What Does a Forensic Psychologist Do?

Did you know that the field of psychology plays an important role in the criminal justice system? For example, psychology is important to understand the mental state of individuals in legal cases and to inform the court of the psychological aspects of a particular case. Counseling, reintegration into society, and many other aspects require psychological knowledge. 

Does the intersection of law and psychology sound intriguing to you? If yes, then forensic psychology might be your answer. But what does a forensic psychologist do? Check out this blog that will take you through every aspect of what a forensic psychologist does.

The American Psychological Association defines forensic psychology as a specialty in professional psychology characterized by activities primarily intended to provide professional psychological expertise within the judicial and legal systems

In simple terms, forensic psychology means using the knowledge of psychology within the realm of the justice system for investigation or solving crimes.

The word “forensic” has an interesting origin. It springs from the Latin word “forensis,” which essentially means “of the forum.” Picture this: way back in ancient Rome, they held their law courts in a place called the forum. So, when you hear “forensic,” it’s like taking a linguistic trip to the legal structure of old Rome!

A forensic psychologist focuses on evaluating the mental, emotional, and behavioral state of individuals within the legal system, particularly those accused of crimes.

Some tasks that forensic psychologists perform include interviewing and assessing individuals to ensure that they are mentally competent. They also assess factors like the presence of psychological disorders. This information is then shared with the court to add to their knowledge of the individual. Forensic psychologists may also provide therapy or counseling services.

One lesser-known fact about this job is that there is a lot of writing involved. A forensic psychologist has to prepare reports for every criminal profile, and a good part of your week could involve writing. 

Roles and Responsibilities of a Forensic Psychologist 

1. Psychological Assessments: Conduct assessments to evaluate the mental state, competency, and sanity of individuals involved in legal cases.

2. Expert Witness Testimony: Provide expert testimony in court, explaining psychological concepts and contributing to legal understanding.

3. Criminal Profiling: Assist law enforcement by developing psychological profiles of potential suspects based on behavior analysis and crime scene evidence.

4. Risk Assessment: Evaluate the risk of future dangerous behavior and contribute to decisions related to parole, release, or other legal considerations.

5. Therapeutic Interventions: Provide therapy and counseling services to individuals within the legal system, addressing mental health needs.

6. Consultation with Legal Professionals: Collaborate with lawyers, judges, and other legal professionals to navigate the psychological aspects of cases.

7. Research and Policy Development: Engage in research to gain a better understanding of psychological issues within the legal system and contribute to policy development.

8. Victim Advocacy: Provide support and counseling to victims of crime, addressing their psychological needs, and helping them navigate the legal process.

9. Training and Education: Training and education for legal professionals, law enforcement, and other stakeholders on psychology and legal issues.

10. Ethical Decision-Making: Navigate ethical challenges, ensuring adherence to professional standards and ethical guidelines.

11. Collaboration with Correctional Facilities: Work within correctional settings to address mental health issues, conduct risk assessments, and contribute to rehabilitation programs

This is a rather general forensic psychologist job description; the specific tasks you will perform depend on your specific job setting, location, specialization, and field of work. 

Forensic psychologists work in a variety of settings; they work in courts, where they provide expert opinions and assessments to help judges and lawyers understand the psychological aspects of legal cases. They also contribute to correctional facilities, offering mental health services and rehabilitation programs for inmates. 

Additionally, forensic psychologists collaborate with law enforcement agencies to analyze criminal behavior and provide insights for investigations. Some may establish private practices, conducting psychological assessments and therapy. Lastly, academic institutions host forensic psychologists who engage in research, teach, and train the next generation of professionals in the field.

These are just some of the popular institutions where forensic psychologists lend their expertise. There are other varied settings where you might find yourself working as a forensic psychologist. 

Forensic psychologists generally undergo extensive training. Here are the steps leading up to becoming a licensed forensic psychologist.

Here’s a general guide:

1. Educational Background:

   – Bachelor’s Degree: Start with a relevant bachelor’s degree. It could be in psychology, criminal justice, or a related field. Focus on courses that cover abnormal psychology, criminal justice, and forensic science.

