What can a forensic psychologist help with?
Forensic psychologists work at the intersection of
psychology and the law. They may work in prisons, rehabilitation centers, police departments, law firms, government agencies, private practice, or academia; they also may study psychology as it pertains to the legal system. A forensic psychologist can help those in the criminal justice system, from lawyers and litigants to those accessing mental health services.
Who is a certified or qualified forensic psychologist?
Forensic psychologists are licensed psychologists who have training applying psychology to legal matters. They have an advanced degree such as a master’s degree and often a doctoral degree (a Ph.D. or a Psy.D). What types of jobs do forensic psychologists have?
Forensic psychology encompasses a wide array of career paths. In legal contexts, they may conduct psychological assessments or competency evaluations on behalf of attorneys or judges. In clinical contexts, they may provide mental health care individually or in groups to victims or perpetrators. In academic contexts, they may conduct research or teach about topics from criminal profiling and jury selection to criminal justice reform.How do you recognise a good forensic psychologist?
Characteristics of strong forensic psychologists include having foundational knowledge of the law and cultural/societal issues, being observant such as for
body language cues, being a critical thinker across different disciplines such as policy and mental health care, and having strong communication skills to engage with people from a variety of backgrounds, from judges and lawyers to minors in juvenile detention facilities.