ADVISORY/Forensic Specialist Evan Katz Featured at Oregon Seminars.

Business Editors

ADVISORY...for Wednesday - Friday (May 14 - 16)

PORTLAND, Ore.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 17, 2003

Expert Discusses the Mental Health Needs and Opportunities

in Both Criminal and Domestic Law

Federal, State, and local governments are squandering millions of dollars away each year, relying more on 'legal procedure' to determine sentencing instead of 'mental health expertise.'

Mental health professionals have what it takes to save taxpayers millions, if not billions of dollars each year. They fill the "gap" between mental health and the law.

Bridging the Gap between Mental Health and the Law is the subject of a series of seminars to be presented by Evan L. Katz, M.C., a mental health professional recognized as a forensic mitigation specialist and death penalty expert, based in Atlanta. The goal is to educate and motivate health care professionals so they may be more relied upon in our legal systems, thus saving the courts millions of dollars in time, resources, and money, while at the same time, providing focused and vitally important information to judges, lawyers, and juries before sentencing decisions are made.

The full day seminars begin at 8:30 a.m. and target clinicians in social work, mental health, substance abuse and other social science specialties. Locations are throughout Oregon. Interested parties can see seminar details and register online at www.evankatz.net or by calling 1-877-382-6528 toll free. Cost for the seminar is $145. Discount for early registration. Seating is limited.

They are scheduled for the following:

May 14, The Shilo Inn Suites, Salem, OR

May 15, The Holiday Inn Express, Roseburg, OR

May 16, The Riverhouse Hotel, Bend, OR

"The mental health professionals of today are the justice heroes of tomorrow," says Katz. "We are in a strong position to help judges and attorneys. The legal system has a great need for help from clinicians in our field. We can lead the system to reposition itself and become a more positive social force in our communities." Studies indicate there has been immense social value when mental health professionals have assisted in both criminal and family law court cases.

Additionally, Katz points out the need for all mental health professionals to understand the ethical conflicts between their professional positions and the law. Attendees will leave with the knowledge of what to expect from an attorney, how to evaluate and assess clients in the criminal justice system, how to gain credibility with attorneys and court systems, and how to properly prepare for trial as a defense consultant, investigator or testifying expert.

A more personal benefit for the mental health professional is an expansion of his/her practice area during these challenging times; especially with the realities of managed care and other insurance limitations. Katz adds, "Understanding and working with the legal system adds practice diversity for the professional and more humanness to the legal system. Our expertise can make a tremendous difference."

About Evan Katz 

Evan L. Katz. MC, DABFC, is a capital case mitigation expert based in Atlanta. Katz's work as a key member of defense teams includes developing mitigation theory, alternative sentencing proposals, sentence reduction recommendations, and defense team advisement.

An experienced mitigation specialist who assesses those accused of violent crimes, Katz has played a crucial role in capital cases. He was recently appointed the Director of the Counseling Division for the American College of Forensic Examiners International as well as serving as a Board Advisor. He has a long list of credentials including professional certifications from mental health groups, published works, teaching certification and military service.