Forensic psychology viability (canada and elsewhere)

[Azure1]

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I have a couple of questions about forensic psychology:

Does anyone know how viable this field is in Canada?

I've heard for the most part it's a job that requires a lot of travel as actual forensic cases are few and far between but can be profitable. Can a practicing forensic psychologist attest to this?

Also, do most forensic psychologists do a multitude of things to get by (i.e. teaching / private practice / research) or is it a viable option to just be doing forensic work?

Would it be a better idea to practice in the US or Canada? If so, what state would be the most friendly I suppose to do forensic work.

 

[ForensicPsych26]

Hello --

I am currently a third year clincial forensic psych student. In my opinion, Canada has the most and best research coming out in forensic psych (europe is another main place that has a lot of good research coming out). In my program one woman moved from Canada to the US to obtain her degree (she will be moving back *hopefully* for internship). She wanted to obtain a psyd in forensics (in Canada they only have phd programs).

I think it's a great idea to go into the field if you are truly interested in it.

I have not heard of having to travel much for the career...the facilities I have worked at most of the forensic psychologists have more than one job (private practice, the jail/prison work, and teach), so they have to travel in that sense. However, they do not have to do all of these, they could just do one...but who wants to have one job, when you can work in multiple facilities with multiple forensic populations? Many of my professors and supervisors enjoy working in different arenas, which is why they have multiple jobs; however, as I mentioned there are a few colleagues that work at just one facility.

I think it depends on what type of work you want to do (canada vs. us). Additionally, I think it depends on what type of forensic environment you are interested in working in...many of the major cities in the us have a lot of opportunities to do forensic work. I know off the top of my head California has many forensic opportunities, as well as New York and Chicago.

Hope this helps!

 

[AleksM]

I am a clinical and forensic psychologist working in a forensic psychiatric hospital in Canada (Ottawa area). There are a limited number of forensic psychologist clinical positions in hospital settings in Ontario (in London, Hamilton, Toronto, Whitby, Brockville, Ottawa), more in federal correctional settings across the province. Hospital- based clinical jobs for forensic psychologists (if you can snag one) will earn you $100-120,000 per year. Federal correctional jobs are known for paying less than hospital jobs, ranging from approximately $70-90,000 per year. In hospital-based settings in Canada, forensic psychologists conduct assessments (apart from criminal responsibility and fitness to stand trial assessments which are only conducted by psychiatrists) and psychotherapy, and conduct research. In federal correctional settings, forensic psychologists are predominantly involved in assessment work (violence risk, suicide risk), research, and supervision of other professionals.

As far as private work in forensic psychology, there is limited work in the Ottawa area for psychologists to be involved in criminal cases. This is because most criminal lawyers request their clients be sent directly to a hospital for a psychiatric assessment (rather than a private practice psychologist). I can't speak for other cities in the province or across the country; however, I'd venture to guess lawyers typically request their clients are evaluated in hospital settings. However, I know some psychologists do contract work (risk assessments, psychotherapy) with federal corrections clients in private practice. It is pretty difficult to maintain a full-time private practice based solely on forensic work in Ontario.

Because forensic psychologists have a great score of practice in the U.S. (e.g., insanity evaluations, competency to stand trial assessments), there is WAY more opportunity to work privately.

 

[Azure1]

I am a clinical and forensic psychologist working in a forensic psychiatric hospital in Canada (Ottawa area). There are a limited number of forensic psychologist clinical positions in hospital settings in Ontario (in London, Hamilton, Toronto, Whitby, Brockville, Ottawa), more in federal correctional settings across the province. Hospital- based clinical jobs for forensic psychologists (if you can snag one) will earn you $100-120,000 per year. Federal correctional jobs are known for paying less than hospital jobs, ranging from approximately $70-90,000 per year. In hospital-based settings in Canada, forensic psychologists conduct assessments (apart from criminal responsibility and fitness to stand trial assessments which are only conducted by psychiatrists) and psychotherapy, and conduct research. In federal correctional settings, forensic psychologists are predominantly involved in assessment work (violence risk, suicide risk), research, and supervision of other professionals.

As far as private work in forensic psychology, there is limited work in the Ottawa area for psychologists to be involved in criminal cases. This is because most criminal lawyers request their clients be sent directly to a hospital for a psychiatric assessment (rather than a private practice psychologist). I can't speak for other cities in the province or across the country; however, I'd venture to guess lawyers typically request their clients are evaluated in hospital settings. However, I know some psychologists do contract work (risk assessments, psychotherapy) with federal corrections clients in private practice. It is pretty difficult to maintain a full-time private practice based solely on forensic work in Ontario.

Because forensic psychologists have a great score of practice in the U.S. (e.g., insanity evaluations, competency to stand trial assessments), there is WAY more opportunity to work privately.

Perfect! Thank you so much. May I ask where you did your training? Do you suggest first getting a PhD in clinical and then specializing later in forensic? I'd like to work in quebec / ontario if possible.