Clinicians in Court: A Guide to Subpoenas, Depositions, Testifying, and Everything Else You Need to Know

by Allan E. Barsky, Jonathan W. Gould Phd ABPP

Mental health professionals are often called on to give evidence or expert testimony in a range of circumstances, including family law and child welfare trials, mental health hearings, malpractice lawsuits, criminal trials, government hearings, and private arbitration.This volume provides practical information and proven guidelines to help clinicians from any background understand their role in legal proceedings--and participate effectively, ethically, and with minimal stress. Including case examples that illustrate each stage of the legal process, the book describes how to respond to subpoenas or contacts from lawyers; what to do to prepare for particular court actions or adjudicative proceedings; and how to ensure that all documentation is complete and legally admissible and confidentiality requirements are met. Also presented is valuable advice on avoiding legal pitfalls and coping with challenging situations on and off the witness stand. Special features include helpful checklists; samples of affidavits, retainer agreements, and other materials that can be adapted for use in the reader's own practice; and a glossary of relevant legal terms.

Genres: Psychology, Psychiatry

246 pages, Hardcover

First published August 15, 2002

Reviews

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was written by a clinician who is also an attorney, so it is a good explanation of the legal process in terms a clinician can understand. As an attorney myself, I agreed with the presentation of information. I even found it entertaining in parts and chuckled once or twice. It might have come across as dry to some. I found it a useful primer for looking at the legal system from the perspective of a witness.

[Brwnbr · Rating 4 out of 5]

Informative text that helps social service practitioners feel comfortable, or at least well-prepared, when heading into court for the first time as a witness.

[Nick Kondyles · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wee bit generalist. Good info nonetheless though, albeit drab.

[Kimtastic · Rating 3 out of 5]

prepping to teach Consultation and Testimony....