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Peter Ash

Dr. Peter Ash, MD

Director, Psychiatry and Law Service

Peter Ash, MD, is a forensic child and adolescent psychiatrist. He is currently a Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Emory University in Atlanta where he directs the forensic psychiatry service. He has participated as an expert witness in numerous legal cases, including personal injury cases involving trauma suffered by children and adolescents. He is a past president of several professional organizations, including the American Academy of Psychiatry and the Law, the Georgia Psychiatric Physicians Association, and the Georgia Council on Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. His current research interests include adolescent culpability, in-jail restoration of competency to stand trial, mental health problems that affect lawyers‰Ûª fitness to practice, and expanded states of consciousness. He has authored over 60 publications and is a co-editor of the leading text on child and adolescent forensic mental health. Further information about Dr. Ash can be read in his published biography available online at http://www.jaapl.org/content/39/1/12.full

Specialties

  • Psychiatry

Board Certifications

  • ABMS Psychiatry/Neurology

Affiliations

  • Emory

Education & Training

  • Medical School: University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine
  • Internship: California Pacific Medical Center
  • Residency: University of Michigan Hospital and Health Centers

Honors & Awards

Emory University Psychiatry ResidentsÕ Award: Child Psychiatry Outstanding Educator of the Year, June 2, 2000.

Amicus Curiae award of the Supreme Court of Georgia, February 28, 2002.

Listed in Best Doctors, 2001

Red Apple Outstanding Service Award, presented by the American Academy of Psychiatry and the Law, Oct. 18, 2007.

Irma Bland Award for Excellence in Teaching, presented by the American Psychiatric Association, May 17, 2009.

Silver Apple Presidential Service Award, presented by the American Academy of Psychiatry and the Law, Oct. 29, 2011.

Psychiatrist of the Year, presented by the Georgia Psychiatric PhysicianÕs Association, Feb. 16, 2013.

Distinguished Service Award, presented by the Georgia Psychiatric PhysicianÕs Association, Feb. 13, 2016.

Publications

Ash, P. (Ed.), Group for the Advancement of Psychiatry: From Courtroom to Clinic: Legal Cases that Changed Mental Health Practice, New York, NY: Cambridge Univ. Press, in press.

Ash, P. : Who speaks for the children, In: From Courtroom to Clinic: Legal Cases that Changed Mental Health Practice. Edited by Ash, P. New York, NY: Cambridge Univ. Press, in press.

Coffman, K.L., Shivale, S., Egan, G., Roberts, V., Ash, P.: WISE program analysis: Evaluating the first 15 months of progress in a novel treatment diversion program for women. Behav Sci Law, in press.

Ash, P.: MinorsÕautonomy in forensic child and adolescent psychiatry. In: Ethics Challenges in Forensic Psychiatry and Psychology Practice/. Edited by Griffith, E.E.H., New York, NY: Columbia Univ. Press, in press.

Ash, P., Nurcombe, B.: Malpractice and professional liability. In: LewisÕs Child and Adolescent Psychiatry: A Comprehensive Textbook, 5th Ed. pp. 996-1010. Edited by Martin, A., Bloch M.H., and Volkmar, F.R., Baltimore:Wolters Kluwer, 2017.

Ash, P., Benedek, E.: Conducting forensic evaluations of children and adolescents. In: Textbook of Forensic Psychiatry, 3rd Ed., pp. 359-372. Edited by Gold, L.H. and Frierson, R., Washington, DC: American Psychiatric Pub., 2017

Ash, P.: Evaluation of juveniles in the criminal justice system. In: Textbook of Forensic Psychiatry, 3rd Ed., pp. 387-400. Edited by Gold, L.H. and Frierson, R., Washington, DC: American Psychiatric Pub., 2017.

Ash, P., Benedek, E.: Forensic child and adolescent psychiatry. In: KaplanÕs and SadockÕs Comprehensive Textbook of Psychiatry, Tenth Edition, pp. 3861-3868. Edited by Sadock, B.J., Sadock, V.A., and Ruiz, P. Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2017.

Kelly, M., Hearn, J., McBrider, A., Daniels, W., Ash, P.: A guide for applying to forensic psychiatry fellowship. Academic Psychiatry, in press, published online DOI 10.1007/s40596-017-0663-y, 2017.

