Common questions such as: What is a forensic psychologist? How to become one? What is the salary of a forensic psychologist?

What is forensic psychology?

As specialized as the field of forensic psychology may sound, it can be quite varied. In short, the field of forensic psychology concerns the intersection of psychology and the legal system. The forensic psychologist applies psychological principles in helping to address a legal question. Oftentimes, this involves working with, or examining, someone involved in the criminal justice system, but not always. Other examples include forensic psychologists involved in personal injury, employment screening, threat assessments, civil commitment, and some who work in the state hospitals, to name a few.

How does one become a forensic psychologist?

Forensic psychologists are almost always trained first and foremost as a clinical psychologist. The education requirements of a forensic psychologist involves the completion of an undergraduate degree, and the completion of a psychology doctoral degree. The individual must also obtain licensure in one’s jurisdiction. To become a licensed clinical psychologist in California, one will need to pass the EPPP and California’s law and ethics exam. While there are forensic psychology programs and forensic psychology coursework, believe it or not, there are a good number of forensic psychologists who end up in the field by happenstance. This is because one’s specialty can be largely dictated by their training opportunities and clinical experiences. Training experiences in detention facilities like jails or prisons, and at state hospitals, can be a common route towards specialization in forensic psychology.

What does a forensic psychologist do?

What may often come to mind is Hannibal Lecter or Criminal Minds. The media has an uncanny ability to engrain certain perceptions in our minds. While the media’s portrayal may reflect what a select group of forensic psychologists do, what is depicted is not always the case for most of us. The day to day of a forensic psychologist can vary drastically, but there is never a dull moment. In the morning, I may be in court testifying as an expert witness. And in the afternoon, I may be examining an individual involved in a criminal proceeding. Oftentimes, I am involved in criminal matters such as competency, insanity, mental health diversion, violence risk, and sexual offenses. Throughout the week, I am engaging with attorneys, consulting with colleagues about complicated cases, staying up to date with current research in the field, and writing up forensic psychological reports. Keeping in mind that my work can have a direct impact on people’s lives and impact public safety, it is important to remain open-minded, be a lifelong learner, have a collaborative attitude and seek consultation, remain diligent and responsible, adhere to the highest ethical standards, and have well-honed writing abilities. These are not only the foundations of a forensic psychologist, but can apply broadly as well in whatever career path you may choose.

What is the salary of a forensic psychologist?

There is no simple way to answer this. Salary ranges can be far and wide depending on the area of expertise and the amount of work one takes on. It may be safe to say that salaries are typically in the six-digit range, and can go up depending on specialty and workload. For example, a licensed psychologist employed at the Department of State Hospital in California starts off at around $122,000 per year.

Work-Life Balance

As in almost all lines of work, it is important to try to maintain a healthy work-life balance. All jobs can be stressful, but perhaps particularly so in the field of forensic psychology. A forensic psychologist involved in criminal proceedings often evaluate individuals who have committed, or is alleged to have committed, a host of criminal offenses, some more disturbing than others. The forensic psychologist often reviews records that contain vivid details of crimes. Having healthy hobbies and coping skills, maintaining quality and supportive relationships, and taking time off away from work, are some examples of maintaining work-life balance and avoiding burn out.

Dr. Chan, Psy.D. (CA PSY 27283) is a forensic psychologist in San Francisco who has been in practice for nearly a decade. Opinions expressed belong solely to Dr. Chan.

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