Dr Siva Bala

Dr. Siva Bala graduated from the University of Western Australia and holds fellowship status with the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP) and the American Psychiatric Association. Based in Cairns, he regularly travels within Australia including regional and remote areas to provide Independent Medical Examinations, both civil and criminal.

Professional Expertise

• Certified in Adult Psychiatry with a focus on forensic psychiatry.
• Experience: Extensive work with Indigenous communities, notably as Chair of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Mental Health Committee of the RANZCP.
• Academic: Author of numerous peer-reviewed articles and book chapters on Indigenous mental health, intellectual disability, and suicide.  Previous adjunct Associate Professor with University of Western Australia. Continues to teach medical students and psychiatry trainees.
• Advisory Roles: Consulted by State and Federal Governments and Mental Health Commissions on Indigenous policy.

Forensic Psychiatry Services

• Certifications: Board-certified by the American Board of Independent Medical Examiners.
• Assessments: Offers a range of assessments including fitness to work, permanent impairment (PIRS, GEPIC, AMA 4, 5 and 6), and criminal injuries compensation.
• Court Expertise: Conducts pre-sentence risk assessments, parole assessments, and fitness to plead assessments throughout Australia.  Has conducted almost 3,000 forensic assessments throughout Australia, and appears regularly in district and supreme court to provide expert evidence.
• Experienced in assessing sex offenders and providing independent medical assessments for victims of historical child sexual abuse. Prefers and prioritizes Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander referrals.

Practice Details

• Referrals: From legal practitioners only for civil and ciminal matters. No self-referrals or General Practitioner referrals please and no family court referrals. 
• Clientele: Aged 16 and over.
• Availability: Dr Bala is unable to accept any referrals for the remainder of 2024.  The average waiting time is 10-12 months and reports are usually completed within one week.  Dr Bala does not offer general psychiatry assessment and follow up at present.
• Inpatient Services: Supports adult inpatients at Ramsay Clinic Cairns.