Forensic Psychiatry and Psychology Center

The Forensic Psychiatry and Psychology Center was established in 2009 to address clinical, legal, educational, and academic and public policy concerns involving law and mental health issues. The Center has implemented a broad scope of services and programs to serve the College of Medicine, the region and state.

To schedule an appointment or get more information, attorneys can call us directly at 309-495-1683.

Service Details Heading link

  • Emotional injury
  • Fitness to stand trial
  • Insanity defense
  • Guilty but mentally ill
  • Sentencing (mitigation, diminished capacity, volitional arm defense)
  • Competency to confess
  • Worker’s compensation and fitness for duty
  • Psychiatric malpractice
  • Sexual Harassment
  • Workplace Violence
  • Brain Injury
  • Malingering Evaluation
  • Wrongful Termination
  • Conservatorship and guardianship
  • Testamentary capacity
  • Automatism and other affirmative defense
  • Bail evaluation
  • Release of insanity acquitee
  • Dangerousness
  • Competency of witness to testify
  • Waiver to adult court
  • Juvenile placement

Others services offered include case consultation and preparation, jury sampling, jury selection, and educational programs.

We also offer educational programs on a variety of topics, such as:

  • Mental Disorders: An Overview for the Legal System
  • Expert Witnesses: What Every Attorney Should Know
  • Medical Errors: Sources and Solutions
  • Surviving Deposition and Cross-Examination
  • The Right To Treatment and The Right To Refuse Treatment
  • Informed Consent and the Treatment of Psychosis
  • The Standard of Care in Medical Malpractice Lawsuits

What Clients Can Expect Heading link

It is important to communicate with your attorney

  • Attorneys should advise clients of the general nature of the forensic interview and serve as the primary contact with our office.
  • The informed consent process will allow for clients to have their attorneys present for most interviews. Please advise your client if you wish to be present or not.
  • Some interviews are audiotaped, and clients should discuss the implications of this with their attorney.

Getting here and coming prepared

  • Glasses, hearing aids, drink or food should be brought.
  • Clients should take medications as usual in the morning and also throughout the day if prescribed.
  • Clients should obtain directions to the Methodist Atrium Building and have a contact number before traveling. Parking is available for free near the front entrance. Travel vouchers for certain cases will be signed on site if provided.
  • On arrival, clients should take the elevator to Suite 720 and let the front desk receptionist know they have arrived. Often they will be asked to complete some forms that should not be considered confidential.

The interview process

  • Most interviews last between 30 minutes and 3 hours, but clients should be prepared to stay for a half or whole day (as scheduled).
  • Psychological testing may be conducted as a part of the interview even if not previously scheduled. If extensive testing is necessary, then the client may be rescheduled for additional days.
  • Clients should not expect family members to attend the interviews.
  • Although efforts are made to assure convenience and comfort, clients should make the expert aware if they are uncomfortable or wish to end the interview or testing at any time.