   – Master’s Degree: While not always required for jobs, it’s a good idea to pursue a master’s degree in forensic psychology to enhance knowledge and skills. If you plan to get your clinical licensure as a forensic psychologist, then you may consider completing your master’s and doctorate degrees.

   – Doctoral Degree: Most forensic psychologists hold a doctoral degree (Ph.D. or Psy.D.) in psychology, with a specialization in forensic psychology. This typically involves completing a doctoral program that includes coursework, research, and practical experience.

Related- Learn more about the different levels of degrees in psychology.

2. Gain Experience:

   – Internships and Practicum: Seek out internships or practicum experiences related to forensic psychology during your educational journey. This practical experience is crucial for understanding the day-to-day aspects of the field.

   – Research Experience: Engage in research projects related to forensic psychology. This can be through your academic institution or other relevant organizations.

3. Obtain Licensure:

For licensure, you’ll need to appear for an exam called ‘The Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP),’ which is owned by the ‘Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards (ASPPB)’. 

4. Specialization and Certification:

   – Specialization: Consider specializing in a specific area of forensic psychology, such as criminal profiling, correctional psychology, or victim advocacy.

   – Certification: While not mandatory, obtaining certification from a recognized professional organization, such as the American Board of Forensic Psychology, can enhance your credibility in the field.

5. Continuing Education: 

Stay updated on new trends and knowledge in the forensic psychology field through continuing education and professional development activities.

Specific requirements may vary based on location and other factors, so it’s essential to research the specific criteria for the area and type of work you’re interested in pursuing.

Becoming a forensic psychologist involves extensive education, training, and experience. The exact duration can vary based on individual factors and the educational path you choose. Here’s a general timeline:

1. Bachelor’s Degree (4 years): Start with a bachelor’s degree in psychology or a related field. This typically takes around four years.

2. Master’s Degree (2-3 years): Master’s programs typically range from 1 to 3 years and can provide a more focused understanding of forensic psychology concepts and applications.

3. Doctoral Degree (4-6 years): Most forensic psychologists hold a doctoral degree (Ph.D. or Psy.D.) in psychology. Doctoral programs usually take about four to six years to complete, including coursework, research, and practical experience.

4. Internships and Practical Experience (1-2 years): Gain practical experience through internships and supervised work, which may take one to two years.

5. Licensure (Varies): The time to obtain licensure varies by state but often includes completing supervised clinical hours and passing a licensure exam. The time needed to complete this step can vary.

Considering these factors, the total time to become a forensic psychologist can range from approximately 10 to 12 years or more. It depends on your educational choices, the time you invest in gaining practical experience, and the specific requirements of your chosen career path. 

Related: Learn more about the time and cost requirements for your psychology degree

If you’re interested in pursuing forensic psychology, you’ll most likely follow this educational path:

1. Bachelor’s Degree:

Bachelor of Science (B.S.) Psychology with a concentration in forensic psychology: A BS in forensic psychology often places a stronger emphasis on science, incorporating additional courses in research methods, statistics, and natural sciences. This can lead to a more quantitative and research-oriented skill set.

Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Psychology with a concentration in Forensic Psychology: A BA in forensic psychology typically incorporates a broader range of liberal arts courses, including social sciences and humanities, along with psychology and criminal justice classes. This approach may provide a more well-rounded understanding of human behavior in the context of the legal system.

The curriculum may be different for different universities, so it’s best to check with the university and select a program that is best suited for you.

Note: Other relevant bachelor’s degrees, like ones in criminal justice, psychology, or sociology, are still accepted by universities when applying to graduate school. Check with universities to see what bachelor’s degrees are accepted by them.

2. Master’s Degree:

Master of Science (M.S.) in Forensic Psychology: This graduate-level program delves deeper into forensic psychology, emphasizing research and advanced coursework to prepare students for more specialized roles.

