What Does A Forensic Psychiatrist Do?

Many people think they know what a forensic psychiatrist does from the movies and TV shows, but this glamorized version of the profession isn’t exactly accurate. What does a real forensic psychiatrist do? What kind of education do you need to be one? Read on to learn more about this profession.

A word about forensic psychiatry vs. forensic psychology

While these two fields overlap and have many similarities, they have some significant differences. Both specialize in mental health, but their education and training differ.

*Medication is prescribed only when clinically appropriate and is not guaranteed. Pricing, availability, insurance coverage, and copays vary by plan, location, and provider availability are not guaranteed.

Generally, the biggest difference between a forensic psychiatrist and a forensic psychologist is that psychiatrists are medical doctors, and psychologists are not. Both professionals may conduct evaluations and provide expert opinions, and some may also provide therapy depending on their role, but only a forensic psychiatrist can prescribe medication.

The education for these two fields is slightly different as well. Psychiatrists receive medical training in brain and body systems, while psychologists receive extensive training in psychological assessment and behavior, and some specialize in brain-behavior relationships.

Forensic psychiatrists and forensic psychologists may perform similar roles, like determining whether someone is competent to stand trial or acting as an expert witness. Much of what is discussed here applies to both professions.

The role of a forensic psychiatrist

The most frequent role of a forensic psychiatrist likely involves conducting mental health evaluations for legal purposes. While the Hollywood version of a forensic psychiatrist is usually investigating serial killers or kidnappers, in reality, a forensic psychiatrist comes into contact with a variety of different people. For this reason, they need strong clinical skills, like conducting assessments, writing reports, interviewing, and excellent communication skills, particularly if they are called as an expert witness in a courtroom.

Forensic psychiatrists may be tasked with determining whether or not someone accused of a crime is mentally competent to stand trial. But forensic psychiatrists can perform many other tasks, including child custody evaluations, threat assessments, screening law enforcement applicants, and assessing mental health and the effectiveness of treatment programs for adult and juvenile offenders.

What makes this field different?

The biggest thing that makes forensic psychiatry different from other specialties in the field is is its focus on legal questions and standards rather than solely clinical treatment. While most psychiatrists treat patients to help them improve their mental health and their lives, forensic psychiatry typically involves a legal context. When a forensic psychiatrist is needed, the person they are helping typically is somehow involved in the legal system. While they may support them through any anxiety or depression stemming from their legal troubles, the forensic psychiatrist’s primary role is to meet the specific legal need they are tasked with.

How to become a forensic psychiatrist

Becoming a forensic psychiatrist involves many steps, and the education and training can take as many as ten years.

The first step to pursuing this career is earning a bachelor’s degree. After completion of this degree, people who wish to be forensic psychiatrists must attend medical school. Medical school programs often last about four years, with the first two years focusing on academic courses and labs and the final two years on clinical practice.

After completing medical school, those who still want to pursue forensic psychiatry must complete a residency, where they practice under an experienced doctors in their specialty. Residency programs are typically around four years long. Those hoping to specialize in forensic psychiatry will likely have to complete their residency in general psychiatry. During this time, they will also take licensing exams.

The next step is to do a fellowship. This is typically a one-year program that provides experience directly in the field of forensic psychiatry. In addition to related clinical experience, fellows complete more specialized academic courses and research. After completing a fellowship, doctors can work independently. They can apply for board certification in forensic psychiatry through the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology (ABPN).

Other necessary skills

While education and training are significant aspects of becoming a forensic psychiatrist or a forensic psychologist, some personality traits are helpful, too. People in these roles need strong communication skills. They must have excellent attention to detail and be good at critical thinking. Forensic psychiatrists and forensic psychologists must be able to stay open-minded and remain objective. They may spend a lot of time working with individuals involved in the legal system or people accused of crimes, so they must remain ethical and follow the legal process. People in this field will face many complex topics, like crime, death, domestic violence, and child abuse. They must be resilient and strong-minded to deal with these heavy things on a regular basis.

Getting career guidance

The role of a forensic psychiatrist is often glamorized on TV and in the movies, but there is a lot more to this career than many people realize. Forensic psychiatrists may do work like what is seen on the screen, but they also work in schools, prisons, hospitals, and other institutions.

Platforms like BetterHelp have a wide range of available professionals, and you can attend sessions from home or anywhere you have an internet connection. BetterHelp now offers psychiatry services through UpLift as an additional care option alongside therapy, which may include medication management when clinically appropriate and based on a licensed psychiatric provider’s evaluation. Medication availability and coverage may vary by member location, clinical appropriateness, and individual pharmacy/insurance benefits. Prescribing decisions are made by the treating clinicians. We do not guarantee that any specific medication will be prescribed or covered by a member’s insurance plan. Plus, research shows that online therapy is just as effective as in-person treatment for many concerns. If you’re ready to get started, sign up with BetterHelp to take the next step or learn more about getting started with psychiatry services through UpLift.