Leaders in the Field of Forensic Psychiatry
Professional Leader in Forensic Psychiatry
Barrington Psychiatric Center (BPC) has a highly successful 37-year history. It has earned a reputation as one of the professional leaders in the field of forensic psychiatry.
Recognized for its thorough and fair evaluations as well as its successful treatment and consultation programs, BPC provides services in the areas of civil litigation support, long-term disability services, state and federal workers’ compensation evaluations, neuropsychological evaluation and treatment of traumatized workers.
The BPC team evaluates more than 1,000 individuals annually and serves both the defense and the plaintiff communities.
BPC experts have the capability of successfully navigating the health care and legal systems and the skills to communicate effectively with juries, judges, attorneys, insurance adjusters, corporate personnel and governmental representatives.
Known within the industry for its fair and unbiased work, BPC works to uncover and explain the specific underlying issues in every evaluation.
When a BPC clinician begins working with a client, they do the necessary research, consult with all parties, then strategize and create an action plan that will best accomplish agreed upon goals. All opinions are documented with evidence that is based on behavioral and objective sources.
Following a thorough evaluation, BPC clinicians generate clear, relatable and timely reports.
To learn more about the areas BPC services, please select from the following categories:
- Long-Term Disability
- Civil Litigation
- AME, QME, Treatment Evaluations, and Federal Workers’ Compensation
- Neuropsychological Evaluation
- Treatment of Traumatized Workers
How We Began
Barrington Psychiatric Center (BPC) was started in 1972 with a single office and a handful of professionals. BPC founder Raymond J. Friedman, M.D. Ph.D. had the innovative idea of bringing together a team of highly-skilled clinical experts to practice in a forensic group setting.
Dr. Friedman believed that both clients and patients would benefit if they could work with a centralized source to find forensic psychiatric experts to fit their needs. The advantage for clients was that they could use a single source to find the best qualified expert to handle their case. Patients would benefit as well because highly-trained professionals would always be in charge of their evaluation and treatment.
Since its formation, BPC has evolved into a full-service forensic psychiatric group with a national reputation and a unique team of highly-trained psychiatrists, neuropsychologists and psychologists.
BPC has also developed a reputation for the thoroughness and fairness of its evaluations, the success of its treatment and consultation programs, and for its ability to navigate successfully throughout the legal system.
“We’re totally committed to our profession,” said Friedman. “Our experts bring a depth of insight, experience and understanding that greatly benefits both clients and patients.”
Today, BPC is a full-service forensic psychiatric center with 21 offices throughout California. Recognized for providing complete and unbiased evaluations as well as successful treatment and consultation programs, BPC evaluates more than 1,000 individuals annually.
BPC provides consultation services to local companies, communities and governments regarding disability issues.
Forensic Psychiatry
Forensic psychiatry is a sub-specialty of psychiatry that integrates mental health and the law.
Recognized by the judicial system as an expert witness, the forensic specialist strives to control bias in his or her opinions. As a credible witness, the forensic specialist has the added duty of making certain that the opinion being presented is admissible under the law.
A forensic psychiatrist has attended medical school and is a licensed doctor. In the United States, an additional requirement is a one-year fellowship with the option of sitting for a forensic psychiatry board certification. Excellent communication skills are also a requirement in this field, as the clinician must be able to interpret and explain highly complex medical and behavioral data.
The forensic psychiatrist is responsible for probing deep into the complexity of the human mind, applying the facts of the case, establishing an opinion and finally conveying that belief to the court. It’s a critical function that benefits both sides of the legal system.
The origins of modern forensic psychiatry can be traced back to at least the 16th century and legal proceedings throughout England and Europe. By the early 1800s it was becoming common to have a trained doctor appear in court and provide testimony.
Today it is impossible to think of our legal system without forensic psychiatrists. Their role is vital in helping to apply the facts of a case to medical science and reach a legal decision.