Forensic Psychiatry Expert Witness
Charletta Dennis, MD, QME
Forensic Psychiatry Specialist | California Qualified Medical Evaluator
Dr. Charletta Dennis is a board-certified psychiatrist and California Qualified Medical Evaluator who provides independent psychiatric expert analysis in workers’ compensation and civil litigation matters throughout California. Her medical-legal opinions are grounded in extensive experience in forensic psychiatry, correctional behavioral health leadership, competency-to-stand-trial evaluations, and trauma-related psychiatric care.
Dr. Dennis offers objective, comprehensive, and well-reasoned psychiatric evaluations across a broad spectrum of mental health and behavioral health cases. Her expertise includes psychiatric injuries arising from workplace stress and industrial incidents, trauma-related conditions including PTSD, mood and anxiety disorders, and complex cases involving serious mental illness and co-occurring substance use disorders. She also provides structured forensic assessments involving competency, criminal responsibility, risk evaluation, and functional psychiatric impairment.
With extensive experience serving both applicant and defense matters, Dr. Dennis delivers unbiased, evidence-based opinions supported by meticulous record review, structured clinical interviews, and application of accepted psychiatric standards. Her medical-legal services include Qualified Medical Evaluations (QMEs), Independent Medical Examinations (IMEs), comprehensive medical record reviews, expert reports, deposition testimony, and courtroom testimony. Her evaluations are clinically rigorous and aligned with both psychiatric best practices and California regulatory standards.
Recognized for her clarity, professionalism, and structured analytical approach, Dr. Dennis communicates complex psychiatric findings in a logical and understandable manner, assisting attorneys, judges, and fact-finders in reaching informed conclusions. Her background as a Director of Psychiatry and Chief Medical Officer overseeing large-scale correctional behavioral health programs further strengthens her ability to assess high-acuity and complex psychiatric cases. Known for her impartiality, precision, and commitment to ethical forensic practice, Dr. Dennis is a trusted expert in complex psychiatric and behavioral health litigation matters.
Subspecialty Expertise
Dr. Charletta Dennis is a board-certified forensic psychiatrist and qualified medical examiner with extensive experience in correctional, court, and workers’ compensation settings. Her clinical focus includes:
- Forensic Psychiatric Evaluations
- Work-Related Psychiatric Injuries
- Trauma-Related Disorders
- Jail-Based and Correctional Psychiatry
- Competency Restoration Programs
- Involuntary Medication Management
Her active clinical and forensic practice allows her to evaluate cases through the lens of current psychiatric standards, evidence-based approaches, and real-world clinical decision-making.
Medical-Legal Services
Record Review
Comprehensive analysis of psychiatric and behavioral health records, collateral information, prior evaluations, and relevant employment or correctional documentation.
Independent Medical Evaluations (IME / QME)
Objective psychiatric evaluations with clear, defensible reporting.
Comprehensive Expert Reports
Detailed written opinions on causation, apportionment, functional impairment, and disability status. Address prognosis, treatment needs, and provide future care recommendations tailored to the specific case.
Expert Testimony
Deposition and trial testimony in forensic psychiatric matters involving injury causation, competency, risk assessment, and psychiatric impairment.
Typical Matters Addressed
Dr. Charletta Dennis provides expert analysis in matters involving:
- Causation of psychiatric and work-related psychological injuries
- Apportionment between industrial and non-industrial contributing factors
- Functional psychiatric impairment and disability ratings
- Standard of care in forensic psychiatric evaluation and treatment
- Competency and criminal responsibility assessments
- Necessity and appropriateness of psychiatric or behavioral health interventions
- Recommendations for future psychiatric care and treatment planning
Academic & Professional Background
In addition to clinical practice, Dr. Charletta Dennis has contributed to forensic psychiatry, correctional behavioral health, and medical-legal education. Her background includes fellowship training in forensic psychiatry, medical leadership fellowship experience, and board-certified psychiatry practice, as well as authorship and co-authorship in peer-reviewed publications and clinical manuals.
This academic foundation supports opinions that are evidence-based, defensible, and aligned with established forensic psychiatric standards and literature.
Approach to Expert Analysis
Dr. Charletta Dennis’ evaluations emphasize:
- Objectivity
- Clear and logical reasoning
- Consistency with forensic psychiatry standards
- Adherence to statutory and regulatory requirements
- Comprehensive review of psychiatric and collateral records
Retention & Availability
For expert witness engagements or availability inquiries, reach out directly here.
