Emotional Damages: Practical Insights into Forensic Psychiatry for Litigating Attorneys

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In Emotional Damages, host and forensic expert Dr. Ambarin Faizi sits down with forensic colleagues, shedding light on their journeys and experiences. Through this podcast, Ambar aims to demystify forensic psychiatry and share practical insights that can aid attorneys in their engagement with forensic experts.

Episodes

  1. Paraphilic Disorders and SVP Evaluations: A Forensic Psychiatrist’s View

    SEP 24

    Paraphilic Disorders and SVP Evaluations: A Forensic Psychiatrist’s View

    Trigger Warning: This episode contains discussions of sexual violence and paraphilic disorders. Listener discretion is advised. The content may be distressing or triggering for some listeners. In this episode, Dr. Ambarin Faizi is joined by Dr. Brian Holoyda, Chief Psychiatrist for Contra Costa County’s detention facilities and an internationally recognized expert on paraphilic disorders and sexual violence risk assessment. The conversation guides attorneys through the complexities of forensic assessments in sexually violent predator (SVP) cases, paraphilic disorder diagnosis, and the pivotal role of standardized risk assessment tools. Key Topics Discussed: The distinction between paraphilias and paraphilic disorders in psychiatric diagnosisCritical elements and instruments in sexual violence risk assessment: Static-99R, SVR-20, Stable-2007How legal decisions hinge on psychiatric diagnoses and structured risk evaluationsControversies around the “Other Specified Paraphilic Disorder, Non-Consent” categoryComparisons between U.S. and international forensic psychiatric practiceAttorney strategies for challenging or supporting risk assessment findings in court Have a topic you would like covered on the pod? 📧 Email us: podcast@fpamed.com 🔗 Connect with fpamed: 🌐 Visit our website.👋 Follow us on LinkedIn.

    52 min
  2. From Playground to Courtroom: How Childhood Trauma Shapes Legal Outcomes

    SEP 3

    From Playground to Courtroom: How Childhood Trauma Shapes Legal Outcomes

    In this episode of Emotional Damages, host Dr. Ambarin Faizi sits down with Dr. Paul Elizondo, a triple board-certified psychiatrist in General, Child & Adolescent, and Forensic Psychiatry. Dr. Elizondo breaks down how trauma manifests differently depending on age and developmental stage, how preexisting conditions (like ADHD or learning disorders) can shape recovery, and why careful forensic interviewing is essential to maintaining reliability.  Attorneys will gain insights into evaluating credibility, understanding concepts like “child sexual abuse accommodation syndrome,” and appreciating the lifelong impact untreated trauma can have on both individuals and outcomes in litigation. Key Topics Discussed: How childhood trauma looks in a 5-year-old versus a 15-year-oldThe influence of parents’ trauma responses on child recoveryPreexisting vulnerabilities vs. resilience factors in trauma casesThe pitfalls of poor forensic interviewing and how it influences credibilityThe role of forensic psychiatry in sentencing and diversion programsWhy attorney awareness of trauma-informed approaches is critical in litigation Have a topic you would like covered on the pod? 📧 Email us: podcast@fpamed.com 🔗 Connect with fpamed: 🌐 Visit our website.👋 Follow us on LinkedIn.

    46 min
  3. Traumatic Brain Injury in Court: What Forensic Experts Look For

    MAY 30 · BONUS

    Traumatic Brain Injury in Court: What Forensic Experts Look For

    In this special bonus episode of Emotional Damages, Dr. Ambarin Faizi brings together lessons from two powerhouse experts—Dr. Shafi Lodhi, forensic psychiatrist and neurologist, and Dr. Howard Friedman, board-certified forensic neuropsychologist—to break down the complexities of traumatic brain injury (TBI) in litigation. Key topics discussed include: How TBI affects cognition, mood, and behaviorWhy testing and imaging don’t always alignHow experts assess malingering in brain injury claimsThe intersection of neurology and psychology in forensic evaluationsRed flags attorneys should watch for in TBI reports  Have a topic you would like covered on the pod? 📧 Email us: podcast@fpamed.com 🔗 Connect with fpamed: 🌐 Visit our website.👋 Follow us on LinkedIn.

