Forensic Psychiatry

Forensic psychiatry specializes in the treatment and assessment of the mental disorders of prisoners and other individuals who have legal restrictions. This branch of psychiatry encompasses mental health and the law. The roles of forensic psychiatrists include determining an individual’s competency to stand trial, providing psychotherapy and associated treatments to inmates, giving sentencing recommendations on mental state related cases, and facilitating the risk management of past offenders. For instance, a forensic psychiatrist assesses a defendant and testifies that he is not guilty by reason of insanity.