I was recently interviewed for Psychology.org on the process to become a forensic psychologist. While most of what you see at CCC centers on work with couples, adults and teens, our providers have rich professional histories. For me, my training and early career was in forensic psychology, a line of work that I still hold dear to me. I thought it would be interesting to share my full responses to the questions asked. Perhaps this will help anyone considering this unique career path.
What would you say are the most common misconceptions about forensic psychologist careers, and how does the actual profession depart from these misconceptions?
The most common misconception is that people think the profession will be like a profiler from the show Criminal Minds. While such a job title does exist in the FBI, that is actually a desk job riffling through dusty archived criminal cases. In actuality, the roles that forensic psychologists have are quite vast. From assessments in-and-out of court, clinical treatment of offenders, post-incarceration treatment, and working for law enforcement agencies. Anywhere that the legal system touches there is room for a forensic psychologist.
What tips and advice would you offer someone trying to decide whether this field is right for them?
Forensic psychology is an incredibly unique field. To enter it, you have to be comfortable in a different world than some of your psychology peers. For example, if you work in jails, prisons, or with offenders, you have to be comfortable working in a para-militaristic environment – there is a unique set of rules, standards, and even language that is used. Further, to work in this field, you have to have the capacity to see and understand very painful parts of humanity. I have worked with people who have killed their spouses, raped minors, and violently beaten and abused their families – if you cannot sit in a room with a person who has committed these crimes and still treat them as human then this career is not for you.
If you are trying to decide if this path is for you, I would recommend getting a job at a residential treatment center first. You typically need a college degree for this kind of position. In this, you will quickly learn your tolerance for chaos and how well you can connect with people of different backgrounds and past traumas.
What are some of the challenges and pain points students and emerging professionals often encounter in their journey toward licensure? Do you have any insights for dealing with or overcoming them?
Pain points for students really center on the doctoral process as it is incredibly challenging. From balancing classes, research, clinical experiences, and dissertation, it is no easy feat! For students, I encourage you to take it one hill at a time, do not let yourself get overwhelmed, know that it is hard for everyone, and know that it gets better. I encourage all students to have a close group of peers to lean on for support. This, more than anything, is what will get you through.
As for emerging professionals, passing the licensing exams is an obvious pain point. Commit yourself to about 2-months of hard study time, take the test, and move on. Don’t push it off. Aside from that, I think there is a natural transition post-school that is hard for everyone. Your job is no longer to learn but now to participate in the larger industry. In some ways, this is easier because you no longer have nights and weekends filled with academia but now you are faced with finding what role you want to grow and excel in within the field. As for overcoming these challenges, give yourself time and patience to adjust. Also give yourself permission to try on new hats and continue to learn even as you enter into the profession.
Do you have any tips or insights for navigating the postgraduate clinical training and/or state licensing processes?
I do encourage a formal post-doc as it will make licensing easier, but you can always take an Associate Level position and fill out the extra paperwork when applying for licensure. All states are different but none are easy when figuring out their licensing requirements – you have to fill out a lot of specific paperwork and file it correctly lest you have to start all over again. I recommend, if you’re able, take a trip to the physical location of the state licensing department and ask to speak to someone face-to-face. I did that when applying for licensure in WI and got so much more information than I did on the website or over the phone. They were very nice in person, too. As for the licensing exams, take them early after graduating – you are only in student-mode for so long and your brain will quickly transition to work-mode. Take advantage of all your study skills while they are still sharp. I do encourage a formal training program while studying for the EPPP (like AATBS). It costs money, which really sucks, but it is better than having to take the test over-and-over again.
Do you find the career rewarding? In your view/experience, do you think most practicing forensic psychologists are happy with their career choice?
I have found the career to be very rewarding. So much goes into choosing this path that I find most people who make it to the other side are happy with it. And for anyone who is concerned, know that you are never locked into one choice. I practice forensic psychology but I also work with couples and individuals who are not in the criminal justice system because I like the variety. That’s what is so cool about this profession – there are so many options and you can mix-and-match the pieces of it that you like to create a career that really works for you.
