Description of the service
A mental state examination is an examination ordered by a court, in which an opinion is given on the criminal responsibility of a suspect, defendant or convicted person at the time of the offence, as well as on the person’s need for care at the end of the examination.
When the court has decided that a mental state examination is to be carried out, it sends a request for examination to the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL). THL determines the place where the examination will be carried out.
The mental state examination is usually conducted in a hospital. It may last no longer than two months. In certain special cases, THL may grant an extension for the examination. Most examinations are carried out in state psychiatric hospitals: Niuvanniemi Hospital in Kuopio and Old Vaasa Hospital.
Niuvanniemi Hospital
Vanha Vaasa Hospital
Mental state examinations of minors are generally conducted at Tampere University Hospital, in the psychiatric research and treatment unit for minors with particularly demanding care needs (EVA unit), and at Niuvanniemi Hospital’s inpatient ward for minors with particularly demanding care needs (Neva).
Alaikäisten mielentilatutkimukset suoritetaan pääsääntöisesti Tampereen yliopistollisen sairaalan Erityisen vaikeahoitoisten alaikäisten psykiatrisessa tutkimus- ja hoitoyksikössä eli EVA-yksikössä ja Niuvanniemen sairaalan erityisen vaikeahoitoisten alaikäisten hoito-osastolla (Neva).
THL:n oikeuspsykiatristen asioiden lautakunta käsittelee mielentilatutkimuksen perusteella tutkimusyksikössä laaditun lausunnon. Lautakunta antaa saamansa lausunnon perusteella tuomioistuimelle oman lausuntonsa epäillyn tai syytetyn mielentilasta ja määrää hänet mielenterveys lain edellytysten täyttyessä tahdosta riippumattomaan psykiatriseen sairaalahoitoon tai kehitysvammaisten erityishuoltoon.
THL’s Forensic Psychiatric Advisory Board examines the statement prepared by the examination unit on the basis of the mental state examination.
On the basis of the statement received, the Board issues its own statement to the court on the mental state of the suspect or defendant and, if the conditions laid down in the Mental Health Act are met, orders the person to involuntary psychiatric hospital care or to special care for persons with intellectual disabilities.
Target group
The Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare provides this service to courts. The service is not available to private individuals.
What to expect
THL decides on the place of the examination approximately three weeks after receiving the request. Once the examination unit has scheduled the examination, THL issues a decision on the place of examination. This decision is notified to the court and includes the deadline for completion of the mental state examination statement.
If THL grants an extension for the examination, the decision is notified to the court.
The Board examines the completed statement and issues its own opinion within approximately two weeks after the examination has been completed. More detailed information on the date of consideration can be requested via the forensic psychiatry office email after the examination has been completed.
Fees
The service is free of charge.
Contact us
We provide services on weekdays from 9:00 to 15:00.
We do not accept paper documents. If it is necessary to send material by post, please contact us first by email.
Electronic services
Sen your message to: oikeuspsykiatria(at)thl.fi.
Telephone service
Forensic psychiatry advisory number: +358 29 524 7076.
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