Mental Health Mental Retardation Authority of Harris County, Texas

In order to make it affordable to do a forensic fellowship, we are offering a unique program which will allow the fellow to complete the fellowship over a period of from 1 to 2 years. Those choosing an extended program will work for MHMRA in a regular staff capacity (1/2 to 3/4 time) at a staff psychiatrist salary.

It is a post residency position. The fellow must be eligible for a Texas medical license. The program is structured to prepare the fellow for the forensic psychiatric boards, as well as to provide the fellow with the essential skills and knowledge needed for a successful practice of forensic psychiatry. There is a heavy emphasis on the preparation of high quality written reports and on the presentation of effective courtroom testimony.

The educational experience is divided between the Forensic Psychiatry Unit (certified by the National Commission on Correctional Health Care) at the Harris County Jail, the Juvenile Forensic Program, the family court, the probate court and private attorney case loads. The criminal experience gained at the Harris County Jail is more comprehensive than at most programs. Screening, treating and forensic evaluations occur on site. At the Probate Court the emphasis is on civil commitment, guardianship, competency, and the refusal of treatment.

MHMRA oversees the Juvenile Forensic Detention Center. The Family Court offers an opportunity for involvement in custody issues. Arrangements will be made for the fellow to work with attorneys on personal injury and malpractice cases.

The program is directed by a psychiatrist/attorney who is Board Certified in forensic psychiatry. MHMRA has an experienced staff of Medical-School-affiliated psychiatrists with extensive backgrounds in forensic issues. There is also an opportunity to audit courses at the University of Houston Law School which offers an LL.M. in Health Law. Resources from the U.T.H.S.C. at Houston and the Baylor College of Medicine will be called upon where appropriate. The entire forensic faculty will supervise the fellow in preparing a research project.