Ash, P.: Forensic aspects of suicide and homicide in children and adolescents. In: Principles and Practice of Forensic Psychiatry, 3rd Ed. pp. 429-439. Edited by Rosner, R. and Scott, C.L., New York: CRC Press, 2017.

Ash, P.: Evaluation of juvenile culpability in adult criminal court. In: Principles and Practice of Forensic Psychiatry, 3rd Ed. pp. 491-497. Edited by Rosner, R. and Scott, C.L., New York: CRC Press, 2017.

Ash, P., OÕLeary, P.L.: Forensic research on the Internet. In: Principles and Practice of Forensic Psychiatry, 3rd Ed. pp. 957-961. Edited by Rosner, R. and Scott, C.L., New York: CRC Press, 2017.

Friedman, S.H., Appel, J.M., Ash, P., Frierson, R.L., Giorgi-Guarneiri, D., Martinez, R., Newman, A.W., Pinals, D., Resnick, P.J., Simpson, A.I.: Unsolicited emails to forensic psychiatrists. J Am Acad Psychiatry Law, (44):470-478, 2016.

Ash, P.: Review of Oxford Textbook of Correctional Psychiatry, by Trestman, R., Appelbaum, K., Metzner, J. [Book review]. Am. J. Psychiatry, 173(2): 197-198, 2016.

Ash, P.: School shootings and mental illness. In: Gun Violence and Mental Illness. pp. 105-126. Edited by Gold, L.H. and Simon, R.I., Washington, DC: American Psychiatric Pub., 2016.

Ash, P., Coffman, K.L.: Ask the expert: Receiving a subpoena. Focus, 13(4):451-452, 2015.

Glancy, G.D., Ash, P., Bath, E.P., et al: AAPL Practice Guideline for the Forensic Assessment. J Am Acad Psychiatry Law 43:S3-S53, 2015.

Ash, P.: Predicting the future behavior of bar applicants. The Bar Examiner, 82:6-16, 2013.

Ash, P.: But he knew it was wrong: Evaluating adolescent culpability. J. Amer. Acad. Psychiatry and the Law, 40:21-32, 2012.

Jacob, M.K., Ash, P., Craighead, W.E.: Case report: Adolescent female with withdrawal psychosis following abrupt termination of ziprasidone. European Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, 21(3):165-8, 2012.

Ash, P.: Children, adolescents, and college students. In: The American Psychiatric Publishing Textbook of Suicide Assessment and Management, 2nd Ed. pp.349-366. Edited by Simon, R.I. and Hales, R.E., Washington, DC: American Psychiatric Pub., 2012

Ash, P.: Child Custody. In: The Psychiatric Report: Principles and Practice in Writing for the Courts. Edited by Buchanan, A. and Norko, M.A., New York: Cambridge Univ. Press, pp. 158-171, 2011.

Ash, P., Alonso-Katzowitz, J.: Commentary: Predicting aggression in youth. J. Amer. Acad. Psychiatry and the Law, 39:180-2, 2011.

Ash, P., OÕLeary, P.J.: An annotated bibliography for the testifying child and adolescent psychiatrist. Child & Adol. Psychiatr. Clin. N. Am., 20:577-590, 2011.

Ash, P.: Program evaluator report: DeKalb Diversion Treatment Court SAMHSA targeted capacity expansion study, Decatur, GA: DeKalb County Magistrate Court, 2011.

Metzner, J.M., Ash, P.: Commentary: The mental status examination in the age of the internet - Challenges and opportunities. J. Amer. Acad. Psychiatry and the Law, 38:27-31, 2010.

Ash, P.: Children and adolescents. In: Forensic Psychiatry for the Clinician, 2nd Ed.. Edited by Simon, R.I. and Gold, L.H., Washington, DC: American Psychiatric Press, pp. 483-503, 2010.

Benedek, E.P., Ash, P., Scott, C.L. (Eds.), Principles and Practice of Child and Adolescent Forensic Mental Health, Washington, DC: American Psychiatric Pub., 2010.

Ash, P.: Malpractice and Professional Liability. In: Benedek, E.P., Ash, P., Scott, C.L. (Eds.)., Principles and Practice of Child and Adolescent Forensic Mental Health, pp. 419-429. Washington, DC: American Psychiatric Pub., 2010.

