Refusing and Withdrawing from Forensic Evaluations

Abstract

The current study collected descriptive information about the reasons mental health experts decline or withdraw from forensic assessments, both early and late in the legal process. In response to an online survey, 29 forensic psychologists and psychiatrists presented examples of case withdrawal from their professional experiences. Their major reasons included ethical issues or conflicts, payment difficulties, and interpersonal or procedural problems with retaining counsel or evaluees. Clearly, there are compelling personal and professional reasons that prompt forensic mental health experts to withdraw from or turn down cases.

Keywords:

• forensic evaluations
• forensic psychologists
• forensic psychiatrists
• professional issues, case withdrawal