Introduction

To promote research and education in the field of forensic psychiatry, the Division of Forensic Psychiatry was created on September 1, 2015. Forensic psychiatry consists of the diagnostic area known as “psychiatric evaluation” and the area of “judicial psychiatric care” in specialized wards and correctional facilities under the Medical Treatment and Supervision Act (MTSA). Our department goes beyond forensic psychiatry and focuses on judicial psychiatry in general, addressing various issues that affect people living in society from both psychiatry and law perspectives. Our research results are also widely shared with psychiatric institutions, judicial institutions, and the public through educational activities, such as lectures and publicity.

Research, education, and practice

Forensic psychiatry is a subspecialty that extends beyond general psychiatry. Graduate students develop research topics that revolve around their workplaces while working as doctors in national or public hospitals that have MTSA wards or at a medical prison. The Division of Forensic Psychiatry currently only accepts doctoral courses.

Message for young applicants

At present, most graduate students in this division are adult students who work as psychiatrists in medical observation departments and correctional facilities, such as medical prisons. Residents in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences (Psychiatry) at our hospital may also participate in study sessions in the division if they are interested.

Introduction

The Division of Liaison Psychiatry and Psycho-oncology was renamed from “Psychotherapy and Palliative Medicine” on April 1, 2020, and was newly established as a division in charge of research, education, and treatment of liaison psychiatry in general, including psycho-oncology. “Liaison” means “cooperation” or “contact” in French. As this term implies, liaison psychiatry is a system that aims to bridge relationships between medical professionals who provide comprehensive medical care for patients with mental health issues caused by physical diseases. It is also a field that conducts research on these systems.
Psycho-oncology studies the relationship between cancer and the mental state of individuals, their family members, and medical professionals.

Research, education, and practice

All aspects of liaison psychiatry are covered by the division’s education and practice, and its research focuses on suicide-related issues, perinatal mental health, and psychotherapy for cancer patients.

Message for young applicants

In numerous physical areas, there is a need for psychiatric support. We believe that early intervention and treatment are crucial for future psychiatric care. Instead of waiting for a consultation from a physical department, we engage in active collaboration with other fields. We are open to anyone who is interested in working with us.