Scott, C.L., Ash, P., Elwyn, T: Juvenile Stalkers. In: Benedek, E.P., Ash, P., Scott, C.L. (Eds.)., Principles and Practice of Child and Adolescent Forensic Mental Health, pp. 321-333. Washington, DC: American Psychiatric Pub., 2010.

Guyer, M.J., Schetky, D.H., Ash, P.: Civil litigation and psychic trauma. In: Benedek, E.P., Ash, P., Scott, C.L. (Eds.)., Principles and Practice of Child and Adolescent Forensic Mental Health, pp. 405-417. Washington, DC: American Psychiatric Pub., 2010.

Jacob, M., Ash, P.: Venlafaxine -induced complex visual hallucinations in a 17-year-old boy [Letter], Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, 70: 601-603, 2009.

Ash, P.: Review of Contemporary Issues in Family Law and Mental Health by MG Brock and S Saks. [Book review]. Psychiatric Services, 60:560, 2009.

Ash, P.: Violence in children and adolescents. In: The American Psychiatric Publishing Textbook of Violence Assessment and Management., pp. 359-380. Edited by Simon, R.I. and Tardiff, K., Washington, DC: American Psychiatric Pub., 2008.

Ash, P.: Suicidal behavior in children and adolescents. Journal of Psychosocial Nursing, 46: 26-30, 2008.

Ash, P.: Violent youths need rehabilitation, not punishment. In: Current Controversies: School Violence, pp. 163-172. Edited by Almond., C., Farmington Hills, MI, Greenhaven Press, 2008.

Mossman D, Noffisnger SG, Ash P, et al: AAPL practice guideline for the forensic evaluation of competence to stand trial. J Am Acad Psychiatry Law 35:S3-72, 2007

Ash, P: Suicidal behavior in children and adolescents. Psychiatric Annals, 37: 675-678, 2007.

Ash, P., Nurcombe, B.: Malpractice and Professional Liability. In: LewisÕs Child and Adolescent Psychiatry: A Comprehensive Textbook, 4th Ed., pp. 1018-1032. Edited by Martin, A. and Volkmar, F.R., Baltimore: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2007.

Scott, C.L., Ash, P., Elwyn, T.: Juvenile Aspects of Stalking. In: Stalking: Psychiatric Perspectives and Practical Applications, pp. 195-211, Edited by Pinals, D.A., New York: Oxford, 2007.

Ash, P.: Adolescents in adult court: Does the punishment fit the criminal? J. Amer. Acad. Psychiatry and the Law, 34: 145-149, 2006.

Ash, P.: Children and adolescents. In: The American Psychiatric Publishing Textbook of Suicide Assessment and Management, pp.35-55. Edited by Simon, R.I. and Hales, R.E., Washington, DC: American Psychiatric Pub., 2006.

Ash, P.: Children and adolescents. In: Forensic Psychiatry for the Clinician, pp. 449-470. Edited by Simon, R.I. and Gold, L.H., Washington, DC: American Psychiatric Press, 2004.

Ash, P.: Legal consultations. In: Handbook of Mental Health Interventions in Children and Adolescents: An Integrated Developmental Approach, pp. 942-962. Edited by Steiner, H. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass, 2004.

Ash, P.: Commentary: Risk markers for incompetence in juvenile defendants. J. Amer. Acad. Psychiatry and the Law, 31: 310-313, 2003.

Ash, P., Gersh, R.J., Billick S.B.: Forensic aspects of suicide and homicide in children and adolescents. In: Principles and Practice of Forensic Psychiatry, 2nd Ed., pp. 407-418. Edited by Rosner, R., London: Edward Arnold, Ltd., 2003.

Ash, P.: Legal research on the Web. In: Principles and Practice of Forensic Psychiatry, 2nd Ed., pp. 811-816. Edited by Rosner, R., London: Edward Arnold, Ltd., 2003.

Ash, P.: Working with small groups. In: The PlannerÕs Use of Information: Techniques for Collection, Organization, and Communication, 2nd Ed., pp. 159-185. Edited by Dandekar, H., Amer. Planning Assoc., Chicago: Planners Press, 2003.

