Forensic PsychiatristBC Mental Health & Substance Use ServicesMultiple roles are availableBritish Columbia, CanadaGeneral InformationPsychiatrists and Psychologists with BC Mental Health & Substance Use Services (BCMHSUS), a program of the Provincial Health Services Authority, report dually to the BCMHSUS Medical Director and to the senior leadership team for their area of service(s). Medical professionals work collaboratively with interdisciplinary teams supporting specific services: the Forensic Psychiatric Hospital, regional clinics, and the Forensic Assertive Community Treatment (FACT). Teams in forensic psychiatry support adults with complex mental health and substance use issues who are involved in the criminal justice system.Working within Forensic Psychiatric Services, the focus will rely on experience in this area of care, along with the assessment and management of substance dependence and mental health issues. A high level of collaboration is used for management of patients through recovery, rehabilitation, as possible, reintegration into the community. As part of the Forensic Psychiatric Services, medical professional team members provide specialized forensic psychiatric and psychological assessment and treatment services to the courts, the BC Review Board, and to the custody and community branches of BC Corrections.Specific roles available include:Forensic Psychiatrist, Forensic Psychiatric Hospital/Regional ClinicsForensic Psychiatrist, Forensic Assertive Community Treatment Team (FACT)Forensic Psychiatrist, Community Transitional Care Program (CTC)Specific AccountabilitiesMedical Expertise
Complete comprehensive assessments including assessing risk to re-offend, upon referral by reviewing the legal orders to ascertain the stage of proceedings and the nature of the assessment requested; interpret assessment results and develop treatment recommendations within formal reports for submission to the courts of law.
Participate in treatment planning conferences, considering a holistic model of care for individual clients and interdisciplinary approach to care.
Knowledge Exchange
Support the ongoing education of the Forensic Psychiatry team through sharing your extensive hands-on experience and background in treating complex clinical problems.
Cross-appointments as faculty at the University of British Columbia are encouraged, with aim to further the knowledge of mental health treatment in the forensic population across the province.
Program Leadership
Lead planning and implementation of care and treatment through innovative services and delivery models, developed by collaborative, cross-service professional teams, e.g. the new Forensic Assertive Community Treatment team (FACT).
Join BCHMSUS in its provincial leadership of system-wide improvement through various initiatives including research, academic teaching, and health promotion.