The Role of a Forensic Psychiatrist in Court Cases and Patient Care

When you hear the term “forensic psychiatry,” you might imagine dramatic courtroom scenes like you see in the movies. Actually, this specialized field bridges the worlds of mental health and the legal system in important ways that don’t involve Hollywood and fancy movie studios. 

At Wyckoff Wellness Center in Wyckoff, New Jersey, Michael Gentile, MD, offers forensic psychiatry services to guide you in legal matters involving psychiatric issues.

In this month’s blog, we explain what forensic psychiatry is and why it’s important to involve a forensic psychiatrist in certain legal situations.

What is forensic psychiatry?

Forensic psychiatry applies mental health expertise to legal questions in criminal and civil cases. Dr. Gentile offers assessments, consults with attorneys, prepares reports, and, if necessary, can serve as an expert witness in court. 

These evaluations help explain complex psychiatric conditions for judges, juries, and legal counsel, so decisions are informed by accurate medical insight.

Dr. Gentile gets involved when:

• A person’s competence to stand trial needs to be determined
• A legal outcome depends on the mental state of the defendant at the time of the offense
• A child custody evaluation requires a mental health evaluation
• A civil matter requires a disability assessment

Dr. Gentile’s role is to provide impartial expertise that supports justice and fairness.

How a forensic psychiatrist supports the legal system

When you’re navigating a case that touches on mental health, having a professional who understands both psychiatry and the law is necessary. In addition to diagnosing, a forensic psychiatrist translates clinical findings into language the legal system can use.

A forensic psychiatrist may:

• Review medical records
• Conduct clinical interviews
• Assess symptoms of mood disorders, trauma, substance use, and schizophrenia
• Provide written reports that judges and attorneys need to make decisions
• Testify in court to explain psychiatric evaluations in understandable terms

These contributions help shape decisions in criminal defense, competency hearings, civil litigation, and personal injury cases. Attorneys often consult forensic psychiatrists long before a case goes to trial because having insight early can make a significant difference in how a case proceeds.

Patient care

A forensic psychiatrist must always maintain objectivity. Dr. Gentile’s role is as a neutral expert whose opinions are rooted in evidence and clinical best practices.

This objectivity also means ensuring that he correctly assesses any psychiatric condition, whether you’re the subject of a legal concern or you’re seeking clarity for a civil issue. At Wyckoff Wellness Center, we treat you with the utmost respect and professionalism, whether the focus is court-related or part of your ongoing care.

Integrating clinical services

If you’re involved in a legal matter, and you’re managing a condition like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), severe depression, or a treatment-resistant mood disorder, therapeutic recommendations will be provided as part of your court-ordered evaluation.

In line with our holistic approach, we offer services like ketamine infusion therapy, which has helped many patients with debilitating depression and PTSD when other treatments haven’t provided relief. 

After resolution of your legal matter, integrating these clinical options supports overall mental well-being, whether legal issues are present in your life or not.

Contact us today

If you’re facing a legal situation where psychiatric expertise could make a difference, our team is here to support you. Call today or request an appointment using our online system.