Forensic Psychology Discussion

[Psyched2525]

For all you forensic psychology peps-is anyone interested in starting a forensic psychology only thread where we can address questions relating to jobs, research, clinical, etc issues?

Thanks!

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[progter]

yes =]

 

[Hopefulnontrad]

Me too... just don't have anything to talk about yet 🙂

 

[Therapist4Chnge]

MOD NOTE: I changed the title so people looking for forensic psych related info will be more likely to come in here. -t4c

 

[Psyched2525]

MOD NOTE: I changed the title so people looking for forensic psych related info will be more likely to come in here. -t4c

Thanks!

 

[Psyched2525]

Here's a question...

While I am waiting to hear back from schools I can't help but think of what I will do if I don't get accepted into any school. This is my last time applying, thus, I am forced to think of the alternative-working with a MA in forensic psychology. My primary focus is research, however, with the economy it appears that entry level research positions are being taken up by PhD's who are more qualified and willing to work for less money.

I'm already into the six figure's in student debt, and I'm wavering between trying to find a position at the MA level or simply switching careers (which I clearly don't want to do😕).

So, my question is...where and what positions are being offered at the MA level? I live in the eastcoast where forensic related jobs are already highly competitive. Are there any good websites or forums that post clinical or research oriented jobs specifically for forensic psychology?

I feel like I completed 10 years of schooling for nothing, so any suggestions would be very much appreciated.

Thank you!🙂

 

[PrisonPsych]

Here's a question...

While I am waiting to hear back from schools I can't help but think of what I will do if I don't get accepted into any school. This is my last time applying, thus, I am forced to think of the alternative-working with a MA in forensic psychology. My primary focus is research, however, with the economy it appears that entry level research positions are being taken up by PhD's who are more qualified and willing to work for less money.

I'm already into the six figure's in student debt, and I'm wavering between trying to find a position at the MA level or simply switching careers (which I clearly don't want to do😕).

So, my question is...where and what positions are being offered at the MA level? I live in the eastcoast where forensic related jobs are already highly competitive. Are there any good websites or forums that post clinical or research oriented jobs specifically for forensic psychology?

I feel like I completed 10 years of schooling for nothing, so any suggestions would be very much appreciated.

Thank you!🙂

As long as you are license eligible, in my state, you can work as a master's level psychologist in the prison system. Which is what I do.

 

[Psyched2525]

As long as you are license eligible, in my state, you can work as a master's level psychologist in the prison system. Which is what I do.

In my state, and where I received my master's-they offer a LFMH program. However, they started this program 3 years after I graduated. So does it go by degree or state?

Thanks!

 

[PrisonPsych]

In my state, and where I received my master's-they offer a LFMH program. However, they started this program 3 years after I graduated. So does it go by degree or state?

Thanks!

There are a lot of variations by state.

 

[progter]

This article is a great reference for anyone interested in forensic psychology

http://www.teachpsych.org/otrp/resources/helms06.pdf

 

[Psyched2525]

For those who are interested, what's everyone working on these days? What are your research interests?

 

[progter]

I'm currently doing research on the effectivness of the cognitive interview v. standard interviewing techniques used by law enforcement when interviewing witnesses of crimes etc. Also doing research on a new method of training for bomb squads/EoD teams on how to better search for IEDs under stressful conditions (ie: in the iraq/afghan war and in terrorist situations here in the US)

 

[Psyched2525]

I'm currently doing research on the effectivness of the cognitive interview v. standard interviewing techniques used by law enforcement when interviewing witnesses of crimes etc. Also doing research on a new method of training for bomb squads/EoD teams on how to better search for IEDs under stressful conditions (ie: in the iraq/afghan war and in terrorist situations here in the US)

Super interesting! Do you have your MA or applying to PHD programs?

I research sex offender/SVP treatment, policy and risk assessment. I'm working on developing an inpatient treatment progress scale. Believe or not-there isn't any.

By the way, are we the only Forensic Psych people on here?

 

[PhDToBe]

i am working on a study on jury decision-making, and am about to start one on victim impact statements.

i also identify mitigating factors in a death penalty case.

my research interests: psychopathy, NGRI competency, gender difference in criminals, sex offenders, serial killers, trauma...

 

[PrisonPsych]

By the way, are we the only Forensic Psych people on here?

