About forensic psychologists
Forensic psychologists apply psychology to legal matters: expert reports for courts, custody and family proceedings, assessment of damages or credibility, and support for victims. Ask about their experience as an expert witness in your country.
Getting mental health care in Bhutan
Public health system · Ministry of Health – JDWNRH Department of Psychiatry
Specialist mental health care is provided by the government Department of Psychiatry at Jigme Dorji Wangchuck National Referral Hospital (JDWNRH) in Thimphu. It has psychiatrists, counsellors, occupational and speech therapists, and offers inpatient care, outpatient clinics, counselling and psychotherapy, and teleconsultation for patients in the districts. Outpatient appointments can be booked through the hospital. Outside Thimphu, mental health services remain limited. More information
How to check that a professional is licensed
- Medical and Health Professionals Council (under the Bhutan Qualifications and Professionals Certification Authority, BQPCA). Medical and health professionals in Bhutan are registered with the Medical and Health Professionals Council under BQPCA. Check a practitioner in the online Registry of Practitioners.
- Bhutan Qualifications and Professionals Certification Authority (BQPCA). Counsellors are certified by BQPCA, which took over this role from the Bhutan Board for Certified Counsellors. Ask a counsellor for their certification.
Urgent help in Bhutan
If your life or someone else's is in danger, call the emergency number now. These services can help at any time:
- 112 · Ambulance
Information reviewed in November 2026 · Sources: jdwnrh.gov.bt, thebhutanese.bt, bqpca.education.gov.bt, bbs.bt
What does a forensic psychologist do?
A forensic psychologist applies psychology to legal questions. Day to day they carry out expert assessments and write reports for courts, lawyers or individuals: for example on child custody, the psychological impact of an event, capacity, credibility issues or risk. Some also work in prisons, victim support or rehabilitation programmes. They may be asked to explain their findings at trial.
When to see a forensic psychologist
You may need a forensic psychologist when a legal process requires an independent psychological assessment: custody or visitation disputes, claims for psychological harm after an accident or assault, workplace harassment cases, or questions about a person’s capacity. If what you need is emotional support during a legal process, a therapist is more suitable, since forensic assessment is evaluative, not therapeutic.
How is it different from other professionals?
A forensic psychologist assesses and reports for legal purposes, with a duty of objectivity towards the court rather than to support the person assessed. A clinical psychologist treats and supports the person. Usually the same professional should not be both therapist and expert witness in the same case. A forensic psychiatrist is a doctor who assesses medical and psychiatric aspects in legal contexts.
What happens in the first session
The first contact usually clarifies the legal question, who requests the report, deadlines and what documents are available. The psychologist will explain the limits of confidentiality, since the report will be shared in the legal process. Bring court documents, previous medical or psychological reports and your lawyer’s details, and ask about the methods used, timeline and whether they may testify.
How long does the process take?
A forensic assessment usually involves several interviews, psychological tests and review of documents, sometimes including interviews with other people involved. Writing the report takes additional time. The whole process may take from a few weeks to longer, depending on the complexity of the case, the number of people assessed, court deadlines and whether court testimony is required.
Online or in person?
Initial consultations and some follow-up interviews can be done online, which helps when people live far apart. However, many forensic assessments are better done in person, to administer tests properly, observe behaviour and ensure the person is not influenced by others during the interview. The applicable legal rules may also determine what format is acceptable.
How to check their qualifications
Forensic psychologists are psychologists, so check registration with the psychology licensing body or professional college of their country. Ask about specific training in forensic or legal psychology, experience with your type of case, whether they have acted as an expert witness before, and how they ensure impartiality. Their report should follow recognised professional and ethical guidelines.
What affects the price?
Forensic work is usually priced per report or per project rather than per session. Costs depend on the complexity of the case, the number of people to be assessed, the volume of documents, travel, urgency, and whether court appearance is needed. Ask for a written estimate covering each phase, and check with your lawyer whether legal aid might apply.
How to choose
When choosing, check the licence and training, the approach they use and whether they have experience with what you need. Consider practical aspects too: language, price, location or online sessions and availability. The relationship with the professional matters a great deal; if after a few sessions it does not feel right, it is fine to change.
Frequently asked questions
Does the public health system in Bhutan cover psychological care?
Specialist mental health care is provided by the government Department of Psychiatry at Jigme Dorji Wangchuck National Referral Hospital (JDWNRH) in Thimphu. It has psychiatrists, counsellors, occupational and speech therapists, and offers inpatient care, outpatient clinics, counselling and psychotherapy, and teleconsultation for patients in the districts. Outpatient appointments can be booked through the hospital. Outside Thimphu, mental health services remain limited.
How do I check that a forensic psychologist is licensed in Bhutan?
Medical and Health Professionals Council (under the Bhutan Qualifications and Professionals Certification Authority, BQPCA): Medical and health professionals in Bhutan are registered with the Medical and Health Professionals Council under BQPCA. Check a practitioner in the online Registry of Practitioners.