Elective Years 3 and 4: Introduction to Forensic Psychiatry

Department: Psychiatry
Title:

Introduction to Forensic Psychiatry

Diversification = R1 Psychiatry

Location: Primarily: Acute Assessment and Treatment Unit (3-7) Alberta Hospital Edmonton, Building 3, 17480 Fort Road; various other sites
Duration: Minimum 2 weeks
Contact:

University of Alberta Students Placement Contact: Placement Contact: Chelsey Konowalyk umepsych@ualberta.ca 780-492-7604

Visiting Medical Students: visitingelectives@ualberta.ca

Overview:

It is reported that 10% of the general population have a criminal record and studies have suggested an increase in the number of mentally ill patients coming into contact with the criminal justice system. At some point, all Psychiatric Residents and most physicians will have to deal with violent or potentially violent mentally disordered persons. This elective introduces students to the wide variety of work within the subspecialty of forensic psychiatry to provide a better understanding of criminal and violent behaviour among psychiatric patients.

Students will receive firsthand experience in the evaluation and assessment of violent mentally disordered offenders, sexual offenders, and/or juvenile offenders. This elective allows for a broad sampling of contact with mentally disordered persons who are at various stages of their interface with the criminal justice system. Patients are seen for a variety of offenses from simple mischief charges to stalking and homicide offenses. Individuals who are acutely ill and incarcerated can be seen at the Remand Centre. Offenders who are being assessed for the Court are also seen at the Remand Centre. Patients found not criminally responsible (not guilty by reason of insanity) of offenses who are in the process of reintegrating themselves into the community can be seen at Alberta Hospital. There is a possibility of attendance at Criminal Court or Boards of Review for active cases.

Objectives:

Knowledge to Gain: Students will: understand the role of mental illness and mental disorder in violence and criminal behaviour, have a better understanding of the assessment of risk and the identification of high risk individuals, understand the basic principles of violence and risk management, and have basic understanding of the law and its role in the assessment and treatment of mentally disordered violent and criminal offenders.

Skills to Acquire: Interview and assessment techniques of mentally disordered offenders. Clinical assessment of risk and risk management. Application of legal principles to both forensic and general psychiatric practice.

Attitudes to Learn: It is expected that the student will: have utmost regard for the rights of patients and offenders, be extremely clear about their own boundaries and professional obligations when dealing with patients and criminal justice system, and integrate themselves well into the multidisciplinary team and appreciate expertise of allied disciplines in dealing with offenders.

Additional Notes:

General Psychiatry rotation or electives strongly recommended.

If you wish to attend at correctional facilities, contact Dr. Choy at least 4 weeks prior to start date in order to apply for security clearance.

Last Updated: November 25, 2022