<---see name. No, you're not. 😉

 

[Aura5]

I'm working on developing an inpatient treatment progress scale. Believe or not-there isn't any.

Well, at least someone (you) is working on that...lol...


And I'm a one-day-Ph.D. hopeful, so not in a school yet etc. But forensic pyschology is one of my areas of interest. Personality disorders,adult (possibly young adult) psychopathology, trauma/PTSD, self-esteem & self image, shame/guilt issues, emotional abuse, anger/aggression possible violence issues, sex offender treatment (and disorders), the psychology behind some kinds of killers, particulary spree shooters or...you know the types that get angry and shoot people. Actually I'd be interested in preventive work on that, to prevent it before it happens, although that's not always easy to predict because a lot of times those people have been boiling up for years. But just that 'type' of personality strain/mindset that leads to that kind of action. Not sure if that'd count as forensic though, since I'd like to catch them before the commit the criminal act...

 

[Symone]

I guess this really isnt a question, I just need some clarification.

I went to this Forensic Psychology Workshop at my school last week; the presenters were Alliant University. The main guy speaking is a former clinical psychologists, a current full time professor, a part time forensic psychologist, and he still does counseling on the weekend at his own practice...allegedly. I'm not syaing he was lying, I just quit believing him after he said some suspect stuff.

Basically he said that Forensic Psychologists can start off making 80K working in a prison. Then after a few years make up to 100K. He said he didn't know any clinical psychologists who made 100K, which I know is true. He said the job of a Forensic psychologist is recession proof and that he doesnt know any forensic psy whove been affected, but know many clinical who have. He made Forensic psy sound so good and even better when he mentioned those figures. I went to psychology club the next day and told everybody and they laughed and said Clinical makes more than Forensic. I went and tried to google information, but didn't find much.


Im really interested in Forensic, but leaning more towards Clinical. I just want to know if there is any truth to his claims. I would think they make about as much as clinical; yes or no? Are there more jobs available in Forensics? Etc. Sorry for the long post.

 

[progter]

You have to become a clinical psychologist to become a forensic psychologist. Yes there are many of them that make good money working in the prisons, but incase you are unaware of the California financial crisis then most people know that those jobs at the Corrections Dept are not expanding. They haven't been cut back... yet. Many of my professors at Fresno State are practicing forensic psychologists, the ones who are part time and work for the prison system are all awaiting a potential pink slip.

I believe the salary for pure clinical psychologists has gone down on average over the last few years. mainly due to oversaturation of the field. I could be wrong tho.

Not sure why a group in an undergrad psychology club would all "laugh at you." Thats pretty rude and arrogant.

One thing you have to understand is that Alliant is a business, they are trying to sell you on a product. Is their product bad? Not necessarily. Personally, I would not be a part of the Alliant forensic psych dept unless it was the one located in Fresno. We have the best forensic psych faculty by light years and we have the only clinicial forensic psych track w/ the clinicial aspect being APA accredited. Their APA internship placement is not bad overall and from what their instructors tell me... is 100% for the top 25% of the class.

Your education is what you make of it. Some ppl gripe that Alliants class sizes are too large, which is true, it doesn't have the small classroom feel when each class has 10-40 students in it. It can also be hard to get a dissertation committee that is really dedicated to helping you, but thats not to say that it can't be done. If you want it badly enough, you will get it. Yes there have been people to go to their program and not do well, but there have been many to go through it and do well. Those who did not do well, probably have more to blame than the program itself.

 

[progter]

btw what was the name of the presenter at the SD campus?

 

[erg923]

Forensic psychs are generally trained in clinical psych programs. That is, they are all clinical psychs, but their specialized clinical work is in forensic issues.

 

[Symone]

I don't remember his name off top, but I think he actually worked at the Irvine campus or something.

Yeah, I figure people are always going to sprinkle things when they are promoting themselves. I originally thought you pursued clinical psych to become a forensic psych. So you do clinical psych specializing in forensics?

I suppose they laughed because I sounded gullible or something, but I know none of us know everything. That was my point of asking them...like they was going to give me official information or something. That's why I asked on here too.

 

[PhDToBe]

We have the best forensic psych faculty by light years and we have the only clinicial forensic psych track w/ the clinicial aspect being APA accredited.

Sam Houston State University is an APA-accredited clinical psych ph.d. program with a forensic emphasis (every professor has forensic research/clinical interests). There are several other APA-accredited clinical psych ph.d. programs with concentrations in forensic pysch/psych and law (Fordham, Alabama, etc.)

