Forensic clinical psychologists assess the mental fitness of suspected criminals, testify in court, educate lawyers and judges, and provide treatment for individuals in the criminal justice system. Their work depends on their specialty, and they evaluate suspects by conducting meetings and observations to judge their mental aptitude. They may also provide treatment for individuals in the criminal justice system.
A forensic clinical psychologist is a mental health professional who performs clinical work or research related to crime and criminal law. One of the most important and common jobs of a clinical forensic psychologist is to assess the mental fitness of suspected criminals prior to trial. People suffering from certain mental disorders may not be held legally responsible for their actions, and it is the role of the forensic clinical psychologist to determine when this is the case. Other possible jobs for forensic clinical psychologists include testifying in court, educating lawyers and judges, and providing treatment for individuals in the criminal justice system.
The specific work performed by a clinical forensic psychologist tends to depend on their particular specialty in school and clinical work. A youth or school psychologist, for example, might talk to children in cases of child abuse, rather than assessing suspected offenders for mental fitness. Neurologists are often called upon to evaluate possible neurological disorders that can lead to criminal behavior, and psychiatrists are consulted when psychoactive drugs are needed. Most clinical psychologists who specialize in forensic work, however, primarily conduct assessments and diagnoses.
The evaluation of suspected criminals is the central job of the clinical forensic psychologist. This usually involves reviewing the details of a particular case and the suspect’s criminal history. The most important part of the assessment is, in most cases, conducting one or a series of meetings with the suspect. In-depth discussions and observations can usually provide the clinical forensic psychologist with enough information to judge the suspect’s mental fitness and ability to take responsibility for crimes committed. The psychologist is often called upon to testify to the suspect’s mental aptitude or lack thereof in court.
Clinical psychologists who work outside the remit of the criminal justice system usually treat the people who come to them willingly and try to be as cooperative as possible. This is not always the case for a clinical forensic psychologist. Suspects may not want to meet with a psychologist and therefore may refuse to cooperate. Psychologists, therefore, must often make careful judgments based on the behavior of uncooperative suspects.
In some cases, a clinical forensic psychologist may be called upon to provide treatment for individuals in the criminal justice system. Individuals in prisons or on extended trials may need psychological therapy that non-forensic psychologists cannot provide. Forensic criminal psychologists can also provide help to those in the criminal justice system who suffer from problems with addiction and substance abuse.
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