What is a Forensic Psychiatrist?

By: Pia Quimson-Guevarrra, DO

Disclaimer: This blog is for informational purposes only. It is general information that Is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified mental health professional. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, consultation, diagnosis, or treatment.

A forensic psychiatrist is a medical doctor who specializes in psychiatry and applies that expertise to legal questions. Their work may involve patient care in forensic settings, legal evaluations, expert testimony, and consultation on public policy.

What is Forensic Psychiatry?

Forensic psychiatry is a subspecialty in psychiatry where forensic psychiatrists apply their expertise in related legal matters. Per the American Academy of Psychiatry and the Law, forensic psychiatrists apply their

“scientific and clinical expertise...in legal contexts involving civil, criminal, correctional, regulatory or legislative matters, and in specialized clinical consultations in areas such as risk assessment or employment.”

How Do Forensic Psychiatrists Train?

After general psychiatric training, forensic psychiatrists complete an additional year in a specialized fellowship program. After completion, they pass a board examination to become board certified in forensic psychiatry.

What Do Forensic Psychiatrists Do?

Patient Care

Job opportunities can be divided into patient care, work as an expert witness, and consultation. Forensic psychiatrists can provide patient care in forensic settings, such as jails, prisons, detention centers, and psychiatric state hospitals. Generally, this work is similar to general patient care in the community.

Expert Witness Work

Forensic psychiatrists also function as expert witnesses in legal cases and proceedings. Frequently as part of their role, forensic psychiatrists conduct specialized clinical evaluations to provide an expert opinion on how someone’s mental illness is relevant to a particular legal issue. For example, in criminal cases, they evaluate how a defendant’s mental illness is impacting his participation in his trial. In civil cases, for example, they evaluate how a person's mental health affects their ability to work. This information is used in disability, social security, and workers' compensation claims.

Consultation

Lastly, forensic psychiatrists serve as a consultant for regulatory and legislative matters. They use their mental health expertise to testify and educate government officials. They also can be part of legislative workgroups or organizations. In these roles, forensic psychiatrists can inform public health and safety policies and laws.

Forensic psychiatrists play a unique role at the intersection of mental health and the law. 

They may provide treatment in forensic settings, conduct specialized evaluations, offer

expert opinions in legal proceedings, and contribute to public policy and safety discussions.

Request Forensic Consultation

For attorneys and organizations seeking forensic psychiatric expertise, please contact our 

office to discuss evaluations, consultation, expert opinion, and case-specific needs.

Learn more at our Forensic Website 

References:

“Ethical Guidelines for the Practice of Forensic Psychiatry.” American Academy of Psychiatry and the Law. May 2005. https://www.aapl.org/ethics.htm

Originally published August 2020; medically reviewed and updated August 2026 by Pia Quimson-Guevarra, DO.