 

[progter]

Sam Houston State University is an APA-accredited clinical psych ph.d. program with a forensic emphasis (every professor has forensic research/clinical interests). There are several other APA-accredited clinical psych ph.d. programs with concentrations in forensic pysch/psych and law (Fordham, Alabama, etc.)

yes I am aware of that

my statement was referring to the Alliant campuses

sorry if i was not clear

 

[Psyched2525]

You have to become a clinical psychologist to become a forensic psychologist. Yes there are many of them that make good money working in the prisons, but incase you are unaware of the California financial crisis then most people know that those jobs at the Corrections Dept are not expanding. They haven't been cut back... yet. Many of my professors at Fresno State are practicing forensic psychologists, the ones who are part time and work for the prison system are all awaiting a potential pink slip.

I believe the salary for pure clinical psychologists has gone down on average over the last few years. mainly due to oversaturation of the field. I could be wrong tho.

Not sure why a group in an undergrad psychology club would all "laugh at you." Thats pretty rude and arrogant.

One thing you have to understand is that Alliant is a business, they are trying to sell you on a product. Is their product bad? Not necessarily. Personally, I would not be a part of the Alliant forensic psych dept unless it was the one located in Fresno. We have the best forensic psych faculty by light years and we have the only clinicial forensic psych track w/ the clinicial aspect being APA accredited. Their APA internship placement is not bad overall and from what their instructors tell me... is 100% for the top 25% of the class.

Your education is what you make of it. Some ppl gripe that Alliants class sizes are too large, which is true, it doesn't have the small classroom feel when each class has 10-40 students in it. It can also be hard to get a dissertation committee that is really dedicated to helping you, but thats not to say that it can't be done. If you want it badly enough, you will get it. Yes there have been people to go to their program and not do well, but there have been many to go through it and do well. Those who did not do well, probably have more to blame than the program itself.

Agreed! I think it's great that you're interested in forensic psych, however, when and if you attend such seminars or presentations, try and remain a critical observer. There are many myths and misconceptions surrounding the field of forensic psych (e.g. what it actually is, money, type of employment). As others have said, any clinical specialization (e.g. forensics, psych/law) is preceded by training in clinical psychology.

Good luck!

 

[ForensicCK]

Hey everyone!

My name is Caroline- and as you can probably tell by my oh-so-clever user name, my main field of interest is forensic psychology!

Seeing that someone started a thread just on forensics made me all happy inside (weird?), so I figured I'd write my first post. I've never done this thing before- so be easy on me!

Just a few fun facts about my background:
-I'm 23, and a graduate student in general psychology (w/ a forensic track) on LI, NY (after trying the law school thing and realizing that it wasnt for me at alllll-- too much law and order SVU made me think forensic psych and law were one in the same- take my word for it- they arent!!)
-I have been spending the past school year (since the beginning of Summer 09) working in a lab, doing my own independent research alongside a forensic psychologist on child custody evaluations, and completing the normal coursework for a graduate program. I've also interned for a semester at a psychiatric outpatient day clinic, which was quite the experience lol

I;m waiting back to hear from a few more phd programs as to whether or not they decide to reject lil ol' me like the rest of their university counterparts have- but at this point i'm not holding my breath!

Glad to "meet" all of you!!!
Caroline👍

 

[Symone]

Agreed! I think it's great that you're interested in forensic psych, however, when and if you attend such seminars or presentations, try and remain a critical observer. There are many myths and misconceptions surrounding the field of forensic psych (e.g. what it actually is, money, type of employment). As others have said, any clinical specialization (e.g. forensics, psych/law) is preceded by training in clinical psychology.

Good luck!

Thanks.

 

[hayasa]

Long time lurker, first time posting. I just received my MA in Forensic Psychology and am currently applying to a Doctoral program. I work in the law enforcement field as a consultant. Figured I'd just chime in on this discussion and say hello.

Just FYI, Forensic Psychology may or may not be a sub-field of Clinical, depending on which psych group you ask. There are Clinicians who work with forensic populations, and Research Psychologists who conduct experiments regarding forensic issues. Dr. Loftus at UC Irvine is an excellent example of the latter. So it is a field that is still being defined if that makes any sense.

