Do Forensic Specialists Increase Negative Public Opinion About Mental Health Providers?

OPEN MINDS The Behavioral Health & Social Service Industry Analyst Pro & Con Psychiatrists and psychologists are frequently called upon to give expert testimony in court cases. The publicity of such testimony may create, in the minds of the public, an unfavorable impression of mental health providers. Limits on the use of such expert testimony have been recommended by those who cite research that suggests that such testimony is not much more accurate than random opinion. However, proponents argue that while psychiatric testimony is given more notoriety, such testimony is no different from expert testimony provided by other professions. How . . .