positions without experience as a field agent. As far as getting a position with one of these organizations, most require at least a master's degree, some require a PhD in psychology.
This is a really interesting field. If a psychiatrist decides to get into the forensic mental health field, how many years of training do they need? It sounds like quite a bit. Also, how would you contact the specialty organizations like the FBI if you where interested in working with them? My son is in college and looking at some career choices similar to this. Any info would be great!
Forensic mental health professionals can assist lawyers both in cases that involve criminal law, like a murder investigation, or civil law, like a divorce lawsuits.
Post your comments