Master of Arts (M.A.) in Forensic Psychology: Like the M.S., this program provides advanced training in forensic psychology but may also include coursework with a stronger emphasis on theoretical and applied aspects.

3. Doctoral Degree:

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Forensic Psychology: A Ph.D. program focuses on research, contributing to the academic understanding of forensic psychology. Graduates often pursue roles in academia, research, or specialized clinical practice.

Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.) in Forensic Psychology: The Psy.D. emphasizes practical applications of psychology, including assessments and interventions, making it well-suited for those seeking careers in clinical practice within legal settings.

According to Payscale, the average salary for forensic psychologists is $77,328 annually. With the lowest earning being about $46k and the highest earning being about $125k. The salary you receive will also depend on other factors like the level of education you receive, the location you work at, and your experience in the field. The greater your experience and qualifications, the better the pay you are eligible to receive. Check out these high-paying psychology careers.

Here are some roles that forensic psychologists can pursue. Bear in mind that the educational requirements for each of these roles are different.

Listed below are some forensic psychologist jobs:

1.  Clinical Forensic Psychologists or Correctional Psychologists

Forensic psychologists can specialize as clinical forensic psychologists or correctional psychologists. Clinical forensic psychologists assess individuals in legal cases, provide court testimony, and collaborate with legal professionals. They need a doctoral degree and licensure. Correctional psychologists work in prisons, addressing inmates’ mental health through counseling and assessments. A master’s degree and possible licensure are typically required for this role. Both contribute to the legal system by applying psychological expertise.

2. Counseling 

The role of a counselor is to provide support to patients with emotional or mental challenges. Forensic psychologists often serve as corrections counselors, offering counseling and performing psychological assessments for inmates to decrease reoffending rates. The evaluations conducted by these counselors help courts make some important decisions, including parole and sentencing. A master’s degree in counseling or clinical psychology is typically required for this role.

3. Probation Officer:

Probation officers supervise individuals on probation, ensuring compliance with court-ordered conditions. Forensic psychologists in this role may assess mental health needs and coordinate appropriate interventions. A bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, social work, or a related field is typically required. Some positions may require a master’s degree.

4. Forensic Psychologist Researcher:

Researchers in forensic psychology explore topics related to criminal behavior, the legal system, and the psychological impact of crime, working in academia, research institutions, or government agencies. A doctoral degree (Ph.D. or Psy.D.) in psychology, with a strong research focus, is typically required.

5. Legal Consultant:

Forensic psychologists serving as legal consultants offer expertise on the psychological aspects of legal cases, assisting with witness evaluations, jury selection, and mental state assessments. A doctoral degree (Ph.D. or Psy.D.) in psychology, along with specialized training or experience in forensic psychology, is usually required. Licensure as a psychologist may also be necessary.

6. Victim Advocate:

Victim advocates support individuals who have experienced trauma or victimization within the legal system, offering emotional support, navigating legal processes, and connecting victims with resources. A bachelor’s degree in psychology, social work, or a related field is common. Some positions may require a master’s degree.

7. Crime Analyst: 

As a crime analyst, you gather data through surveys and interviews and create statistical information that will be used for legal decisions and policy suggestions. You may also collaborate with law enforcement, where you could help develop strategies to reduce crime.

8. Journalist:

While not a traditional role, some forensic psychologists may work as journalists specializing in legal or psychological reporting, covering criminal trials, analyzing legal issues, or reporting on psychological aspects of crime. A bachelor’s degree in journalism, communication, or a related field is common, and specialized knowledge in forensic psychology can be beneficial.

These are just some of the many roles that you can pursue with a degree in forensic psychology. The best job for you depends on your personal interests, goals, and passion.

Your degree in forensic psychology will give you many job options to choose from. Getting a higher education in forensic psychology will help you develop your skills and open doors to more specialized jobs. As a forensic psychologist, you will be the one helping people within the justice system, making sure that everyone gets the care they need. Your contribution within the justice system will be significant, and the people you help will be your motivation to continue doing your job. This can be a very rewarding career.