Careers in Forensic Science: Forensic Psychology

1. Careers in Forensic Science:Forensic Psychology The American Board of Forensic Psychology defines this occupation as “the professional practice by psychologists within the areas of clinical psychology, counseling psychology, neuropsychology, and school psychology, when they are engaged regularly as experts and represent themselves as such, in an activity primarily intended to provide professional psychological expertise to the judicial system.”

2. Responsibilities and Jobs • Forensic Psychologists are often called upon to testify in court to: • determine whether a defendant is competent enough to enter a plea • Uphold or turn down an insanity defense • Determine if the defendant poses a risk for future violence • May even treat the individual once incarcerated • Job settings include jails, prisons, law enforcement agencies, mental health centers, juvenile detention centers, hospitals, private practices, etc.

3. Education • Degree in Clinical Psychology • A good understanding of psychopathology, clinical assessment, and psychotherapy • Graduate Degree in Forensic Psychology • Master’s and PhD programs available • Some schools offer a joint degree in clinical psychology and law Resource: http://www.psichi.org/pubs/articles/article_58.asp