Forensic Psychologists apply the art and science of psychology within the legal system and related fields. Many in the field of forensic psychology work with individuals residing in correctional institutions, psychiatric facilities, or community-based agencies, where they conduct diagnostic and risk assessments to determine whether their patients are at risk of re-offending, and provide psychotherapy and other services to help minimize or eliminate the psychiatric symptoms that led to their patients’ criminal acts.

Other Forensic Psychologists work in the court system as jury consultants (advising attorneys on jury selection and trial strategy) or as forensic psychology expert witnesses (testifying about defendants’ mental states at the time they committed their crimes, as well as their competency to stand trial).

Still other Forensic Psychologists work primarily with victimized or at-risk populations such as inner-city youth, victims of sexual / domestic abuse, trauma survivors, substance abusers, the chronically mentally ill, and others. They provide assessments, counseling, case management, advocacy, and other services to help their clients cope with the mental and emotional effects of traumatic experiences, overcome addictions, make more positive life choices, and more.

Forensic psychology is one of the fastest growing areas of psychology and practitioners find work in an ever-expanding range of settings—including child welfare agencies, forensic units in state mental health facilities, jails and prisons, community mental health centers, juvenile correctional facilities, government agencies, family courts, and private practice.