Comprehensive mental health tribunal expert witness services including independent psychiatric assessments, Section 2 and Section 3 reviews, capacity evaluations, detention appropriateness opinions, discharge planning reports, and tribunal representation. Supporting patients, solicitors, and responsible clinicians across England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.
Section 12 approved experts
Regular tribunal attendance
Objective expert opinions
Fast turnaround available
Comprehensive psychiatric assessments and independent opinions for tribunal proceedings
Comprehensive psychiatric examination and assessment of patients detained under the Mental Health Act for tribunal proceedings.
Expert review of detention under Mental Health Act Section 2 (assessment) and Section 3 (treatment) with opinions on appropriateness.
Mental Capacity Act assessments evaluating decision-making capacity for treatment, discharge planning, and financial matters.
Comprehensive risk evaluation including violence risk, self-harm, suicide risk, and vulnerability assessment with management recommendations.
Expert opinions on discharge readiness, community care requirements, CPA arrangements, and aftercare planning under Section 117.
Expert witness attendance at Mental Health Review Tribunal hearings with clear, objective testimony and cross-examination experience.
Our expert panel includes consultant psychiatrists specialising in general adult psychiatry, forensic psychiatry, old age psychiatry, learning disability psychiatry, and child and adolescent psychiatry. All experts are Section 12 approved and experienced in tribunal work.
Request a SpecialistExpert psychiatric opinions for all detention sections and tribunal proceedings
Admission for Assessment (up to 28 days)
Independent assessment of whether detention for assessment remains necessary, diagnosis clarity, and treatment planning appropriateness.
Admission for Treatment (up to 6 months)
Review of treatment effectiveness, detention necessity, availability of community alternatives, and discharge planning feasibility.
Hospital Order
Expert opinions on hospital order appropriateness, treatment progress, risk assessment, and conditional discharge suitability for forensic patients.
Hospital Order with Restriction
Forensic psychiatric assessment for Ministry of Justice restricted patients including risk evaluation and conditional discharge planning.
Transfer from Prison with Restriction
Assessment of prisoners transferred to hospital including treatment needs, continued detention necessity, and return to prison considerations.
CTO Reviews
Independent opinions on CTO appropriateness, compliance with conditions, recall necessity, and discharge from CTO suitability.
Discharge Planning Assessment
Expert evaluation of conditional discharge readiness, community support arrangements, risk management plans, and conditions appropriateness.
Section 7 & 37 Guardianship
Assessment of guardianship appropriateness, welfare considerations, least restrictive alternative analysis, and capacity evaluations.
Section 29 Applications
Expert opinions on nearest relative displacement applications, patient welfare considerations, and unreasonable objection evaluations.
Trusted by patients, solicitors, and advocacy services across the United Kingdom
All psychiatric experts are Section 12(2) approved under the Mental Health Act 1983, maintaining GMC registration and active clinical practice with specialist expertise.
Regular attendance at First-tier Tribunal (Mental Health) hearings with experience presenting evidence, responding to panel questions, and explaining complex psychiatric concepts clearly.
Completely independent assessments with no involvement in the patient's treatment. Objective opinions based solely on clinical evidence and patient examination findings.
Respectful, compassionate assessments that prioritise patient dignity and welfare. Clear explanations of the process with sensitivity to patient anxiety and concerns.
Detailed reports addressing all statutory criteria under the Mental Health Act, risk assessment, capacity evaluation, treatment recommendations, and discharge planning considerations.
Understanding of tribunal timescales with expedited assessments available for urgent hearings. Standard reports within 2-3 weeks, urgent cases accommodated within days.
A straightforward process from instruction to comprehensive tribunal report and attendance
Email your letter of instruction with patient details, section information, tribunal date, hospital location, and specific questions. Include consent forms and relevant medical records. We confirm acceptance and expert allocation within 24-48 hours.
We match your case to a Section 12 approved consultant psychiatrist with relevant subspecialty expertise and tribunal experience. You receive their detailed CV for approval before proceeding with the assessment.
Expert visits patient at hospital or secure unit for comprehensive mental state examination, risk assessment, and capacity evaluation. Medical records reviewed and treating team consulted where appropriate.
Receive detailed report addressing detention criteria, capacity, risk assessment, discharge planning, and expert recommendations. Expert attends tribunal hearing to present evidence and respond to panel questions.
Our panel of Section 12 approved consultant psychiatrists are ready to provide independent assessments for Mental Health Tribunal proceedings. Experienced in all detention sections with tribunal attendance available across England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.
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