    31 min
  4. The Truth Is in the Testing: Dr. Howard Friedman on Assessing the Mind in Litigation

    APR 30

    The Truth Is in the Testing: Dr. Howard Friedman on Assessing the Mind in Litigation

    In this episode of Emotional Damages, Dr. Ambarin Faizi welcomes Dr. Howard Friedman, board-certified neuropsychologist and clinical psychologist with over 12,000 evaluations to his name. Together, they explore the role of psychological and neuropsychological testing in litigation, from emotional injuries to cognitive impairments. Key topics discussed include: The difference between psychological and neuropsychological assessmentsHow malingering and effort are objectively detectedThe Rorschach’s value (and controversy) in forensic casesCommon tools like the MMPI, PAI, and WMS-IVHow to evaluate testamentary capacity and undue influenceWhy test security matters—and what’s at stake in California lawDr. Howard Friedman is a board-certified neuropsychologist and clinical psychologist with fpamed. He has completed over 12,000 psychological and neuropsychological evaluations in civil, criminal, and testamentary matters. A past president of the Northern California Neuropsychology Forum, Dr. Friedman has also held numerous leadership roles in local and state psychological associations. Have a topic you would like covered on the pod? 📧 Email us: podcast@fpamed.com 🔗 Connect with fpamed: 🌐 Visit our website.👋 Follow us on LinkedIn.

    53 min
  5. PTSD in the Courtroom: What Attorneys Need to Know

    APR 10

    PTSD in the Courtroom: What Attorneys Need to Know

    In this episode of Emotional Damages, Dr. Ambarin Faizi speaks with Dr. James Armontrout, forensic psychiatrist and Program Director of the Stanford Forensic Psychiatry Fellowship. Drawing on his extensive experience treating veterans with PTSD and conducting over hundreds of forensic evaluations, Dr. Armontrout offers attorneys an in-depth look at how trauma unfolds, how PTSD is diagnosed, and what distinguishes reliable psychiatric assessments in litigation. Key topics discussed include: What separates acute trauma from chronic PTSD in legal claimsHow forensic psychiatrists distinguish genuine symptoms from exaggerationWhat modern PTSD treatment really looks like—and why it's relevant to litigationThe roles of psychological testing and interview structure in reliable assessmentsHow multi-plaintiff cases benefit from expert coordination and team-based evaluationWhether you're handling a single plaintiff or a complex multi-plaintiff case, this episode will help you better understand how PTSD fits into the legal landscape. Dr. James Armontrout is a forensic psychiatrist at fpamed and the Program Director of the Stanford Forensic Psychiatry Fellowship. He previously served as a staff psychiatrist at the VA Palo Alto Trauma Recovery Program, where he treated veterans with PTSD and substance use disorders. He specializes in trauma-related and substance use disorders. Have a topic you would like covered on the pod? 📧 Email us: podcast@fpamed.com 🔗 Connect with fpamed: 🌐 Visit our website.👋 Follow us on LinkedIn.

    53 min
  6. Criminal Responsibility, Psychopathy, Cross-Cultural Psychiatry: How Expert Opinions Shape Legal Strategy

    MAR 28

    Criminal Responsibility, Psychopathy, Cross-Cultural Psychiatry: How Expert Opinions Shape Legal Strategy

