Can mental health conditions truly reshape legal outcomes? Dr. Dana Anderson and Dr. Craig Wetterer explore how mental health diversion (MHD) can offer a second chance for individuals facing criminal charges. They reveal how forensic psychology and law converge to create meaningful alternatives to incarceration, reducing or even eliminating charges through targeted treatment. This episode provides essential insights for attorneys looking to apply MHD strategies and clients who want to better understand the process. Whether you're in the courtroom or navigating the justice system, you’ll gain practical guidance on leveraging mental health diversion for a brighter future.


Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Mental Health Diversion Evaluations
00:59 Defining Mental Health Diversion Evaluations
02:28 Exclusion of Antisocial Personality Disorder
06:14 The Process and Impact of Mental Health Diversion
13:17 The Problem of Misdiagnosis
19:03 The Importance of Accurate Diagnosis
21:47 The Benefits of Psychological Evaluations
28:03 Challenges with Co-occurring Mental Illness and Antisocial Behavior
30:28 The Importance of Accurate Psychological Evaluations
32:27 The Side Effects of Antipsychotic Drugs
33:52 Uncovering the Truth: Therapy as an Intervention
36:36 Understanding Personality Disorders
40:22 The Gut Feeling: Recognizing Personality Disorders
45:09 Getting it Right the First Time: Hiring Qualified Professionals
50:23 Beware of Unlicensed Practitioners
54:42 The Challenges of Prosecuting Unlicensed Practitioners
56:37 The Benefits of Independent Evaluations