My personal interests involve violence prediction, deception detection, cyber criminality, and false confessions (and lots of other stuff). I think ultimately I'd like to get more involved in hostage negotiations or related operations.

 

[progter]

Long time lurker, first time posting. I just received my MA in Forensic Psychology and am currently applying to a Doctoral program. I work in the law enforcement field as a consultant. Figured I'd just chime in on this discussion and say hello.

Just FYI, Forensic Psychology may or may not be a sub-field of Clinical, depending on which psych group you ask. There are Clinicians who work with forensic populations, and Research Psychologists who conduct experiments regarding forensic issues. Dr. Loftus at UC Irvine is an excellent example of the latter. So it is a field that is still being defined if that makes any sense.

My personal interests involve violence prediction, deception detection, cyber criminality, and false confessions (and lots of other stuff). I think ultimately I'd like to get more involved in hostage negotiations or related operations.

What program did you do your MA at?

 

[Psyched2525]

Long time lurker, first time posting. I just received my MA in Forensic Psychology and am currently applying to a Doctoral program. I work in the law enforcement field as a consultant. Figured I'd just chime in on this discussion and say hello.

Just FYI, Forensic Psychology may or may not be a sub-field of Clinical, depending on which psych group you ask. There are Clinicians who work with forensic populations, and Research Psychologists who conduct experiments regarding forensic issues. Dr. Loftus at UC Irvine is an excellent example of the latter. So it is a field that is still being defined if that makes any sense.

My personal interests involve violence prediction, deception detection, cyber criminality, and false confessions (and lots of other stuff). I think ultimately I'd like to get more involved in hostage negotiations or related operations.

Right, I was only referring to the clinical aspect of forensic psych as she seemed particularly interested in clinical work and not research per se.

 

[hayasa]

What program did you do your MA at?

I went to Marymount University near DC. Loved the program.

 

[Psyched2525]

For those of you who are applying to PhD/PsyD (forensic emphasis) programs this year-where are you applying?

I'm unfortunately waiting on just one acceptance/rejection at this point from John Jay! It's been 3 weeks since the interview.

Is anyone going to APLS this year?

 

[progter]

If there are any current students of John Jay's Masters of Forensic psychology program I would love to talk w/ you in PMs.

It would be greatly appreciated

 

[psychgirl77]

I'm going to APLS! I'm not presenting this year though.

 

[Psyched2525]

If there are any current students of John Jay's Masters of Forensic psychology program I would love to talk w/ you in PMs.

It would be greatly appreciated

I'm not a current student, but I received my MA from JJ in forensic psych in 2007. So, if you have any questions about the program-I would be happy to answer them.

 

[ForensicCK]

Long time lurker, first time posting. I just received my MA in Forensic Psychology and am currently applying to a Doctoral program. I work in the law enforcement field as a consultant. Figured I'd just chime in on this discussion and say hello.
.

What exactly do you do as a consultant in the law enforcement field?? Sounds like an exciting job!! I'm currently expecting to be rejected from my last two hopes (john jay and u north texas), so i'm looking to find out more about jobs i can get with my masters until i apply again next year! Any insight is obviously beyond appreciated!!

 

[ForensicCK]

I'm going to APLS! I'm not presenting this year though.

is APLS the one in San Fran?

 

[PsyDGrrrl]

is APLS the one in San Fran?

No, it's in Vancouver BC. Which is why I'm not going 🙁 But I am going to AAPL in October.

 

[ForensicCK]

ohh yeah that is a trip lol.. where is the one in october?? the one in san fran i was talking about is the american college of forensic psychology.. forensicpsychology.org- my professor/mentor is presenting there so i may go- he said it is a great oppurtunity to network- too bad its close to 1k round trip🙁

 

[hayasa]

What exactly do you do as a consultant in the law enforcement field?? Sounds like an exciting job!! I'm currently expecting to be rejected from my last two hopes (john jay and u north texas), so i'm looking to find out more about jobs i can get with my masters until i apply again next year! Any insight is obviously beyond appreciated!!

I used to say, "I could tell you what I do, but then I'd have to kill you." Now I say, "I could tell you what I do, but then I'd have to bill you." I've been in the field for 12 years, but only recently got the Master's to boost my skills in criminal behavior analysis. Having the job beforehand really helps, not to mention that work paid for most of my grad school tuition. Just having a Master's and no work experience is tough. If you are banking on just a MA, try to at least get a relevant internship in law enforcement.

