Developing a Forensic Practice

by William H. Reid

Developing a forensic practice can be confusing and intimidating. Dr. William Reid, a highly experienced forensic psychiatrist, has written a practical, straightforward guide for clinicians interested in doing it right and increasing their opportunities for a successful transition to forensic work. This book, which will be of interest to many attorneys as well, provides straightforward details, along with many case examples, of lawyer-expert communications and relationships, case assessment, record review, evaluations, reports, deposition and trial testimony, fees and billing, office operations, marketing, liability, and professional ethics. A bonus chapter by a successful malpractice attorney gives a unique and valuable "lawyer’s perspective" on the content and mental health experts in general. The huge appendix provides over 40 highly useful examples of common office forms, letters, reports, and affidavits. Any mental health professional who currently practices, or wants to practice, at the interface of mental health and the law will find this an indispensible practice resource.

320 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2013

About the author

William H. Reid, MD, MPH, is one of America's leading forensic psychiatrists. His professional career includes professorships at several medical schools and serving as medical director of one of the nation's largest state mental health and developmental disability systems. He was president of North America's premiere forensic psychiatry organization (the American Academy of Psychiatry and the Law), has published some 16 books and over 200 professional articles, been an expert witness or consultant in hundreds of criminal and civil cases (for prosecution/plaintiff, defense, or as a judge's expert) at the interface of mental health and the law, and treated thousands of psychiatric patients.

He lives, practices and writes in Horseshoe Bay, Texas, where he enjoys family & friends, plays mediocre tennis, and performs acoustic blues with the best musicians he can find who will tolerate him.