How to Become a Forensic Psychiatrist

Forensic psychiatrists go through many years of schooling—as many years as a physician—but the rewards (which include a great salary) are exceptional for those who have the patience and determination to succeed.Forensic psychiatrists are different from criminal profilers working with the FBI to develop profiles of the latest serial killer, as seen on television. While criminal profilers sometimes do have a psychiatry or psychology background, few forensic psychiatrists are ever called upon to profile a serial killer. Forensic psychiatrists typically spend time in courtrooms as expert witnesses. They may also be called upon to assess and evaluate a criminal’s mental state; however, forensic psychiatrists can also be involved in civil matters. Most own their own psychiatry practice.

Instructions

1. Enroll in a 4-year, fully accredited university that has a good science or premed program. In your first semester, complete several basic required courses so you can move on to more difficult, specialized courses in your field.

2. Take biology, microbiology, chemistry and any available premed courses as an undergraduate at the university. You should graduate with a degree in biology or similar major that will help you get into medical school.

3. Apply to medical schools in the final year of your undergraduate studies. Medical schools are not easy to get into. You stand the best chance if your undergrad grades are excellent. You will have the chance to specialize in medical school; naturally, your specialty will be psychiatry.

4. Fulfill your psychiatry residency requirements after medical school. Often the residency will be in the same geographical area as the medical school. Residencies, generally, last 4 years.

5. Enter into a forensic psychiatry fellowship program after you’ve completed your psychiatry residency. These fellowship programs last about 1 year. Stipends vary from school to school but are generous enough so you live comfortably.

Tips & Warnings

• If you are more interested in the study of the mind and less interested in medicine, consider becoming a psychologist instead of a psychiatrist.

• If you are more interested in forensic science than psychiatry, consider becoming a crime scene investigator.

• Don’t take on too much at once during your undergraduate studies. It will be easier to keep a good GPA if you don’t overload yourself with too many hours in one semester.

Resources

• Directory of Forensic Psychiatry Fellowships
• Psychiatry residency program at the University of Colorado (as an example)
• Psychiatry residency program at Baylor College of Medicine
• American Psychiatric Association