Forensic psychiatry is a subspecialty of psychiatry that deals with the interface between law and psychiatry. A forensic psychiatrist serves as an expert witness and consultant for civil and criminal attorneys, courts and other entities. A forensic evaluation employs in-depth interview techniques of clinical psychiatry, but also relies upon collateral sources of information. The forensic evaluation is different from a treatment evaluation because the evaluator's duty is to provide a fact-based opinion and not to treat the individual being evaluated.
I am fellowship-trained in forensic psychiatry and have provided forensic consultations in civil and criminal matters. I have been retained as an expert witness by courts, plaintiff, prosecution, and private attorneys and have been qualified as an expert witness in Psychiatry. I am a member of the American Academy of Psychiatry and the Law (AAPL), the American Psychiatric Association (APA) and the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP).
I am willing to provide a free 30 minute consultation to attorneys. Please contact me via the below form if you are interested in learning more, or if you are interested in retaining my services. I can be reached by phone at 415-857-5673 or by email at ariel@schonfeldpsychiatry.com.