Conclusion: How to Learn More About Forensic Psychiatry

After reading this text, readers’ increased understanding will improve their capacity to discern which forensic issues are within the scope of general psychiatry practice and which are beyond it. For those issues that are beyond the reader’s level of comfort or knowledge, it may be beneficial to consult with or refer to a forensic psychiatrist with more specialized expertise and training in these areas. Forensic psychiatrists have specialized knowledge and skills that they can use to help clinicians understand the law as it applies to their clinical work. Forensic psychiatrists also work with legislators and policy makers to inform legally regulated aspects of psychiatric practice (e.g., civil commitment and involuntary medication). For those readers who have an interest in gaining a greater level of expertise in forensic psychiatry, it may be worthwhile to pursue a forensic psychiatry fellowship. For those not yet prepared to enter in a forensic psychiatry fellowship, additional opportunities to learn about forensic psychiatry are available via engagement with forensic psychiatry professional organizations and scholarly journals.