Forensic Psychiatry Specialist

What is forensic psychiatry?

Forensic psychiatry is the application of psychiatric medicine to the legal field. The modern understanding of the relationship between mental illness and criminality has made forensic psychiatry a valuable tool in the legal process.

It provides unbiased, expert clinical assessments, and consultations to provide lawyers with information about perpetrators and victims. Both prosecutors and defenders use forensic psychiatry services. They rely on the expertise of forensic psychiatrists to collect information about their clients, and in some cases, present that information in court during a trial. 

What does a forensic psychiatrist do?

As a forensic psychiatrist, Dr. Gentile provides his expertise to the legal system. He evaluates the mental state of alleged perpetrators as well as victims to identify conditions, including:

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Psychosis
• Post-traumatic stress disorder
• Substance abuse

Dr. Gentile helps lawyers understand the people in their cases. When needed, Dr. Gentile can testify in court or provide a report detailing his assessment. 

He can explain mental health conditions and provide his expert opinion, including available medical evidence, to judges and juries. Dr. Gentile provides unbiased services and has participated in both defense and prosecution cases. When called upon, his job is not to win the case, but to provide accurate, easy to understand psychiatric information. 

Why would a lawyer use a forensic psychiatrist?

Typically, forensic psychiatrists are involved in a case before it goes to court. For example, if a defense lawyer believes that their client has a mental illness that influenced their alleged behavior, Dr. Gentile can assess the client and provide his expert opinion on their mental health. This information can help the lawyer prepare for court. It’s always better to have all the information so you can prepare for any question or allegation that arises. 

Additionally, if the lawyer needs an “expert” to explain a psychiatric condition to a jury, Dr. Gentile can explain a comprehensive range of mental health conditions and how they affect people. He can explain common symptoms and related behaviors, which can help a lawyer argue for or against a psychiatric claim. 

If you need a forensic psychiatrist for any aspect of a legal case from preparation through testimony, call Wyckoff Wellness Center or make an appointment with Dr. Gentile online today.