What's a Psychological Autopsy? By Dr. Katherine Ramsland When a manner of death cannot be clearly identified as natural, accident, suicide or homicide, police might seek a mental health expert's help. With a psychological autopsy, they will evaluate the likelihood that a decedent's mental state aligns with known factors for suicide in order to rule it in or out. They might also suggest ideas for a deeper investigation. I have done this for coroners and cops, and I provide details on the method in my crime novel, I Scream Man.