Background
Dr O’Donovan is a Consultant Forensic Psychiatrist with expertise in the assessment and treatment of women with mental illness and personality disorder, often associated with severe self-harm and complex trauma. She has worked with men and women at all levels of security, from the high secure estate to the community, and in prisons.
Her experience extends to people with brain injury, intellectual disability and dementia.
Expert witness work
Dr O’Donovan has acted as an expert witness since 2011. In criminal proceedings she has given opinions on fitness to plead, diminished responsibility and insanity, and she has also provided expert evidence in family and Court of Protection proceedings and to the Parole Board. She has completed expert witness training with the Royal College of Psychiatrists and Bond Solon.
Practice areas
- Crown Court
- Family court
- Court of Protection
- Parole Board
- Fitness to plead, diminished responsibility and insanity
- Women with complex needs
Qualifications and memberships
- BSc, MBBS
- Member of the Royal College of Psychiatrists (MRCPsych)
- MSc Mental Health Studies, University of Nottingham
- Approved under section 12 of the Mental Health Act 1983