What is a Psychiatrist?
A medical doctor (M.D.) with specialized training in the diagnosis and treatment of individuals with mental and select neurological illnesses. Psychiatrists have completed four year residencies in Adult (General) Psychiatry. Board certification in Psychiatry is obtained via the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology (ABPN).
This is in contrast with a psychologist (Ph.D.), who is not a medical doctor. Psychologists are versed in the diagnosis and non-medicinal treatment of individuals with illness but do not have the same training with regards to anatomy and physiology, pharmacology and pathology which are the cornerstone of western medicine. Therefore, psychologists do not have the background necessary to interpret laboratory studies, imaging or co-morbid medical illness.
What is Child and Adolescent Psychiatry?
Child and Adolescent Psychiatry is a sub-specialty of Psychiatry focused on the diagnosis and treatment of children and adolescents with mental illness and select neurological illnesses. A Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist has completed an additional two-year fellowship program in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. Such additional education equips the Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist to evaluate and treat even the youngest of individuals. Board certification in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry is obtained via the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology (ABPN).
What is Forensic Psychiatry?
Forensic Psychiatry is a sub-specialty of Psychiatry focused on the intersection of mental illness and the law. A Forensic Psychiatrist has completed an additional one-year fellowship program in Forensic Psychiatry. This specialized training equips the Forensic Psychiatrist to assist the courts in addressing a variety of issues that lie at the intersection of the law and mental illness. Board certification in Forensic Psychiatry is obtained via the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology (ABPN). Such designation indicates one has dedicated significant time and energy to the practice of Forensic Psychiatry.
Where are the Forensic Psychiatric Evaluations completed?
Forensic Psychiatric evaluations may occur in a variety of locations, including jails and prisons, offices of lawyers or government agencies and in clinical office space. On occasion, an evaluation will simply involve record review and will not require a face to face evaluation.
Are Forensic Psychiatric evaluations confidential?
No. Such evaluations are often sought for the purposes of providing information within a court of law. These evaluations often result in expert testimony and/or a written report that will be shared with the necessary parties.
How much does an evaluation by Comprehensive Forensic Psychiatric Services cost?
Comprehensive Forensic Psychiatric Services has fees comparable to others in the field with similar training, skill and education. Fees are charged by 1/4 hour based on an hourly rate. Hourly charges apply to time spent in record review, correspondence, face to face evaluation, report writing, testimony and travel. A retainer is often required before the start of the evaluation with all accounts in good standing prior to the submission of a final report and/or testimony. Please contact Comprehensive FPS for a quote.
Does Comprehensive Forensic Psychiatric Services provide treatment?
Yes, but only to incarcerated individuals in the custody of state or federal agencies with which Comprehensive FPS has current contracts. Such division between forensic evaluation and treatment is intentional, as it is recommended that no one individual both treat and provide expert evaluation of the same client/patient due to conflict of interest concerns.
An agency seeking to obtain a treatment contract with Comprehensive FPS should call or email . Such services can be provided in a short term or ongoing basis based on the need.
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