Written by: Abbey Riendeau, LMHC
What do you think of when you hear ‘forensic psychology’? You may think of the show “Criminal Minds,” because the criminal profilers seem to be able to predict a perpetrators personality and behavioral patterns based off of a crime or crime scene. It’s super interesting to think that it’s possible to catch criminals using psychological profiling. While this is one potential avenue in the forensic psychology field, it can be misleading about what a forensic psychologist does.
A broad description for forensic psychology is a grouping of careers that applies psychological research and clinical specialties within the legal arena. In other words, the application of human psychology and behavior to the law. It has also been defined as “The application of clinical specialties to legal institutions and people who come into contact with the law” by Christopher Cronin, author of a forensic psychology textbook. These definitions emphasize the use of clinical skills, including assessment, treatment, and evaluation to forensic or legal settings. However, these definitions do not encompass all that may fall under forensic psychology. Additionally, it can be defined as the application of research and experimentation in other areas of psychology, such as social psychology, and applying it to the legal or forensic field. In short, this would be the application of results from psychological studies, such as in cognitive psychology, to legal questions. Examples of this application include studies on eyewitness identification, effectiveness of sex offender registries, competency to stand trial, insanity defense, and children’s memory. Christopher Cronin labeled this as “legal psychology” and defined it as “The scientific study of the effect of the law on people, and the effect people have on the law.”
Because of the broad definitions, forensic psychologists may have a variety of tasks, depending on the setting they work in. One of the most common duties is the psychological assessment of individuals who are involved with the legal system. Due to the intersection of psychology with law, it’s important to have education and training in law as well as psychology. While it’s important to have a good understanding of the law and the legal system, the most important skill for a forensic psychologist is strong clinical skills. These skills include clinical assessment, evaluation, interviewing, report writing, application of appropriate treatment modalities, case conceptualization, and verbal communication skills, especially if acting as an expert witness in court. Other tasks forensic psychologists may perform include research, violence risk assessments, competence to stand trial evaluations, treatment services for offenders and victims of crimes, designing intervention programs, and counseling for correctional officers and law enforcement.
One of the most interesting, and often controversial, tasks a forensic psychologist may take on is evaluations for competency to stand trial or insanity defense cases. In these cases, the psychologist is tasked with determining if the person possessed a “guilty mind” at the time of the crime, meaning they knew what they were doing was wrong when the crime was committed. The word “insanity” is a legal term and each state defines what the standard is for insanity, as well as a federal standard. The psychologist must utilize third-party information, collateral contacts, and other evidence of statements and behaviors made at the time of the crime to retrospectively determine a person’s functioning at the time of the crime. This can be challenging, especially when an individual’s current presentation is different from their past presentation at the time of the crime.
Like other psychologists, forensic psychologists must have either a PhD or PsyD degree from an accredited doctoral program. Along with the completion of a doctoral program, those who wish to be psychologists must also complete two years of supervised internship. Depending on the state of practice, there may be additional requirements. Candidates can apply for licensure and can become board certified by the American Board of Forensic Psychology, if desired. Being licensed is often a state requirement in order to provide psychological services.
Doctoral programs are not the only path for getting into the forensic psychology field. There are master’s programs available in forensic psychology. These programs often set an individual up for licensure as a therapist or forensic counselor or to attend a doctoral program. Therapists or counselors with a specialization in forensic psychology often work alongside forensic psychologists. While master’s level counselors are able to provide many of the same services as psychologists, such as assessment and treatment, there are limitations to the degree. Some evaluations and assessments have to be conducted by a doctoral-level psychologist. Additionally, to testify in court as an expert witness typically requires a doctoral degree as well. Teaching and supervising are other tasks that often require a doctoral degree.
Here at FIG, we have both doctoral-level forensic psychologists and masters-level forensic clinicians on our staff. Our team has varied experience working with adults and youth in the areas of forensic evaluation, forensic psychological testing and assessment, and psychotherapy for forensic populations. We have experience in developing programming for forensic populations, including sex offender treatment, and providing therapy services for other professionals who work with these populations in other capacities.
Forensic populations are often under-served, despite being one of the most important populations to receive psychological services in order to reduce and prevent recidivism. At FIG, we provide forensic specialists and trained clinicians who can bridge the gap between the criminal justice system and the mental health system. We aim to serve the forensic and legal populations in order to make our communities safer and more productive.
Being involved in the legal system can be confusing, frustrating, and embarrassing, and finding the right support can make a big difference. If you or a loved one are involved in the legal system and are in need of psychological services, please contact our office at 508-296-0229 or email us at info@forensicinsightgroup.com to inquire about services we can provide. If you work in the forensic or legal fields, such as attorneys, law enforcement officers, or correctional officers, we can also provide you or your clients with support and services.
Citation:
Ward, J. T. (2013, September 1). What is forensic psychology? Psychology Student Network. https://www.apa.org/ed/precollege/psn/2013/09/forensic-psychology
What Is Forensic Psychology? [How To Become A Forensic Psychologist]. (2022, February 18). Www.psychology.org. https://www.psychology.org/careers/what-is-forensic-psychology/#job