ABSTRACT
This chapter explores the interface between mental health and criminal justice systems from the context of working as a clinical psychologist in forensic services within the National Health Service mental health system. It examines the problems within the current system and argues that mental health services need to focus clearly on the needs of the distressed individual and leave policing and dealing with violence or harm to others to the criminal justice system. The chapter discusses the relation of anger to the experience of powerlessness, both materially and psychologically. Health professionals are required to attend Multi Agency Public Protection probation-organised meetings to assess and manage the risk that the client may pose to the public. A more accurate description of the process of psychiatrisation or pathologisation of certain areas of human experience is that new categories become the business of mental health as a result of political or media pressures.