    In this episode of Emotional Damages, Dr. Ambarin Faizi is joined by Dr. Ayesha Ashai, a board-certified forensic psychiatrist, as she shares personal experiences that led her to the field, her encounters with criminal and civil forensic evaluations, including a memorable insanity defense case. She addresses the complexities of psychopathy, cultural psychiatry, and the disparities in mental health care, particularly within correctional settings.  Dr. Ashai also talks about the expanding role of telepsychiatry post-COVID, her upcoming projects, including a potential presentation on the Menendez brothers, and offers practical advice for attorneys engaging with forensic psychiatrists. Key topics include:  How forensic psychiatrists evaluate criminal intent and mental illnessThe challenges of evaluating psychopathy and the myths surrounding the disorderCultural psychiatry in criminal cases—why understanding background and belief systems matterThe role of forensic psychiatrists in building or challenging a legal defenseHow attorneys can leverage forensic psychiatry for trial strategyDr. Ashai has been featured in true crime media, including Pathological: The Lies of Joran Van der Sloot on Peacock. If you’re an attorney looking to strengthen your approach to forensic evaluations or simply fascinated by the intersection of psychiatry and law, this episode is a must-listen. Have a topic you would like covered on the pod? 📧 Email us: podcast@fpamed.com 🔗 Connect with fpamed: 🌐 Visit our website.👋 Follow us on LinkedIn.

    43 min
  7. Forensic Psychiatry in Probate Litigation: Assessing Testamentary Capacity and Undue Influence

    MAR 5

    Forensic Psychiatry in Probate Litigation: Assessing Testamentary Capacity and Undue Influence

    How do courts determine whether someone had the mental capacity to sign a will or whether they were manipulated into making estate decisions? In this episode of Emotional Damages, host Dr. Ambarin Faizi sits down with forensic psychiatrist Dr. Mark Levy and estate litigation attorney Dewey Harpainter to explore the complexities of testamentary capacity and undue influence in estate disputes. Key topics discussed include: The legal and psychiatric criteria for testamentary capacityHow undue influence is identified and proven in courtThe role of forensic psychiatry in evaluating estate and trust disputesWhy retrospective capacity evaluations are challenging but critical in litigationKey considerations for attorneys handling will contests and trust disputesFor attorneys navigating estate litigation, elder law, or capacity-related claims, this episode provides essential insights into the intersection of law, mental health, and forensic psychiatry. Have a topic you would like covered on the pod? 📧 Email us: podcast@fpamed.com 🔗 Connect with fpamed: 🌐 Visit our website.👋 Follow us on LinkedIn.

    1h 9m
  8. Autism in Civil and Criminal Litigation: Forensic Insights on Diagnosis and Defense

    FEB 19

    Autism in Civil and Criminal Litigation: Forensic Insights on Diagnosis and Defense

    Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) presents unique challenges in both clinical and forensic settings. In this episode, host Dr. Ambarin Faizi sits down with Dr. Bryna Siegel, an autism expert, researcher, and forensic consultant, to break down the complexities in legal cases involving ASD. Key topics discussed include: The evolution of autism diagnoses and the impact of the DSM changesThe intersection of autism and forensic psychiatry in civil and criminal litigationMisconceptions about autism, including the role of IQ, memory, and social understandingThe challenges of assessing ASD in forensic evaluations, including self-diagnosis trendsHow attorneys can better understand autism-related claims and work effectively with experts Have a topic you would like covered on the pod? 📧 Email us: podcast@fpamed.com 🔗 Connect with fpamed: 🌐 Visit our website.👋 Follow us on LinkedIn.

    55 min
  9. Childhood Sexual Abuse: Legal and Psychiatric Perspectives

    FEB 5

    Childhood Sexual Abuse: Legal and Psychiatric Perspectives

    Dr. Ambarin Faizi is joined by two esteemed guests: Dr. Charles Saldanha, Co-Medical Director of fpamed and a forensic psychiatrist with over 20 years of experience, and Attorney Jon Daggett, Managing Partner at Hiroshima & Daggett Law Firm. Together, they explore the complex intersection of psychiatry and law in cases involving adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse. Key topics discussed include: The potential psychological impacts of childhood trauma, including PTSD and depression.Legal challenges in evaluating trauma decades after the events occurred.Changes in statutes of limitations and their implications for litigation.The critical role of forensic psychiatrists in providing evidence-based assessments to assist the legal system. Have a topic you would like covered on the pod? 📧 Email us: podcast@fpamed.com 🔗 Connect with fpamed: 🌐 Visit our website.👋 Follow us on LinkedIn.

