User:Kenna.quattro/Forensic psychiatry

Edits I plan to make:
- There are currently sections about the policies for the UK and Canada, so I would like to add a section on the policies in the United States. DONE

- I want to add a section on the education required to become a forensic psychiatrist. DONE

- Forensic psychology vs forensic psychiatry DONE

- Lots of info on the law side of things, but not much about what they do (psychology-wise) DONE

United States
Forensic psychiatrists typically work with attorneys and judges. Their purpose is to mediate psychiatric-legal issues that require a more professional perspective. Their scope of practice also includes helping their clients improve their mental status. A few duties that are typically expected of a forensic psychiatrist include determining readiness for parole, conducting assessments to determine any mental issues, evaluating injuries and their effects on the client, and determining competency. All of these tasks have one thing in common; their main focus is on evaluating the capacity and competence.

These workers play and instrumental role in combating the phenomenon of "double revolving doors" between hospitals and prisons. Many mentally-ill patients will rotate between hospitals and prisons because they are not getting the help that they need. Part of why this job is so important is because legal decisions are not made lightly and require an in-depth analysis of anyone involved. Many people fail to consider the ethical difficulties that come with this job. They must be able to relay their findings to the judge and jury. They must maintain confidentiality while doing what is best for their patient. Forensic psychiatrists have a background in both the medical aspect of psychiatry as well as the legal aspects of a courtroom.

Educational requirements
A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who has completed undergraduate school, medical school, and residency training. Forensic psychiatrists typically have additional training that is relevant to the job they hold (such as a focus in child/adolescent, geriatric, or addiction). Many forensic psychiatrists will complete a more specific training after their residency in a related area. This training typically lasts another one or two years. Because they have earned a doctorate in medicine (MD), they are able to both diagnose and treat disorders related to their mental state. They are also able to prescribe medication.

Forensic psychiatry
Forensic psychiatrists focus on how biology applies to the legal system. They focus more on the scientific facts as well as diagnosing and treating mental disorders. They legally assess clients, provide a diagnosis, and can prescribe medication if necessary. They are licensed medical doctors (MD) that make roughly $190,000 annually.

Forensic psychology
Forensic psychologists examine how different disorders and conditions can apply in court. Their jobs typically entail working as research assistants and probation officers. They often determine trial competancy, assess the risk of inmates, and aid in jury selection. Forensic psychologists can use information learned about mental health and criminal justice to advocate for those who are mentally ill. After earning a master's and a PhD in psychology or a Doctor of Psychology, PsyD, they can become forensic psychologists. While they are required to be licensed by the state, they are not required to be medical doctors. This means that they cannot prescribe medication. Forensic psychologists make roughly $67,000 annually.