Forensic Psychology & Psychiatry

Forensic psychologists and psychiatrists examine the mind in the context of the judicial system.

Forensic psychology and psychiatry both involve examination of the human mind and behavior within the context of the judicial system. However, the two areas of study are separate branches of forensic sciences. Psychiatrists are medical school graduates with specialty training in the understanding, diagnosis, and treatment of mental disorders. On the other hand, psychologists do not require an M.D. to practice and use other means to examine their subject’s mental condition.

Forensic Psychiatry

Forensic psychiatrists provide expert testimony in psychological aspects of civil and criminal cases. These matters include child custody, competence (e.g. consenting to medical care or taking care of children), and evaluation of the mental state of defendants before, during, and after their alleged offenses. Generally, the role of the forensic psychiatrist is to examine and not to cure the subject. However, there are also forensic psychiatrists who specialize in clinical work with victims of crimes and mentally ill people who are in trouble with the law.

Forensic Psychology

Forensic psychology is similar to forensic psychiatry to some degree as they both involve evaluation of the mental health and competency of their subjects in the context of the judicial system. However, the work of forensic psychology is achieved by somewhat different means. It focuses more on interviews and psychological testing (e.g. IQ and personality tests) and less upon biological and pharmacological analyses used by an M.D. As with forensic psychiatrists, some forensic psychologists also do clinical work with crime victims and perpetrators.

Forensic Psychiatry Training

In order to become a forensic psychiatrist, you will first need to receive an M.D. and then complete three to five years of training in psychiatry. During your residency, your work may not have all that much to do with forensics until your final year. If you truly want to pursue a career in forensic psychiatry, apply for a forensic psychiatry fellowship after your residency.

Forensic Psychology Training

A forensic psychologist usually majors in psychology at the undergraduate level. He then obtains a Ph.D, Psy.D, or Ed.D. which can take three to six years (the Ph.D takes the longest). Psychologists can specialize in forensics during graduate school though they also can get trained in a postdoctoral fellowship.

Salary

In most cases, forensic psychologists and psychiatrists charge an hourly fee for their services though there are government jobs that pay a salary that is usually less than what can be earned in private practice. Forensic psychiatrists charge from approximately $150 an hour up to $700 an hour for specialists. Forensic psychologists usually earn a bit less. Their hourly rate ranges from $150 an hour to $350 to $400 an hour.

References

• Reid Psychiatry: “Frequently Asked Questions about Forensic Psychiatry”
• Austin Peay State University: “An Overview of Forensic Psychology”
• Article Niche: “Forensic Psychology Vs Forensic Psychiatry”

Resources

• American Academy of Psychiatry and the Law: "Forensic Psychiatry Resources"