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FAQs

What is a forensic psychologist?
A forensic psychologist is a Ph.D. psychologist whom specializes in the realm of forensics. The forensic psychologist may have either a Ph.D. in forensic psychology, clinical psychology with a forensic focus, or experimental psychology with a forensic focus.

What is forensic psychology?
Forensic psychology is the discipline of psychology that deals with the legal system. In civil and criminal matters, this includes front end operations (testing, discovery, police work, investigation), legal proceedings (competency & psychological assessment, assessment of damages,  jury selection, expert witness), and institutionalization (treatment, parole hearings. confinement). Forensic psychologists may also be called on to: evaluate new laws and programs, assist in the assessment and hiring of new police officers, etc.

What is clinical psychology?
The field of Clinical Psychology focuses on the intellectual, emotional, biological, psychological, social, and behavioral aspects of human functioning across the life span, in varying cultures, and at all socioeconomic levels. The field integrates science, theory, and practice to understand, predict, and alleviate maladjustment, disability, and discomfort as well as to promote human adaptation, adjustment, and personal development.

What is the difference between a clinical psychologist and a forensic psychologist?
The clinical psychologist works to promote a person's adaptation, adjustment, and personal development. A forensic psychologist uses techniques founded in clinical psychology to assess damages and claims, help choose juries, or make recommendations on sentencing, judgment, or settlements.

What do clinical psychologists do?
While working with patients forms the heart of a Clinical Psychologist's work. But there's more to it than that.Clinical Psychologists are involved in research, teaching and supervision, program development and evaluation, consultation, public policy, professional practice, and other activities that promote psychological health in individuals, families, groups, and organizations. Their work can range from prevention and early intervention of minor problems of adjustment to dealing with the adjustment and maladjustment of individuals whose disturbance requires then to be institutionalized.
Practitioners of Clinical Psychology work directly with individuals at all developmental levels (infants to older adults), as well as groups (families, patients of similar psychopathology, and organizations), using a wide range of assessment and intervention methods to promote mental health and to alleviate discomfort and maladjustment.

How do psychologists assess people?
Assessment in Clinical Psychology involves determining the nature, causes, and potential effects of personal distress; of personal, social, and work dysfunctions; and the psychological factors associated with physical, behavioral, emotional, nervous, and mental disorders. Examples of assessment procedures are interviews, behavioral assessments, and the administration and interpretation of tests of intellectual abilities, aptitudes, personal characteristics, and other aspects of human experience and behavior relative to disturbance.
Interventions in Clinical Psychology are directed at preventing, treating, and correcting emotional conflicts, personality disturbances, psychopathology, and the skill deficits underlying human distress or dysfunction. Examples of intervention techniques include psychotherapy, psychoanalysis, behavior therapy, marital and family therapy, group therapy, biofeedback, cognitive retraining and rehabilitation, social learning approaches, and environmental consultation and design. The goal of intervention is to promote satisfaction, adaptation, social order, and health.