Ash, P.: Malpractice in child and adolescent psychiatry. Child & Adol. Psychiatr. Clin. N. Am., 11:869-885, 2002.

Ash, P. and Kellermann, A.L.: Reducing gun-carrying by youth. Arch. Ped. Adol. Med., 155, 330-331, 2001.

Ash, P.: ChildrenÕs access to weapons. In: Principles and Practice of Child and Adolescent Forensic Psychiatry, pp. 225-230. Edited by Schetky, D.H. and Benedek, E.B., Washington, DC: American Psychiatric Press, 2001.

Ash, P. (principal author): Evaluation of Competency to Stand Trial: Forensic Learning Module Didactic Unit. Atlanta, GA: Georgia Dept. of Human Resources, 2001.

Ash, P.: Decisions about participating in treatment: Family decision making and civil commitment. In: Handbook of Couple and Family Forensics, pp. 314-332. Edited by Kaslow, F.W., New York: John Wiley & Sons, 1999.

Ash, P.: Personal computers in forensic psychiatry. J. Amer. Acad. Psychiatry and the Law, 26(3): 459-466, 1998.

Ash, P., Jurkovic, G., Harrison, S.I.: Observation, interview, and mental status assessment (OIM): Competence for independent decision making. In: Handbook of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (vol. 5): Clinical Assessment and Intervention Planning, pp. 518-525. Edited by Noshpitz, J.D., Harrison, S.I., & Eth, S. New York: John Wiley & Sons, 1998.

Marsteller, F.A., Brogan, D., Smith, I., Ash, P., Daniels, D., Rolka, D., Falek, A.: The prevalence of psychiatric disorders among juveniles admitted to Department of Children and Youth Services Regional Youth Detention Centers: Technical report. Atlanta, GA: Georgia Dept. of Juvenile Justice, 1997.

Ash, P.: Children in Divorce Litigation. In: Handbook of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (vol. 4): Varieties of Development, pp. 88-99. Edited by Noshpitz, J.D., Alessi, N.E., New York: John Wiley & Sons, 1997.

Marsteller, F.A., Brogan, D., Smith, I., Ash, P., Daniels, D., Rolka, D., Falek, A.: The prevalence of substance use disorders among juveniles admitted to Regional Youth Detention Centers operated by the Georgia Department of Children and Youth Services: Technical report. Atlanta, GA: Georgia Dept. of Juvenile Justice, 1997.

Ash, P. and Derdeyn, A.P.: Forensic child and adolescent psychiatry: A review of the past ten years. J. Amer. Acad. Child Adol. Psychiatry, 11(36):1493-1502, 1997.

Ash, P., Kellermann, A.L., Fuqua-Whitley, D. and Johnson, A.: Gun acquisition and use by juvenile offenders. JAMA, 275(22): 1754-1758, 1996.

Kaslow, N.J., Deering, C.G., and Ash, P.: Relational diagnosis of child and adolescent depression. In: Handbook of Relational Diagnosis and Dysfunctional Family Patterns. Edited by Kaslow, F.W., New York: John Wiley & Sons, 1996.

Ash, P.: Review of Child Eyewitness Testimony in Sexual Abuse Investigations by B. E. Mapes [Book review]. Readings: A Journal of Reviews and Commentary in Mental Health, 10(4): 30, 1995.

Ash, P. and Goldstein, S.I.: Predictors of returning to work. Bull. Amer. Acad. Psychiatry and the Law, 23(2): 205-210, 1995.

Task Force on Forensic Services (Co-chairs: Ash, P. & Jones, S.J.): Task Force on Forensic Services Final Report and Recommendations. Atlanta, GA: Georgia Dept. Human Resources, 1995.

Ash, P.: Review of A Case of Child Murder, by P. Guarnieri, trans. by C. MiEville [Book review]. Readings: A Journal of Reviews and Commentary in Mental Health, 9(2): 30-31, 1994.

Ash, P., Nurcombe, B., Quinn, K.M., Schetky, D.H.: Teaching (and learning) forensic child psychiatry (symposium). Scientific Proceedings of the Annual Meeting, Amer. Acad. of Child & Adol. Psychiatry, 10:27, 1994.

