The Forensic Mental Health Services consist of an outpatient clinic and two inpatient units — the Forensic Psychiatric Unit and the Secure Psychiatric Unit.
These three units serve individuals with complex psychiatric and social challenges. All units within RÖG operate under the same management and treatment team, providing person-centred care through interdisciplinary collaboration based on the recovery approach and the Safewards model.

Admission process

Admissions to the inpatient units vary depending on circumstances. Patients may be admitted from other Landspítali wards, from institutions, or following a court order.
If symptoms worsen during outpatient follow-up, the treatment team may request readmission. The clinical director and ward manager oversee patient flow.

Patient rights

Patients have guaranteed access to their legal advocate. Regular updates on treatment progress are provided to appointed guardians, custodians, and/or legal representatives.

Discharge

Upon discharge, appropriate support, assistance, and housing are arranged for those in need. Some patients require specialised housing options such as supported accommodation or secure housing.

Forensic Psychiatric Unit

The Forensic Psychiatric Unit is a specialised eight-bed ward for patients found not criminally responsible due to severe mental illness and committed by court order following serious offences.
Patients receive individualised treatment and rehabilitation aimed at preparing them to reintegrate into society.

Their illnesses are often severe, complex, and long-term, and hospital stays can therefore be prolonged — sometimes lasting several years.

Discharge depends on suitable community arrangements and services within social or health care systems.
Court rulings often stipulate that patients must be readmitted if they relapse, resume substance use, or display threatening behaviour.

Gradual release (“rýmkun”)

Discharge from the Forensic Psychiatric Unit requires a court-approved release process.

The process begins when:

Once the release has been approved and a release order issued, the discharge process may begin.
This includes arranging suitable housing and support, as well as planning necessary follow-up through RÖG.

Secure Psychiatric Unit

The secure psychiatric unit is a specialized eight-bed psychiatric ward for patients with severe and complex mental disorders. The unit is a specialized rehabilitation psychiatric ward for patients who require long-term treatment.

• It is common for patients in the unit to have been temporarily deprived of their legal capacity/autonomy at the time of admission.

• Discharges of patients from the secure psychiatric unit may be contingent upon appropriate resources and/or services being available through social services or within the healthcare system.

Outpatient Unit

The outpatient team of forensic and secure mental health services provides long-term comprehensive treatment and follow-up for individuals with the aim of supporting them in improving their quality of life and maintaining recovery.

• Outpatient clients have regular appointments there

• in certain cases, court decisions may affect the frequency of visits and treatment in the outpatient department.

Family involvement

Emphasis is placed on cooperation with the relatives of patients to strengthen the connection between patients and their loved ones, as the patient's illness often puts these relationships to the test. Cooperation with relatives takes place through formal family meetings and informal communication via phone, emails, or on the wards.

Visits

Visits to patients are held in the ward’s designated visiting rooms.

• Visitors must contact the staff of the respective ward by phone to schedule a visiting time.

• Visiting hours are typically from 14 to 21 on weekdays and from 11 on weekends and holidays, or as agreed upon.

• Visits are generally limited to a maximum of one hour.

• Treatment providers may need to limit the number of visitors based on the circumstances at the time.

Phone calls

In certain cases, patient communications with friends or relatives are monitored.

• Only approved contacts are then permitted to communicate with the patient by phone.