RT Journal Article SR Electronic T1 Unsolicited E-mails to Forensic Psychiatrists JF Journal of the American Academy of Psychiatry and the Law Online JO J Am Acad Psychiatry Law FD American Academy of Psychiatry and the Law SP 470 OP 478 VO 44 IS 4 A1 Susan Hatters Friedman A1 Jacob M. Appel A1 Peter Ash A1 Richard L. Frierson A1 Deborah Giorgi-Guarnieri A1 Richard Martinez A1 Alan W. Newman A1 Debra A. Pinals A1 Phillip J. Resnick A1 Alexander I. F. Simpson YR 2016 UL http://jaapl.org/content/44/4/470.abstract AB E-mail communication is pervasive. Since many forensic psychiatrists have their e-mail addresses available online (either on personal websites, university websites, or articles they have authored), they are likely to receive unsolicited e-mails. Although there is an emerging body of literature about exchanging e-mail with patients, there is little guidance about how to respond to e-mails from nonpatients. Therefore, we used a Delphi technique to develop a consensus about salient points for the forensic psychiatrist to consider regarding responding to e-mails from nonpatients and the risks entailed. Four scenarios are described, including e-mails from nonpatients and unknown others requesting advice or help. The potential ethics-related, legal, moral, and practical concerns for forensic psychiatrists are discussed. Finally, potential pitfalls for forensic psychiatrists are described.