Testing/Assessment/Custody Evaluations Career Path

[Annakei]

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From what you know of the testing/assessment specialty (with children) within psychology, is this a particularly lucrative area? Does anyone here practice within this area?

I ask because this is my intended specialization and would like to gain some insight on training and of course how financially rewarding this area of psychology can be.

I am currently a Masters level clinician applying to a PsyD program in the fall for 2010 entrance but would like some advice and insight from those already there. Also, what can I do now to beef up my skills in this area?


Thanks!

 

[erg923]

If they have rich parents who pay out of pocket🙄

In general, forensic psych can make good dough, but it takes a while to build your repuatation and work up a referal base of attorneys. And even at that, most of the money comes from testimony, depositions, time spent reviewing legal and medical records etc. since you can up your rate for these matters in comparison to your pure clinical work. I do not know the mean earnings of those doing pure custody evals with children and families. I think its safe to say that it varies greatly, as all things in psych do.

 

[Therapist4Chnge]

You either need to be:

1. Very good at what you do.
2. One of the few people in your area who do it.

I was talking to a lawyer who refers all of his business to one assessment guy (neuro). The neuro guy isn't particularly good or well liked, he is just the only game in town, and he gets paid like it.

 

[erg923]

The neuro guy isn't particularly good or well liked,

I dont know any attorneys who actually like psychologists...lol But seriously, that is Interesting.

 

[Therapist4Chnge]

I dont know any attorneys who actually like psychologists...lol But seriously, that is Interesting.

They like us when our data lines up with their case.....