Overview of forensic mental health

Bridging Mental Health, Policy, and the Law — Advancing Forensic Mental Health Practice

UW Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences Grand Rounds

Speaker: Jennifer Piel, MD, JD

May 29, 2026

This presentation provides an overview of forensic mental health and introduces participants to the work of the University of Washington’s Center for Mental Health, Policy, and the Law — a hub for research, education, and policy innovation dedicated to improving outcomes for individuals with behavioral health needs in the context of law.

Objectives:

Participants will gain insight into:

  • The scope of forensic mental health: Applying mental health expertise in legal contexts.
  • The mission of the Center for Mental Health, Policy, and the Law: Advancing empirical research, shaping equitable policy, and training professionals in forensic mental health.
  • Collaborative approaches: How legal, clinical, and policy stakeholders can work together to improve justice and mental health outcomes.