Transforming Psychiatry and Law: A Practical Guide for Mental Health Professionals

Noted forensic psychiatrist Dr. Robert Simon and legal scholar Daniel Shuman have collaborated to create a unique and practical reference, Clinical Manual of Psychiatry and Law, to help psychiatrists navigate the complex intersection of law and clinical practice.

A Collaborative Approach to Enhance Clinical Practice

Rather than relying on scare tactics or horror stories, Dr. Simon and Professor Shuman provide a clear and comprehensive guide on how to integrate legal requirements into clinical practice, reducing the risk of successful tort claims and enhancing patient care.

Comprehensive Coverage of Key Topics

This comprehensive manual covers a wide range of essential topics, including:

• Confidentiality and privilege
• Informed consent and the right to refuse treatment
• Treatment boundaries and management of violent and suicidal patients
• Involuntary hospitalization, seclusion, and restraint
• Evaluation and treatment of minors or persons with mental disabilities
• Tort claims arising from breaches of legal expectations

The manual also explores the latest legal precedents on topics such as:

• Establishment of the doctor-patient relationship and liability for damages
• Case law regarding informed consent, including competency issues with minors or persons with mental disabilities
• New rules and regulations on seclusion and restraint
• Guides to recent laws on involuntary hospitalization and emergency commitment
• Insights into recent state court decisions on disclosures by therapists of patient threats
• Reviews of recent legislation on sexual misconduct and exploitation

A Valuable Resource for Mental Health Professionals

Clinicians will find this manual immediately practical, while lawyers will appreciate its in-depth treatment of complex psychiatric issues. With extensive references and a glossary of legal terms, Clinical Manual of Psychiatry and Law is an essential resource for mental health professionals seeking to navigate the complex intersection of law and clinical practice.