Collaborative Forensic Psychiatry Didactics Series

The Collaborative Forensic Psychiatry Didactics Series is a statewide educational initiative that unites forensic psychiatry fellows and faculty from leading academic institutions across Texas.

  • University of Texas at Southwestern
  • Baylor College of Medicine
  • Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center – Lubbock
  • Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center – El Paso
  • University of Texas Medical Branch
  • University of Texas at Tyler
  • University of Texas at Austin
  • University of Texas at San Antonio
  • University of Texas at Houston

Didactics are conducted virtually and held every Friday at 8:00 AM and 12:00 PM CST and the curriculum is comprehensive and organized into following topics:

  • Introduction to Forensic Psychiatry and Law
    History, legal systems, legal research tools, and foundational evaluation/report writing skills.
  • Criminal Law
    Competency to stand trial, insanity defenses, sentencing, correctional psychiatry, juvenile justice, and sexual offense evaluations.
  • Types of Evidence
    Psychological testing, memory and confessions, malingering, neuroimaging, and emerging technologies like AI and genetics.
  • Civil Law
    Civil commitment, forced treatment, risk assessments, disability evaluations, malpractice, and immigration-related cases.
  • Family and Probate Law
    Guardianship, testamentary capacity, child custody, elder and child abuse, and special education law.
  • Career Development
    Career pathways in private practice, public service, corrections, and academia.
  • Forensic Ethics
    Topics include dual agency, boundaries, and the Goldwater Rule.

Landmark Case Discussions

The series incorporates analysis of key landmark legal cases in forensic psychiatry, such as Dusky v. United States, Sell v. United States, Tarasoff v. Regents, and Atkins v. Virginia, among others. These discussions help fellows understand the legal precedents shaping psychiatric practice in civil and criminal contexts.

Mock Trials and Case Conferences

To reinforce learning and develop courtroom skills, the series includes mock trials where fellows practice delivering expert testimony and undergo cross-examination. Regular case conferences allow fellows to present complex cases, receive feedback, and engage in collaborative problem-solving with peers and faculty across institutions.