The didactic material is provided in the yearlong seminar covering a core curriculum designed to include all the relevant topics, both criminal and civil, in forensic psychiatry, including discussions of the landmark cases. The University of Pittsburgh Law School provides a course in mental health law for the fellows.

The major strength of the program is the depth and range of the clinical experience. Rotations include Mayview State Hospital Forensic Unit and the Allegheny County Behavior Clinic, which is an agency of the criminal court of Allegheny County and the second oldest diagnostic court clinic in the United States. The inclusion of the Allegheny County Behavior Clinic and Mayview State Hospital Forensic Unit in the rotation assures the fellows of the opportunity to assess the defendants in every major criminal case involving psychiatry in Allegheny County. Additionally, opportunities are provided for rotations through a sexual offenders program, an intensive outpatient forensic program as well as juvenile court assessments and other site placements. Civil cases are referred from various sources, which yields a wide range of experience. Clinicians who have practical experience and are recognized authorities in their fields including Robert Wettstein, M.D., and Loren Roth, M.D provide supervision. Fellows are expected to participate in teaching programs for the residents and medical students. Research with opportunities for original projects or participation in ongoing studies, particularly in risk assessment for violence, is sponsored by an active and nationally renowned staff.

WPIC is located in the Oakland section of Pittsburgh, a beautifully restored city, located in scenic western Pennsylvania. The city affords all the amenities of city living including a lively cultural district and the friendliness and convenience of a small town with manageable traveling distances.