LAWYERS' USE OF PSYCHIATRY

A poll of 60 attorneys revealed that they used psychiatric consultation sparingly. Deterrents cited were expense to clients, clients' resentment at being sent to a psychiatrist, and psychiatrists' unavailability as well as lack of interest in legal matters. Most requests for psychiatric consultation were related to domestic problems, with criminal cases a distant second. Although many attorneys realize clients need psychiatric help, referrals are rarely made for purposes of treatment. Our impression is that lawyers use psychiatrists to help "the case" rather than the client.