Forensic Psychiatric Assessment
Independent forensic psychiatric assessments for criminal proceedings in England and Wales. Our experienced forensic psychiatrists evaluate defendants and offenders, providing opinion on mental disorder, fitness to plead, criminal responsibility, disposal, and risk.
When This Report Is Instructed
- Defence solicitors requiring psychiatric assessment of defendants
- Crown Prosecution Service seeking expert psychiatric opinion
- Cases where mental disorder may be relevant to culpability
- Sentencing hearings requiring psychiatric evidence
- Parole Board hearings and licence recall matters
- Appeals against conviction or sentence on psychiatric grounds
What the Report Covers
- Comprehensive forensic psychiatric assessment
- Review of prosecution evidence, defence statements, and medical records
- Assessment of current mental state and psychiatric diagnosis
- Evaluation of mental state at the time of the alleged offence
- Opinion on fitness to plead where instructed
- Assessment of criminal responsibility and relevant defences
- Evaluation of the relationship between mental disorder and offending
- Risk assessment using structured professional judgment
- Opinion on disposal options including hospital orders
- Recommendations for treatment and risk management
The report provides independent expert psychiatric opinion to assist the court or tribunal and does not determine liability, findings of fact, or legal outcomes.
Expert Standards
Duty to the Court
Independent, objective opinion uninfluenced by the instructing party.
CPR Part 35 Compliance
Full compliance with CPR Part 35 and Practice Direction.
Statement of Truth
Expert declaration and Statement of Truth included.
This applies equally to claimant, defendant, and single joint expert instructions.
How to Instruct
Send your instruction
Email instruct@psychiatric.report with your letter of instruction, relevant documents, medical records, and questions to address.
Assessment arranged
Assessment arranged remotely or at a suitable location, as required by the instruction.
Draft report issued
Draft report provided for review. Part 35 questions and addenda addressed as applicable.
Final report delivered
Final report with CPR declarations. Court attendance available if required.
Practicalities
Turnaround
3–5 weeks standard; expedited available subject to availability
Indicative Fee
£1,800–£2,500
Subject to complexity and records volume
Additional work: Part 35 questions, addenda, joint statements, and court attendance are available where required. Fees for additional work are confirmed once scope is clear.
We typically respond within 1 working day.