Steiner, H., Zeanah, C.H., Stuber, M., Ash, P., & Angell, R.: The Hidden Faces of Trauma: An Update in Child Psychiatric Traumatology (symposium). Scientific Proceedings of the Annual Meeting, Amer. Acad. of Child & Adol. Psychiatry, 10:31, 1994.

Ash, P.: Review of The Trauma of Transgression: Psychotherapy of Incest Victims ed. by S. Kramer and S. Akhtar [Book review]. Readings: A Journal of Reviews and Commentary in Mental Health, 7(1): 23, 1992.

Ash, P.: Outcomes of short-term child-oriented family treatment. Scientific Proceedings of the 39th Annual Meeting, Amer. Acad. of Child & Adol. Psychiatry, 8:55, 1992.

Friend of the Court Bureau Advisory Committee (Chair: Jaehning, R.): Michigan Custody Investigation Model. Lansing, MI: State Court Administrative Office, 1991.

Ash, P. and Guyer, M.J.: Biased reporting by parents undergoing child custody evaluations. J. Amer. Acad. Child Adol. Psychiatry, 30(5): 835-838, 1991.

Ash, P.: Review of Privileged Communications in the Mental Health Professions by S. Knapp and L. VandeCreek [Book review]. Readings: A Journal of Reviews and Commentary in Mental Health, 3 (2): 24, 1988.

Ash, P.: Working with Small Groups. In: The PlannerÕs Use of Information: Techniques for Collection, Organization, and Communication. Edited by Dandekar, H., Stroudsburg: reprinted by Amer. Planning Assoc., Washington D.C.: Planners Press, 1988.

Ash, P.: Review of The Suicidal Child by C. R. Pfeffer [Book review]. Child Development Abstracts and Bibliography, 61: 104-105, 1987.

Ash, P. and Guyer, M.J.: Mediation in an arbitration framework: Techniques and long-term outcomes. Abstracted as: Mediation works even with highly adversarial parents. Marriage and Divorce Today, 12 (41): 1-2, May 11, 1987.

Guyer, M.J. and Ash, P.: Expert vs. expert: Opinions in the courtroom. Proceedings for Papers and New Research Posters, Amer. Acad. of Child Psychiatry 34th Annual Meeting, 3:12, 1987.

Ash, P. and Guyer, M.J.: Relitigation after contested custody and visitation evaluations. Bull. Amer. Acad. Psychiatry and the Law, 14(4): 323-330, 1986.

Guyer, M.J. and Ash, P.: Child abuse allegations in the context of adversarial divorce. Proceedings for Papers and New Research Posters, Amer. Acad. of Child Psychiatry 33rd Annual Meeting, 2:11, 1986.

Ash, P. and Guyer, M.J.: The functions of psychiatric evaluation in contested child custody and visitation cases. J. Amer. Acad. Child Psychiatry, 25(4): 554-561, 1986.

Ash, P. and Guyer, M.J.: In the shadow of SolomonÕs sword: The functions of psychiatric evaluation in contested child custody and visitation cases. Proceedings for Papers and New Research Posters, Amer. Acad. of Child Psychiatry 32nd Annual Meeting, 1:17, 1985.

Guyer, M. J. and Ash, P.: Child Abuse and Neglect. In: Psychology, Psychiatry and the Law: A Clinical and Forensic Handbook. Edited by Ewing, C., Sarasota: Professional Resource Exchange, 1985.

Ash, P. and Guyer, M.J.: Court implementation of mental health professionalsÕ recommendations in contested child custody and visitation cases. Bull. Amer. Acad. Psychiatry and the Law, 12(2): 137-147, 1984.

Ash, P. and Guyer, M.J.: Involuntary abandonment: Infants of imprisoned mothers. Bull. Amer. Acad. Psychiatry and the Law, 10(2): 103-113, 1982.

Ash, P.: Working with Small Groups. In: The PlannerÕs Use of Information: Techniques for Collection, Organization, and Communication. Edited by Dandekar, H., Stroudsburg: Hutchinson Ross, 1982.

Ash, P. and Knesper, D.J.: Influences from psychiatric education on subsequent career choice: With special reference to work in state mental hospitals and the shift to private practice. J. Psychiatric Education, 5(4): 285-294, 1981.