What is a forensic psychologist?
A forensic psychologist might work with a number of different people and agencies, including criminal offenders, victims and police.
Most forensic psychologists will work with offenders. They will diagnose and treat psychological conditions. Their ultimate goal is to rehabilitate offenders so that they can safely return to the community.
As a forensic psychologist, you'll be in charge of their treatment plan whilst they're in prison or a secure hospital. This could include group therapy, one-to-one counselling and medication. You'll also train other members of staff on how to handle their behaviour.
You may be called upon as an expert witness in court. You'll explain the diagnosis and how this may have affected their behaviour. This can help the judge to decide on a fair sentence.
You may also be asked to give your recommendations to parole boards. This can determine whether an offender is released or moved to a less secure facility.
You could also work with police to provide offender profiling. This can help them narrow down the sort of person they are looking for in a criminal case.
Forensic psychologist responsibilities
As a forensic psychologist, you may be responsible for:
- Diagnosing criminal offenders
- Treating offenders with mental health conditions
- One-to-one counselling sessions
- Group therapy sessions
- Prescribing medication
- Supporting victims
- Giving testimony in court
- Advising parole boards
- Training members of staff
- Liaising with other services
- Offender profiling
What skills do you need?
Here are some of the skills you'll need to become a forensic psychologist.
How much does a forensic psychologist earn?
A forensic psychologist salary will start at £35,000 and can go up £63,000. This is because it is a highly skilled profession which requires years of training. You will also be working in a high-stress environment, with potentially violent or sexual offenders. The salary is higher to account for this.
How to become a forensic psychologist
A forensic psychologist requires years of training. You will need to complete a psychology degree and a master's degree in forensic psychology, followed by two years of supervised practice. Alternatively, you could complete a PHD in forensic psychology.
Career progression
Your career growth depends on the skills you develop and the experience you gain.
You may have more job opportunities if you're willing to move to a different area.
After working for around two years, you can move into more senior roles. As a senior forensic psychologist, you might:
- Help plan and manage services or policies.
- Support and guide staff in prisons or secure hospital units.
- Work independently as a consultant, such as giving expert opinions in court.
With more experience, you could become a principal psychologist. In this role, you might:
- Lead programmes that help change how offenders behave.
- Take on regional or national leadership roles.
- Work closely with prison managers and senior officials.
- Give expert advice on how to assess and treat offenders.
- Help shape the overall strategy of the service.
You could also work for other organisations like the NHS, where you might:
- Be involved in therapy programmes or work in forensic hospital wards.
- Progress to senior positions such as head of services.
Freelance or self-employed work is also an option. You could become a consultant in forensic psychology, offering your expertise to different clients.
Where next
We hope this has helped you understand how to become a forensic psychologist. It takes time and dedication, as you will need to complete a degree, a masters degree and two years of supervised practice. However, it can lead to a rewarding career. Take a look at our courses below.
