Forensic Psychiatry
Dr. Wilkinson is a board-certified psychiatrist with subspecialty certification in child & adolescent psychiatry and fellowship training in forensic psychiatry. He conducts psychiatric evaluations related to legal questions in both civil and criminal contexts, with expertise in issues involving children, adolescents, and adults.
Dr. Wilkinson completed his forensic psychiatry fellowship at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital / Columbia and Cornell, where he received advanced training in legal standards, report writing, and courtroom testimony. He currently serves as a court-appointed forensic evaluator in New York County Criminal Court, where he conducts competency to stand trial evaluations and provides expert testimony. He has also performed court-ordered evaluations for the New York State Office of Mental Health.
Dr. Wilkinson's forensic work includes:
Competency to stand trial
Risk assessments and psychiatric mitigation
Guardianship and capacity evaluations
Child custody and parenting evaluations
Expert consultation in criminal, family, and civil matters
He teaches forensic psychiatry to psychiatry trainees and presents on topics such as forensic ethics, custody evaluation methodology, and psychiatric aspects of criminal responsibility.
While Dr. Wilkinson is a licensed psychiatrist, forensic evaluations are non-treatment services provided at the request of attorneys, courts, or agencies. In such cases, the primary point of contact should generally be legal counsel, and all communications are conducted in accordance with the relevant legal standards and ethical guidelines.
For inquiries regarding forensic services, please contact Dr. Wilkinson directly to discuss the nature of the referral and determine if the case is an appropriate fit.
FAQs
What is forensic psychiatry?
1
Forensic psychiatry involves psychiatric evaluations related to legal questions in civil and criminal cases.
We conduct competency to stand trial, criminal responsibility, custody, disability, personal injury, and risk assessments, among others.
What types of forensic evaluations do you perform?
2
Who is the primary point of contact for a forensic evaluation?
3
Usually, the retaining attorney or legal representative is the primary contact. We coordinate directly with them regarding scheduling and documentation.
How is payment handled for forensic evaluations?
4
Payment is required upfront or as outlined in the engagement agreement. Forensic services are typically paid out-of-pocket or by the retaining party and are not covered by insurance.
Will the information from a forensic evaluation remain confidential?
5
No. Forensic evaluations are conducted for legal purposes, and information is disclosed in reports and testimony as required by the legal process.