Cultural Competence in Forensic Mental Health: A Guide for Psychiatrists, Psychologists, and Attorneys

As culturally relevant psychiatry becomes common practice, the need for competent and culturally relevant forensic psychiatry comes to the forefront. This volume, written by one expert in cultural psychiatry and another in forensic psychiatry addresses that need. By combining their expertise in these areas, they are able to develop and create a new body of knowledge and experiences addressing the issue of the cultural aspects of forensic psychiatry. Beginning with an introduction to cultural and ethnic aspects of forensic psychiatry, this volume will address basic issues of the practice, as well as more detailed areas ranging from the various psychiatric disorders to intensive analysis and discussion of how to perform forensic psychiatric practice in a culturally relevant and competent way. Also the book suggests methods for continued awareness and sensitivity to issues of cultural and ethnic diversity in the field.

Daryl Matthews is Professor of Psychiatry and Director of the Forensic Psychiatric Program at the University of Hawaii, School of Medicine. He is a member of the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology, Forensic Certification Committee.