Dr. O'Brien is a forensic psychiatrist who maintains several offices located throughout Southern California. Primary interests include clinical treatment, particularly psychopharmacology, and expert testimony related to the civil courts and workers'compensation.

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This page is a source of information on legal-psychiatric topics including psychiatric treatment, disability issues, malpractice, mental competence, malingering, and closed head injury.

What is Forensic Psychiatry?

A Shrink Comments on the Popular Culture

 A Shrink Tells the Motion Picture Academy How It Is

Thoughts on The '97 Oscars

Original Articles and Editorials

"O'Brien's Razors"--Fundamental Principles of Logic Often Ignored in Psychiatric Reports

Assessment of Genuineness and Malingering in Psychiatric Claims.

Treatment and Assessment of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder in the Workers' Compensation Setting

"Bad Hair Days and Mental Illness": A critique of DSM IV

Book Reviews 

The Psychiatric Expert in Hell: A Review of Ziskin and Faust's "Coping with Psychiatric and Psychological Testimony"

Witchcraft Lives: A Review of the Skeptic Magazine articles on False Memory and Psychiatric Diagnosis

References 

Labor Codes 3208.3 and 3209.3: The Boundaries of What Constitutes a Stress Claim in California and Who May Examine the Claimant

Professional Background 

A description of my educational background and areas of expertise.

How to contact me.

James E. O'Brien, M.D.and the authors strive to provide high-quality information, but make no warranties, either express or implied, and specifically disclaim any warranty of merchantability or fitness for any particular purpose. Additionally, we will not be liable for any direct, consequential, or other damages resulting from any negligence. This is an educational resource and does not constitute formal legal nor medical advice to any specific case. Any party that wishes to pursue legal or medical consultation is advised to do so through direct face-to-face consultation with a trained specialist. Use of this information constitutes understanding and acceptance of these provisions.