Helping you make your best case
WHAT IS FORENSIC PSYCHIATRY?
The Expert Adviser
Forensic psychiatry is a medical subspecialty that includes research and clinical practice in the many areas in which psychiatry is applied to legal issues.
Forensic psychiatrists specialize in the ways in which the mental health and legal system overlap. We consult with attorneys (both defense and prosecution), work with corporations and government entities, as well as serving as expert witnesses in courtroom.
DR. YARNELL-MAC GRORY, MD, PHD
Forensic Psychiatry Expert
Dr. Yarnell-Mac Grory is a leading expert in forensic psychiatry. After graduating top of her medical school class with both an MD and a PhD, she went on to train in Adult and Adolescent Psychiatry at Yale University. She then completed further sub-specialization in Law and Psychiatry (Forensic Psychiatry) at Yale University where she gained first hand experience working with and consulting for attorneys, testifying in court, working in a correctional setting, as well as legal courses with Yale Law School. Afterward she completed additional training in Addiction Psychiatry at Yale University, specializing in opioid use disorders. Dr. Yarnell-Mac Grory maintains faculty appointments at Yale and has previously been faculty at Brown Medical School. She has served as the Assistant Chief of Psychiatry for the Rhode Island medical system (BHDDH) and as Chief of Forensic Services for the Rhode Island State Hospital, Eleanor Slater.
Dr. Yarnell-Mac Grory is a dual doctorate who trained at the top program, Yale University, in psychiatry, forensic psychiatry, and addiction psychiatry.
She has experience as an expert witness (including testimony).
She works in both civil and criminal cases.
She is experienced in assessment of: violence risk, criminal responsibility, insanity, asylum, disability, custody, and more.
She has experience in policy work and legislation.
She is one of only a few individuals dual trained in forensics and addictions making her a highly sought after expert.
Board Certified. Licensed in Connecticut, Rhode Island, and North Carolina.
SERVICES
Dr. Yarnell-Mac Grory has experience working in multiple areas. Common cases include:
CRIMINAL RESPONSIBILITY
This type of evaluation looks for mitigating factors and criminal culpability. This category includes "the insanity defense."
COMPETENCE, CIVIL AND CRIMINAL
Whether the question is if the client is competent to stand trial or competent to sign a will, situations arise around a client's ability to comprehend a situation frequently arise.
INVOLUNTARY TREATMENT
Situations occur when people must be hospitalized against their will for their protection or the protection of the general population. However, the scope of this is limited and question of use can and does arise.
VIOLENCE RISK ASSESSMENTS
At times hospitals and other organizations need advice on how best to handle potentially dangerous patients. Is the current plan enough? Is this person safe for discharge? How risky is this person?
MALPRACTICE
Humans make mistakes and physicians are no different, but does the error rise to the level of malpractice? What is the standard of care?
MENTAL DISABILITY AND FITNESS FOR DUTY
According to global research, mental health issues top the list of disabling conditions. Unsurprisingly, situations arise where individuals are no longer able to work due to mental health issues.
PSYCHIC INJURY
In our litigious culture, the question of damages due to mental or psychiatric reasons occurs fairly commonly. Does your case qualify?
CHILD CUSTODY AND VISITATION
As tragic as these cases may be, at times a medical and mental health evaluation is needed to determine an individual's ability to parent or even visit their children.
ASYLUM
Individuals are sometimes forced to leave their homeland due to danger or persecution. In some, these experiences can cause mental and emotional issues that are relevant to their asylum application.
ETHICS AND HUMAN RIGHTS
The world we live in is incredibly complex and with the advent of new technologies and ever evolving cultural norms come conflicts between competing morals and values.
CONFIDENTIALITY
Communications between a doctor and a patient are typically considered confidential, but situations arise in which confidentiality must be broken. When is it okay to breach confidentiality?
CORRECTIONAL PSYCHIATRY
Jails and prisons are now one of the largest suppliers of mental health treatment in the United States, necessitating psychiatrists working for or with the Department of Corrections.
OTHER
No one list could possibly name all the situations that can arise.
Dr. Yarnell-Mac Grory welcomes new cases of all types.
"Doctor, I can’t say enough about how professionally gratifying it was to work with someone like you. I wouldn’t hesitate to call on you again or to refer my colleagues to you as well."
Neal Rogan, Attorney
"Professional start to finish. Excellent communication. Excellent report. Highly recommend for your legal needs."
A.C.
“I’ve worked with Dr. Stephanie Yarnell-Mac Grory several times now and can definitely say I’ve never collaborated with someone more professional. I’ll definitely be using her again.”
D. Williams
"Thorough and detailed. The report was extremely well thought out and made a strong case for my client. Will definitely use again."