Forensic Psychiatry
What Clients Can Expect
- Attorneys should advise clients of the general nature of the forensic interview.
- The informed consent process will allow for clients to have their attorneys present for most interviews. Please advise your client if you wish to be present or not.
- Many interviews are audiotaped and clients should discuss the implications of this with their attorney.
- Clients should have directions and a contact number before traveling. Parking is available for free in the front of the building, but a pass must be obtained from the front entrance receptionist. Travel vouchers will be signed on site if provided.
- When they arrive they may simply check in at the “Patient Area” and let the receptionist know they have arrived. Often they will be asked to complete some forms that should not be considered confidential.
- The forensic expert will be paged and will come out to greet them by last name.
- Most interviews last between 15 minutes and 3 hours, but clients should be prepared to stay for a half or whole day (as scheduled). They will be escorted to and from all interviews throughout the day.
- Psychological testing may be conducted as a part of the interview even if not previously scheduled. If extensive testing is necessary, then the client may be rescheduled for additional days.
- Clients should not expect family members to attend the interviews.
- Glasses, hearing aids, drink or food should be brought. A cafeteria is located in the hospital.
- Clients should take medications as usual in the morning and also throughout the day if prescribed.
- Although efforts are made to assure convenience and comfort, clients should make the expert aware if they are uncomfortable or wish to end the interview or testing at any time.
Please contact the Division of Forensic Psychiatry and the West Virginia University School of Medicine for further information regarding the nature of forensic psychiatry evaluations or the discipline of forensic psychiatry.
