What is forensic psychiatry?
First the basics--psychiatrists differ from psychologists
primarily in that the former has a medical degree and thus may prescribe
medication. Psychologists are Ph.D.'s. Both psychiatrists and psychologists
are trained in psychotherapy, or "talk therapy". Psychologists
tend to have greater expertise in psychometric testing such as the MMPI
or Rorschach tests. There are other practitioners of psychotherapy such
as licensed clinical workers and marriage, family and child counselors.
Psychiatrists attend four years of post-graduate education following medical
school in order to become board eligible. Approximately half of psychiatrists
who have completed their training go on to become certified by the American
Board of Psychiatry and Neurology.
Forensic psychiatry is the application of medical mental health expertise
for legal purposes. It differs from clinical psychiatry in that the evaluator
is acting in a non-treating role as an arm of the attorney, judge or other
party to answer a medical or legal question and not necessarily in a "healing"
role. Unlike clinical psychiatry, there is no doctor-patient or psychotherapist-patient
relationship.
This is distinguished from correctional psychiatry which is the practice
of clinical psychiatry in a prison or other correctional facility.
There is a subspecialty examination of the American Board of Psychiatry
and Neurology called Special Qualifications in Forensic Psychiatry. At
this time there are only a few hundred psychiatrists nationwide who have
taken and passed this examination of which Dr. O'Brien is one.
A forensic psychiatrist may deal with mental health issues related to either
criminal or civil issues. An example of the former would be examination
of a defendant for insanity or incompetence. An example of the latter would
be an examination of a disability claimant or a malpractice plaintiff.
Dr. O'Brien's forensic practice at this time is dedicated primarily to
civil matters especially disability evaluation. He also maintains an active
clinical practice. He is a member of the American Academy of Psychiatry
and Law, the nation's premier professional organization of forensic psychiatry.