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So, forensic work is actually pretty profitable, especially the expert witness work. You have one thing going against you though. YOU NEED TO KNOW THE RESEARCH! Otherwise you'll get destroyed in cross examinations by the other side's expert who actually knows what the f they are talking about. And, by default, you stop getting the good referrals.
 
The vast majority of forensic work is stressful, incredibly detail oriented, and can wear on the expert. From what i have seen, most "experts" have a very short forensic career bc once the lawyers figure out your weak spot they will hammer you.

At a minimum, ppl looking to go into it now should be boarded, have formal mentorship, and really know the work. They need to know the statistics behind the measures, the state laws, relevant case law, and ideally have enough years and coaching to deal with aggressive and borderline sketchy opposing counsel.
 
What do you think a faculty member would think about training a prospective grad student who, prior to any experience, basically tells you he doesn't want to have any part in intervention because that not what "he's into"? This is clinical psychology, right? Part of the deal here is to be a well trained in the science of psychological evaluation AND intervention... and you are telling me upfront you have not interest in one of those? Lack of flexibility and desire to learn kew thing- not sure that's the kind of grad student I would want working with/for me....
 
I would recommend talking to as many people in the field as you can. I was interested in forensic work at one point, and have completed a few forensic evaluations (risk assessments, competency to stand trial, parental fitness, and psychosexual evals) during my practicum and internship training. I think it is interesting work, and there are plenty of jobs out there. I chose not to do the work as I like doing treatment a bit more, and don't like the adversarial nature or how the legal system handles mental illness. I will say that I know several psychologists who are happy with the work, and make good money. Sex offender work, in particular, seems to be in high demand (both assessment and treatment). I found "Getting Started in Forensic Psychology Practice" by Eric Mart to be a pretty good intro into the work that forensic psychologists typically do, but the best thing to do is to talk to as many people in the field as you can, and get a mentor.

 
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