Dr Joel Singer is a Sydney-based Consultant Psychiatrist specialising in the provision of independent psychiatric and medico-legal assessments for children, adolescents and adults. He is highly experienced in delivering expert medico-legal opinions across a broad range of civil, statutory and forensic matters, and is well regarded for producing clear, balanced and evidence-based reports.
Dr Singer regularly undertakes medico-legal assessments in matters including personal injury, public liability, fitness for work and fitness for duty, medical negligence, total and permanent disability (TPD), family law proceedings, workers compensation, motor accident claims, and historical and institutional abuse matters. He is an Authorised Health Practitioner with the State Insurance Regulatory Authority (SIRA) and has extensive experience conducting Independent Medical Examinations (IMEs), Permanent Impairment Assessments (AMA 5, PIRS), Joint Medical Examinations (JMEs) and psychiatric capacity assessments across multiple Australian jurisdictions.
Dr Singer’s medico-legal expertise is underpinned by broad and deep clinical experience in psychiatry. He provides comprehensive diagnostic assessment across the full spectrum of psychiatric disorders, including:
- ADHD
- mood and anxiety disorders
- obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
- bipolar disorder
- trauma-related disorders
- personality disorders
- psychotic disorders
- autism spectrum disorder
- and intellectual disability.
His reports demonstrate careful consideration of diagnosis, causation, impairment, treatment needs, prognosis and work capacity.
Dr Singer completed his medical degree at the University of New South Wales with Distinction, including a medical clerkship at Harvard University. He undertook specialist training across major tertiary hospitals in Sydney, including St Vincent’s Hospital and Prince of Wales Hospital, and has specialised expertise in neurodevelopmental psychiatry, having trained at the Neuropsychiatric Institute, Sydney and the Kogarah Developmental Assessment Service.
He has significant experience in forensic and youth justice settings, including providing expert assessments through the NSW Children’s Court Clinic, where he was awarded a HETI Award in Psychiatry and Mental Health. Dr Singer has contributed to peer-reviewed publications and a textbook chapter, and previously held academic appointments as a Conjoint Lecturer in Medicine at the University of New South Wales.
Dr Singer adopts a structured, objective and evidence-based approach to medico-legal work, while maintaining a respectful and professional manner with examinees.
Dr Singer is available to accept referrals for independent medico-legal assessments, including IMEs, impairment and capacity assessments, fitness for work evaluations, and expert psychiatric opinion in civil, statutory and court-based matters across Australia.
