An interview with a forensic psychologist was conducted to glean information pertaining to educational and clinical training, major duties, skills update, effects of managed mental health care and prescription privileges, and controversies regarding the field of forensic psychology. Also included is a summary of how this field is integrated with other disciplines or subspecialties of clinical psychology.
Education for the forensic psychologist begins like that of any other area of psychology. A Ph.D. in the field of psychology is required, general psychology is acceptable, clinical psychology is preferred. Clinical psychology requires a practicum as part of the curriculum and coursework may differ from a general degree. The interview subject obtained a Ph.D. in general psychology with clinical coursework, and chose to train as a paid psychological assistant (PA) rather than to participate in an internship.
Training for the forensic psychologist differs from that of any other area of psychology. The interview subject trained as a PA in a forensic psychology setting. Forensic pertains to that which is law related, therefore this setting concerns psychology as it relates to law, as well as general psychology issues. Psychotherapy and psychodynamics are performed, but most cases will include the legal system. For example, cases may be court referred, clients may be involved in a legal issue, or the client may be a victim or a perpetrator.
Ogloff, Tomkins, and Bersoff (1996) report that the psychologist needs to think like a lawyer and become familiar with the legal system. The forensic psychologist must know which issues are legally relevant, communicate results such that lawyers and judges can use the material, and become a credible expert. Training or education must include structured information regarding the law and the legal system. Psychology and law promises equal focus on law; Ph.D. programs now offer spec...