 

[whypsy]

I guess this really isnt a question, I just need some clarification.

I went to this Forensic Psychology Workshop at my school last week; the presenters were Alliant University. The main guy speaking is a former clinical psychologists, a current full time professor, a part time forensic psychologist, and he still does counseling on the weekend at his own practice...allegedly. I'm not syaing he was lying, I just quit believing him after he said some suspect stuff.

Basically he said that Forensic Psychologists can start off making 80K working in a prison. Then after a few years make up to 100K. He said he didn't know any clinical psychologists who made 100K, which I know is true. He said the job of a Forensic psychologist is recession proof and that he doesnt know any forensic psy whove been affected, but know many clinical who have. He made Forensic psy sound so good and even better when he mentioned those figures. I went to psychology club the next day and told everybody and they laughed and said Clinical makes more than Forensic. I went and tried to google information, but didn't find much.


Im really interested in Forensic, but leaning more towards Clinical. I just want to know if there is any truth to his claims. I would think they make about as much as clinical; yes or no? Are there more jobs available in Forensics? Etc. Sorry for the long post.

I think long term that clinical psychologists might be able to make more money at the upper end. However starting pay, forensic can make more than clinical and vice versa. This is especially true for doctorate level internship positions in clinical and counseling psy. The Bureau of Prisons have internships at the doc level and they start at $50k which is an insane amount of money for an internship. It seems normal internships average around $25-$30k.

I know if you can work for federal or state prisons as a psychologist the starting pay is around $65k-$70k + government benefits. These are more clinical or counseling positions. On the flip side when you start private practice clinical/counseling psychology, you'll be lucky if you can eat the first year or two.

However I know that forensic psychologists can do tons of evaluations and if you want to make money in psychology, evaluations and assessment is definitely one way to go. Sometimes states will hire forensic psychologists to do independent evaluations for various prisoners for trial and eligibility.

There is no hard and fast rule here. Clinical may have some advantages, (familiarity and flexibility) but I'm sure there are some very rich forensic psychologists out there too.

 

[Therapist4Chnge]

A forensic psychologist is a clinical psychologist who decides to work in the forensic setting. The licensure is the same, the requirements are the same, though the population is a sub-set of the more "general" clinical population.

 

[hayasa]

A forensic psychologist is a clinical psychologist who decides to work in the forensic setting. The licensure is the same, the requirements are the same, though the population is a sub-set of the more "general" clinical population.

Actually, this is not completely true. Most people think this because of a lot of bad information from the media. A "Clinical Forensic Psychologist" is a clinician who does forensic work, and is (usually) a licensed clinical psychologists. These folks are the ones doing evals, doing rehab, etc. However, there are other types of forensic psychologists, including research-based forensic psychologists, operational forensic psychologists, and others. They are usually PhD types and are not licensed. These professional refer to themselves as "Forensic Psychologists" as opposed to "Clinical Forensic Psychologists" to differentiate from their licensed counterparts.

 

[AlaskanJustin]

Actually, this is not completely true. Most people think this because of a lot of bad information from the media. A "Clinical Forensic Psychologist" is a clinician who does forensic work, and is (usually) a licensed clinical psychologists. These folks are the ones doing evals, doing rehab, etc. However, there are other types of forensic psychologists, including research-based forensic psychologists, operational forensic psychologists, and others. They are usually PhD types and are not licensed. These professional refer to themselves as "Forensic Psychologists" as opposed to "Clinical Forensic Psychologists" to differentiate from their licensed counterparts.

still basically a semantic argument you are making here, especially since they could be clinically trained and just not have their license in that state, clinically trained and choose not to be licensed because its unnecessary, or they can be experimentally trained and not clinically, but is still all the basic semantic argument...

you would be hard pressed to find a non-academic job in a forensic setting that doesnt require a clinical license...

 

[Psleepless]

A forensic psychologist is a clinical psychologist who decides to work in the forensic setting. The licensure is the same, the requirements are the same, though the population is a sub-set of the more "general" clinical population.

hayasa is right. abpp forensic psych diplomates are probably all clinically trained, but a lot of social psych phd's work in forensic psychology (gary wells for one). john jay, the biggest forensic program, offers two phd tracks - experimental and clinical.

 

[PsyDGrrrl]

I guess this really isnt a question, I just need some clarification.