    1h 10m
  10. Behind Bars: An Expert’s Perspective on the Realities of Providing Psychiatric Care in Jails

    JAN 22

    Behind Bars: An Expert’s Perspective on the Realities of Providing Psychiatric Care in Jails

    In this episode of Emotional Damages: Practical Insights into Forensic Psychiatry for Litigating Attorneys, Dr. Ambarin Faizi speaks with Dr. Charles Saldanha, fpamed Co-Medical Director and a seasoned forensic psychiatrist, about the unique challenges and rewards of delivering psychiatric care within the correctional system. Key topics discussed: The complexities of providing care in jails, from addressing acute mental health needs to ensuring continuity of care.The interplay between healthcare teams and custody staff in promoting safety and therapeutic outcomes.The evolving standards of care for incarcerated individuals, shaped by landmark legal cases and consent decrees. Have a topic you would like covered on the pod? 📧 Email us: podcast@fpamed.com 🔗 Connect with fpamed: 🌐 Visit our website.👋 Follow us on LinkedIn.

    37 min
  11. Forensic Psychiatrists: What Role Do They Play in Court?

    JAN 8

    Forensic Psychiatrists: What Role Do They Play in Court?

    In the pilot episode of 'Emotional Damages: Practical Insights into Forensic Psychiatry for Litigating Attorneys,' Dr. Ambarin Faizi, alongside the esteemed Dr. Mark Levy, discusses the integral role of forensic psychiatric experts in the legal system, highlighting the differences between treating and forensic psychiatrists.  Dr. Levy recounts his illustrious career path and the evolution of the successful forensic psychiatric group he founded (Forensic Psychiatric Associates, LP). Together, Dr. Faizi and Dr. Levy shed light on common misconceptions, discuss the importance of forensic training and offer practical advice for attorneys working with forensic experts.  Tune in to gain valuable perspectives and learn how forensic psychiatry can significantly impact legal proceedings. Have a topic you would like covered on the pod? 📧 Email us: podcast@fpamed.com 🔗 Connect with fpamed: 🌐 Visit our website.👋 Follow us on LinkedIn.

    53 min
  12. Emotional Damages: Season 1 Trailer

    12/18/2024

    Emotional Damages: Season 1 Trailer

    Welcome to Emotional Damages: Practical Insights into Forensic Psychiatry for Litigating Attorneys, brought to you by fpamed. In this trailer, host Dr. Ambarin Faizi, a double board-certified forensic psychiatrist, introduces the podcast and shares her  journey into forensic psychiatry and sets the stage for a valuable resource that bridges the gap between forensic psychiatry and legal practice. Emotional Damages aims to demystify forensic psychiatry for attorneys through engaging interviews, case analyses, and practical insights. Dr. Faizi explains the podcast’s mission: to provide attorneys with actionable knowledge to navigate the intersection of psychiatry and the law, enhancing courtroom strategies and collaboration with forensic experts. Dr. Faizi discusses her diverse background—from her early exposure to media and communication to her passion for medicine and forensic psychiatry. She reflects on pivotal moments in her career, including her training at UC Davis, and how her experience evaluating emotional damages, trauma, psychological harm, and competencies shaped her professional path. Tune in and discover how Emotional Damages can help you gain practical insights to strengthen your understanding of forensic psychiatry and its role in the legal system. Have a topic you would like covered on the pod? 📧 Email us: podcast@fpamed.com 🔗 Connect with fpamed: 🌐 Visit our website.👋 Follow us on LinkedIn.

    3 min

Trailer

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

In Emotional Damages, host and forensic expert Dr. Ambarin Faizi sits down with forensic colleagues, shedding light on their journeys and experiences. Through this podcast, Ambar aims to demystify forensic psychiatry and share practical insights that can aid attorneys in their engagement with forensic experts.

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