Clinical-Forensic Psychology

Clinical-forensic psychology is the subfield that most people are familiar with, even though they aren't even aware of it. There are a variety of things to do with this area. Just like a clinical psychologist, clinical-forensic psychologists are mainly interested in assessing and treating people suffering from some form of mental illness. The difference is that the people being treated are also being assessed because they are somehow involved in the criminal justice system, mainly because of conviction for some offense. Most people in this subfield decide to make treatment and assessment the focus of their career and life. Offenders can be forcibly treated while in prisons, corrections facilities, as a requirement of parole/probation, or in a hospital. Alternatively, offenders could see a clinical-forensic psychologist who operates in private practice.

This type of psychologist can work as an expert witness in both criminal and civil court cases cases for the defendant and/or the party filing the civil lawsuit. Many people in our society look down upon expert witnesses. People often believe expert witnesses are saying what is demanded to receive compensation, especially when testifying about competency to stand trial and sanity of defendants. These two controversial issues have become much more acknowledged with cases such as that of John Hinkley.

In the civil arena, expert witnesses often testify about whether a person was competent in making some decision, such as in writing his/her will. As witnesses, psychologists can also give their opinion in workman's compensation cases (e.g., to establish if a defendant was really harmed psychologically from a work injury). Child custody is a major issue in the civil arena. The clinical-forensic psychologist can give his/her opinion on which parent should be the legal guardian and on parental visitation guidelines.

Psychologists here can also chose to make a career out of doing research. This is a very lucrative field if one is successful; it is mainly available in universities and colleges to those with the doctoral degree. One of the interesting topics frequently researched is the effectiveness of different types of therapies for convicted criminals. There is constantly advancement in this area and differing opinions.

Before a clinical-forensic psychologist can actually pursue his/her desired specialty, additional training and volunteer work may be needed, even after receiving a doctoral degree. The best way to do this is through externships and mentoring programs. Working closely with others teaches a person how to go about working in the field.