Basically he said that Forensic Psychologists can start off making 80K working in a prison. Then after a few years make up to 100K. He said he didn't know any clinical psychologists who made 100K, which I know is true. He said the job of a Forensic psychologist is recession proof and that he doesnt know any forensic psy whove been affected, but know many clinical who have. He made Forensic psy sound so good and even better when he mentioned those figures. I went to psychology club the next day and told everybody and they laughed and said Clinical makes more than Forensic. I went and tried to google information, but didn't find much.


Im really interested in Forensic, but leaning more towards Clinical. I just want to know if there is any truth to his claims. I would think they make about as much as clinical; yes or no? Are there more jobs available in Forensics? Etc. Sorry for the long post.

- in California, psychologists start off making $80 in prisons/state hospitals, yes. You do not have to be a forensic psychologist to get a job there.
- Forensic psychology is pretty recession-proof. There will always be a demand for court-ordered assessments. Trouble is, they don't pay great.
- Forensic psychologists have much more earning power than clinical psychologists. Forensic and neuro is where the money is.

 

[Therapist4Chnge]

Actually, this is not completely true. Most people think this because of a lot of bad information from the media. A "Clinical Forensic Psychologist" is a clinician who does forensic work, and is (usually) a licensed clinical psychologists. These folks are the ones doing evals, doing rehab, etc. However, there are other types of forensic psychologists, including research-based forensic psychologists, operational forensic psychologists, and others. They are usually PhD types and are not licensed. These professional refer to themselves as "Forensic Psychologists" as opposed to "Clinical Forensic Psychologists" to differentiate from their licensed counterparts.

😕

If you ask 100 psychologists what a "Forensic Psychologist" does, at least 98 of them will describe clinical work, primarily assessment, within the forensic setting. I'm not sure that is the fault of the media. It is definitely an issue of semantics.

 

[ClinicalTrainee]

Actually, this is not completely true. Most people think this because of a lot of bad information from the media. A "Clinical Forensic Psychologist" is a clinician who does forensic work, and is (usually) a licensed clinical psychologists. These folks are the ones doing evals, doing rehab, etc. However, there are other types of forensic psychologists, including research-based forensic psychologists, operational forensic psychologists, and others. They are usually PhD types and are not licensed. These professional refer to themselves as "Forensic Psychologists" as opposed to "Clinical Forensic Psychologists" to differentiate from their licensed counterparts.

Others differentiate by indicating they do research in Psychology & Law and avoid the term 'forensic' entirely. From spending a bit of time with a social psychology professor who studies psychology & law issues, I've understood 'psychology and law' to be the blanket term to describe anyone who works at the intersection of psych & law (including correctional psychology), but 'forensic' implies clinical. Of course, no doubt this distinction isn't shared by all.

 

[TenaciousGirl]

A forensic psychologist is a clinical psychologist who decides to work in the forensic setting. The licensure is the same, the requirements are the same, though the population is a sub-set of the more "general" clinical population.

I've seen some schools (mine included) where there are two different options in forensics ... PhD/PsyD in Clinical Psychology with the emphasis in forensics or ... a PhD in Forensic Psychology. Like you said before, I think this is all a semantics game.

 

[hayasa]

Others differentiate by indicating they do research in Psychology & Law and avoid the term 'forensic' entirely. From spending a bit of time with a social psychology professor who studies psychology & law issues, I've understood 'psychology and law' to be the blanket term to describe anyone who works at the intersection of psych & law (including correctional psychology), but 'forensic' implies clinical. Of course, no doubt this distinction isn't shared by all.

It gets even more complicated than that! The Psych and Law is/isn't the same thing as Forensic Psychology is one of the bigger arguments in the field. By the "broad definition" of Forensic Psychology, the areas studied match the definition of Psych and Law, though this is more the opinion of the psych academic community. On the other hand, most clinical psychologists (and counseling, schools, etc.) do consider Forensic Psych to be a subset of clinical - an opinion defined as the "narrow definition." Problem with the "narrow definition" is that it neglects the research components of Forensic Psych and generally implies only "applied" psychology in a clinical setting. Semantics or not, this is one of those things that has folks at APA all spun up. And don't get me started on Forensic Social Work or Forensic Psychiatry...

 

[hayasa]

Also, if you are really interested in professional publications regarding Forensic Psychology (and what it is or isn't), do a search for Dr. Kirk Heilbrun's articles in some academic journals. Good reading...