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Forensic Psychologists
Who are Forensic Psychologists?
Forensic psychologists apply psychological theory and skills to the understanding and functioning of the legal and criminal justice system. They often work in criminal, civil and family legal contexts and provide services for perpetrators, victims and justice personnel. Forensic psychology encompasses issues such as: the causes, prevention and treatment of criminal behaviour; the psychology of police, the courts and the correctional system; and the contributions of psychological evidence to legal
proceedings.
Forensic psychologists are generally employed in one or more of the following areas:
- Private practice
- Forensic mental health
- Corrections
- Juvenile justice
- Family court
- Child protection services
- Community programs (e.g. domestic violence programs)
- Police
- Academia
- Research organisations (e.g. Institute of Criminology)
They have completed a minimum of six years full-time university training, including two years of approved postgraduate study in forensic psychology, plus further supervised practice as a forensic psychologist.
The APS College of Forensic Psychologists
Membership of the APS College of Forensic Psychologists is restricted to psychologists who have completed specialised training and have experience in the field. To remain a member of the College, practitioners are required to undertake a program of continuing professional development, with a particular focus on forensic psychology.
All practising psychologists are legally required to be registered with the Psychologists Registration Board in their state or territory. This is to ensure that they meet specified standards of competence and ethical practice.
For further information, see the APS College of Forensic Psychologists website.
Areas of specialisation of Forensic Psychologists
Forensic psychologists use their skills in a number of different situations including:
- Performing psychological assessments and providing psychological reports for the courts and parole boards;
- Appearing in court as 'expert witnesses', and giving professional views on psychological matters;
- Designing and delivering treatment interventions for offenders;
- Assessing and treating victims of crime;
- Intervening in child neglect and abuse cases;
- Acting in divorce and custody cases;
- Selecting, training and counselling justice personnel;
- Offering consulting services to legal and justice organisations;
- Implementing crime prevention programs; and
- Carrying out research in forensic psychology.
Finding a Forensic Psychologist
To find a forensic psychologist:
- Call the APS Psychologist Referral Service on 1800 333 497, or email referrals@psychology.org.au
- Look for the APS listing under 'psychologists' in the Yellow Pages
- Ask your private health insurance fund
- Enquire through a government department or private agency concerned with the law or the criminal justice system, health or social and community services.
