Forensic Psychiatry Fellowship

The Division of Forensic Psychiatry at West Virginia University offers a full-time one-year fellowship designed to provide a comprehensive and practical training experience. Fellows benefit from a balanced clinical and didactic curriculum resulting in an exceptional training experience in all aspects of forensic psychiatry. The breadth and depth of forensic training prepares fellows for National Boards. For individuals interested in placing a referral for a forensic evaluation or consultation, please go to Forensics Services and fill out a Referral Form.

The primary training site, Chestnut Ridge Center, is the psychiatric center for WVU Medicine located on the Robert C. Byrd Health Sciences Center campus. The hospital is a regional referral center providing fellows with the quantity and diversity of patient experience necessary for training. Other training sites include a state hospital with designated inpatient forensic units, correctional facilities, a general medical hospital, and affiliated statewide patient care facilities.

The multidisciplinary faculty includes adult and child psychiatrists, forensic psychologists, social workers, and attorneys. Fellows are supervised by fellowship trained and Board Certified forensic psychiatrists.

The didactic curriculum integrates a comprehensive review of forensic issues with in-depth concentration on the essential elements of forensic practice. Individual and group supervision includes both theoretical and pragmatic education.

Fellows are active participants in the educational activities of the department with supervised teaching responsibilities for residents, medical students, and other trainees. There are opportunities for evaluations of civil and criminal cases, inpatient evaluations, research, public policy development, and educational presentations in the community.

Benefits include professional meeting allowance, educational materials, malpractice, and health insurance.

For more information, please contact Program Director Aliana Abascal, MD.