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Thank you for your interest in our Forensic Psychiatry Fellowship. Psychiatry, like other disciplines, is a rich field with myriad fascinating areas of study but is unique in how closely the mental health and legal systems interact. From challenging medical decision-making capacity consults to civil commitment, competency to stand trial and criminal responsibility, there are numerous ways in which the legal and mental health systems are dependent on each other. Our goal is to train thoughtful, compassionate and driven psychiatrists who can be the best possible consultants for the legal system or wherever their career may take them, be that work in the correctional setting, in state hospitals or in policymaking roles.  

Numerous stakeholders in Central Texas and across the state have called attention to a critical shortage of forensic psychiatrists statewide, which has led to delays in critically needed psychiatric treatment for people who are justice-involved and contributes to months-long waitlists for state hospital admissions. Our program leverages the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Science’s partnerships with Austin State Hospital — a state-of-the-art psychiatric facility in the heart of Austin — Integral Care, the Travis County Sheriff’s Office and Ascension Seton to train the next generation of forensic psychiatrists who will go on to improve the health of the community in Central Texas and beyond. 

Graduates of the program will be primed to address the unique needs of individuals with mental health needs in the justice system, ensuring they receive expert forensic assessments as well as the care and support they deserve. The fellowship’s curriculum involves a close collaboration between multiple Texas medical schools. It will prepare graduates to become transformative leaders with experience drawing from various fields including healthcare, law enforcement, and policymaking. We welcome your interest in our program and hope to hear from you. 

Dana M. C. Valdez, M.D. 
Program Director