Forensic Services

Mission | Faculty | Fellowship | FAQ | Contact

USF Psychiatry and the LawMISSION - At the USF Psychiatry and the Law Division, our mission is to educate students, physicians in training and mental health professionals about mental health and behavioral issues as they relate to the law by providing an environment of professional excellence in clinical services and research.

VISION - Our vision at the USF Psychiatry and the Law Division is to be recognized as a Regional Leader in forensic psychiatry education, services and multidisciplinary research initiatives.

CORE VALUES - The faculty at the USF Psychiatry and the Law Division embrace the core values of excellence, objectivity and professionalism in all educational, clinical and research endeavors.
 
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Faculty

  • Scott F. Barnett, J.D., LL.M.
    Title: Assistant Professor, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences
    Intake Coordinator, USF Forensic Division
    Executive Director, Mental Health America of Greater Tampa Bay
    Credentials: Admitted to the Florida Bar
    Special Interests in Forensic Psychiatry: Teaching forensic fellows about the legal system, Advocacy Issues in Mental Health
  • Ryan F. Estevez, M.A., M.D., Ph.D., M.P.H.
    Title: Assistant Professor, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences
    Chief, Psychiatric Consultation Service, Tampa General Hospital
    Credentials: Diplomate, American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology
    Board Certification in Adult Psychiatry, Psychosomatic Medicine, Geriatric Psychiatry, Forensic Psychiatry, and Addiction Medicine
    Special Interests in Forensic Psychiatry: Criminal and Civil Competency, Independent Medical Examinations, Dementia, Traumatic Brain Injury, Chemical Dependence, Expert Witness, End of Life Issues
  • Francisco Fernandez, M.D.
    Title: Professor and Chairperson, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences
    Director, Institute for Research In Psychiatry; Interim Director, Silver Child Development Center
    Interim Chief Forensic Services Division
    Credentials: Diplomate, American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology
    Special Interests in Forensic Psychiatry: End of Life issues, AIDS, Traumatic Brain Injury, Dementia
  • Isis V. Marrero, M.D.
    Title: Assistant Professor and Associate Training Director
    Credentials: Diplomate, American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology
    Special Interests in Forensic Psychiatry: Psychiatric Disability, Civil Commitments, Competence to Stand Trial, Criminal Responsibility, Ethical Issues, Fitness for Duty, Independent Medical Examinations
  • Michelle Mattingly, PhD, ABPP-CN
    Title: Assistant Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences
    Credentials: Diplomate, American Board of Clinical Neuropsychology
    Clinical Neuropsychologist
    Coordinator, Memory Disorders Clinic
    Clinical Division: Adult and Pediatric Clinical Neuropsychology
    Special Interests in Forensic Psychiatry: Dementia, Sports Concussion, Forensic Neuropsychology, Traumatic Brain Injury, Carbon Monoxide Exposure, Pediatric and Adult Brain Tumors and Cancers Affecting the Central Nervous System, Seizure Disorders, Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI), Parkinson’s Disease and Stroke. served as a forensic consultant in various states and to law enforcement.
  • Carlos Santana, M.D.
    Title: Associate Professor of Psychiatry
    Director of Outpatient Department
    Director of Research in Psychiatry Division
    Credentials: Diplomate, American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology
    Special Interests in Forensic Psychiatry: Expert witness, IME's, scientific adviser to legal team and disability
  • Mike R. Schoenberg, Ph.D., ABPP-CN
    Title: Associate Professor and Chief of Neuropsychology
    Credentials: Diplomate, American Board of Clinical Neuropsychology
    Special Interests in Forensic Psychiatry: Forensic Neuropsychology, Traumatic Brain Injury, Epilepsy, Worker's Compensation, Return to work, Independent Medical Examination.
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FAQs

What is Forensic Psychiatry?

Forensic Psychiatry is the subspecialty within psychiatry where mental health principles and the law interact.

What is the role of the forensic psychiatric evaluator?

The role of the forensic psychiatrist is to serve as a consultant to the legal system or other third party by applying his/her psychiatric knowledge and clinical skills.

Who could request a forensic evaluation?

The faculty in the USF Psychiatry and the Law Division serve as consultants to courts, lawyers, corporations, insurance agencies and law enforcement.

What does a forensic psychiatric evaluation involve?

It depends on a number of factors such as the type of case, the referral source, specific legal questions and the needs of the referring agency. In general, a forensic psychiatric consultation may involve a review of records and other collateral data, Independent Medical Examinations (IMEs), clinical interviews of other persons with relevant information, preparation of reports, and deposition or trial testimony.

Who should I contact for more information or to request an evaluation?

Please refer to the "Contact Us" section.

Which forensic psychiatric services are offered by the USF Psychiatry and the Law Division?

The USF Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences has a number of psychiatrists and psychologists with specific training and/or interests in diverse areas of Forensic Psychiatry. Some of the areas where faculty members have particular expertise include:
  • Child Custody and Visitation Matters
  • Children and Adolescent Issues
  • Civil Commitments
  • Competence to Stand Trial (adults and juveniles)
  • Competence to Waive Miranda Rights
  • Criminal Responsibility (adults and juveniles)
  • End of Life Issues
  • Ethical Issues
  • Fitness for Duty
  • Guardianships
  • Homicide
  • Independent Medical Examination (IME)
  • Personal Injury
  • Psychiatric Disability
  • Psychiatric Malpractice
  • Sex Crimes
  • Suicide Risk Assessments
  • Testamentary Capacity
  • Traumatic Brain Injury
  • Violence Risk Assessments
  • Worker's Compensation
Which geographic areas are served by the USF Psychiatry and the Law Division?

There are no specific geographic restrictions. Although most of the evaluations performed by our faculty are at the local and state level, different faculty members have served as forensic psychiatry consultants nationally and abroad.
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Contact Us

SCOTT F. BARNETT, J.D., LL.M
Assistant Professor of Psychiatry
Morsani College of Medicine
12901 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., MDC 102
Tampa, FL 33612

Voice 813.974.0501
FAX 813.974.1130

Email sbarnet1@health.usf.edu
 
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