Goals and Objectives

Adult Forensic Psychiatry Service

The Forensic Program specializes in the evaluation of clients and documents for the purpose of assisting with legal proceedings. The clinicians in the program (psychiatrists and psychologists) work with attorneys to serve as consultants and expert witnesses in cases where psychiatric issues are raised. Many types of cases are appropriate, including (among others):

medical malpractice (mental health care)
other personal injury with mental health damage allegations
decision-making capacity, competence, and guardianship
criminal matters such as fitness to stand trial or an insanity defense
allegations of professional impairment

The Program is directed by Stephen Dinwiddie, MD, a Board-certified psychiatrist with additional Board certification in forensic psychiatry. Other Department faculty participate when their particular areas of expertise are desirable. Consultation, report preparation, and deposition and trial testimony are all available.

Arranging An Evaluation

This Program works directly with attorneys representing the affected party. We do not work with patients who are not represented by an attorney . The attorney will need to sign a Letter of Agreement with the Department in order for us to provide forensic services. Such services are provided to the attorney on an hourly rate basis: they are never provided on a contingency basis, nor are third-party payers involved.

To have a client seen in the Forensic Program, please contact Dr. Dinwiddie directly at 773-834-1239 during normal business hours to discuss the matter.