The Forensic Psychology Section in a State HospitalA psychology section functioning in a forensic services center is described and discussed. The legal questions that must be dealt with in such a setting are explained, and psychology's role in answering these questions is explored. The goals of treatment in a forensic unit, which focus on educating a defendant to competency for trial, are discussed, and an example of a treatment program is presented. The functioning of a psychologist in a forensic setting is compared and contrasted with that of a psychologist in the general mental health field.Several recent articles have discussed the importance of psychologists' being responsive to the needs of the criminal justice system (e.g., Gottfredson, 1972;Twain, McGee, & Bennett, 1972;Warren, 1972) and proposed standards for training of the forensic psychologist (e.g., Fenster, Litwack, & Symonds, 1975;Gordon, 1973). But while this discussion goes on,.some psychologists who are not specifically trained for this function are already working in forensic settings. Although the knowledge that psychologists are performing this function comes from personal contacts and communication, a 7-year search of the literature failed to uncover a description of an organized forensic psychology section. The present report describes the psychology section of the Georgia Forensic Services Center. This description, hopefully, will give some insight into how such services are currently operating in one setting and develop interest in the problems and possibilities involved in this type of work. Further, it is the purpose of this article to help educate all applied psychologists about the relevant questions to be answered when doing forensic evaluations, which most undoubtedly will be called upon to do from time to time.
The Georgia Forensic Services CenterThe Georgia Forensic Services Center is a 100-bed maximum-security psychiatric facility for males that is located on the campus of Georgia's largest state hospital. The 30-year-old two-story brick building that houses the forensic services center is divided into three wards of approximately 25 to 35 patients each. The facility is directed by a psychiatrist. The center has a total of 135 employees. They include: four psychiatrists, four social workers, five members of the psychology section, three registered nurses, three LPNs, two mental health associates, one music therapist, two activity therapists, two clinical chaplains, two special education teachers, a training officer, and a business administrator. The remaining employees are attendant/security and clerical personnel. Social-work and psychology students are frequently assigned to the forensic services center for several months of practicum.The Georgia Forensic Services Center provides services to four main types of patients.
