Nick Dumas

1.To obtain a B.A.
it usually takes 4 years

2.Forensic Psychiatrist mostly pursue a career in law
enforcement or criminology.
What Does a Forensic Psychiatrist Do? Do You Work With Lots of
Criminals and Gory Crimes?
 Most forensic psychiatrists don't specialize in criminal matters, and those that do spend
a lot of their time in work that isn't very sensational (but occasionally it is sort of gory).
The word "forensic" refers to anything that has to do with the law (or it can refer to
debating, as some of you smarter readers know from speech class). Forensic
psychiatrists thus may be involved with criminal matters, civil litigation (such as
malpractice lawsuits), competence to do things (like make a will, consent to medical
care, or take care of children), child custody, treating and working with mentally ill
people who get in trouble with the law, helping victims of crimes, helping lawyers and
judges understand the psychological aspects of their cases, and many other things.
 Most forensic psychiatrists don't specialize in criminal matters, and those that do spend
a lot of their time in work that isn't very sensational (but occasionally it is sort of gory).
The word "forensic" refers to anything that has to do with the law (or it can refer to
debating, as some of you smarter readers know from speech class). Forensic
psychiatrists thus may be involved with criminal matters, civil litigation (such as
malpractice lawsuits), competence to do things (like make a will, consent to medical
care, or take care of children), child custody, treating and working with mentally ill
people who get in trouble with the law, helping victims of crimes, helping lawyers and
judges understand the psychological aspects of their cases, and many other things.
How is forensic psychiatrist useful to the legal process?
 When legal matters involve issues outside lay expertise, lawyers and judges regularly seek
consultation from professionals in a wide variety of fields, including medical specialty.
Sometimes the expertise is sought in an effort to provide the best possible information to
judges or juries, but thee are many other situations in which a prudent attorney or other party
may request consultation.
How much do forensic professionals make?
 Private fees in my psychiatric subspecialty range from about $150/hour to

about $700/hour. The latter is for one or two people who are internationally
known for extremely specialized stuff. Most well trained and experienced
forensic psychiatrists charge between $250 and $500/hour. Sometimes we
discount our fees.
 Forensic psychologists usually charge a bit less. The most expensive I

know charge around $300-350/hour. The least expensive (but well-qualified)
ones I know charge around $150/hour
Is a forensic psychiatrist the same thing as a forensic psychologist?
 No. Psychiatrists are physicians with specialty training in the understanding,

diagnosis, and treatment of mental disorders.
 This includes biological evaluations and treatments (such as laboratory

tests and medications), psychotherapy, and family & social issues.
 Doctoral-level (e.g., Ph.D.) psychologists are professionals in their own

right, and may have special expertise in topics not usually studied in detail
by psychiatrists (such as psychological testing).
Why does there always seem to be a forensic psychiatrist (or other
forensic professional) willing to testify on either side of a trial?
 When working in civil or criminal litigation, the forensic psychiatrist’s job is to

assess the relevant facts thoroughly and, if asked, offer an opinion about
them. If the expert’s opinion is helpful to the lawyer’s case, he or she maybe
asked to express that opinion via report or testimony.
 This is the attorney’s decision, not the expert’s (except when the expert is
appointed specifically for the court’s own use). If the opinion does not
support the lawyer’s case, the expert will not be asked to report or testify,
and the opinion remains hidden from the court.
 Thus a lawyer may consult with many experts before finding one whose
opinion supports his or her side of the case. Experts’ may disagree, of
course, but each should arrive his or her view objectively; opinions must not
be created to please the attorney.
What about cultural things and personal preferences, like accents or the way
someone dresses?
 Like much of psychiatry and the mental health professions, familiarity with
U.S. culture and society is important. Being well educated and experienced
may not be enough. Forensic professionals also need to be able to
communicate clearly to the people they evaluate or interview, attorney may
choose someone else.
 lawyers and judges, other professionals, and sometimes juries. While some
forensic fields depend a bit less on that familiarity and interpersonal
communication, a lawyer who retains a forensic clinician is entitled to expect
him or her to be articulate, to present himself or herself appropriately, and to
be able to convey his or her findings in a clear and the
 convincing manner. If the lawyer believes that a heavy accent or some
aspect of one's physical appearance or behavior would not convey the
findings very well to a judge or jury.

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1.To obtain a B.A.

it usually takes 4 years

Criminals and Gory Crimes?

 Private fees in my psychiatric subspecialty range from about $150/hour to

 Forensic psychologists usually charge a bit less. The most expensive I

 No. Psychiatrists are physicians with specialty training in the understanding,

 This includes biological evaluations and treatments (such as laboratory

 Doctoral-level (e.g., Ph.D.) psychologists are professionals in their own

forensic professional) willing to testify on either side of a trial?

 When working in civil or criminal litigation, the forensic psychiatrist’s job is to

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