What Does A Forensic Psychiatrist Do?

Many people think they know what a forensic psychiatrist does from the movies and TV shows, but this glamorized version of the profession isn’t exactly accurate. What does a real forensic psychiatrist do? What kind of education do you need to be one? Read on to learn everything there is to know about this profession.

A word about forensic psychiatry vs. forensic psychology

While these two fields overlap and have many similarities, they have some significant differences. Both specialize in mental health, but their education and training differ.

Generally, the biggest difference between a forensic psychiatrist and a forensic psychologist is that psychiatrists are medical doctors, and psychologists are not. Both professionals can provide therapy, evaluation, and analysis, but only a forensic psychiatrist can prescribe medication.

The education for these two fields is slightly different as well. Since forensic psychiatrists are medical doctors, they are also highly educated in the structure and function of the brain and how it works. Forensic psychologists are also highly educated, requiring a doctorate level education, but they generally do not get the same level of in-depth training on the anatomy and physiology of how the brain works.

Forensic psychiatrists and forensic psychologists perform similar roles, like determining whether someone is competent to stand trial or acting as an expert witness. Much of what is discussed here applies to both professions. 

The role of a forensic psychiatrist

The most frequent duty of a forensic psychiatrist is likely performing psychological assessments of people involved in the legal system, but this can mean any number of things. While the Hollywood version of a forensic psychiatrist is usually looking for a serial killer or kidnapper, in reality, a forensic psychiatrist comes into contact with a variety of different people. For this reason, they need strong clinical skills, like performance assessments, writing reports, interviewing, and excellent communication skills, particularly if they are called as an expert witness in a courtroom.

Forensic psychiatrists may be tasked with determining whether or not someone accused of a crime is mentally competent to stand trial. But forensic psychiatrists can perform many other tasks, including child custody evaluations, threat assessments, screening law enforcement applicants, and assessing mental health and effectiveness of treatment programs of adult and juvenile offenders.

What makes this field different?

The biggest thing that makes forensic psychiatry different from other specialties in the field is the motivation behind it. While most psychiatrists treat patients to help them improve their mental health and their lives, forensic psychiatry always has a legal element to it. When a forensic psychiatrist is needed, the person they are helping is somehow involved in the legal system. While they may support them through any anxiety or depression stemming from their legal troubles, the forensic psychiatrist’s primary role is to meet the specific legal need they are tasked with. 

How to become a forensic psychiatrist

Becoming a forensic psychiatrist involves many steps, and the education and training can take as many as ten years. 

The first step to pursuing this career is earning a bachelor’s degree in forensic science or a related field. After completion of this degree, people who wish to be forensic psychiatrists must attend medical school. Medical school programs often last about four years, with the first two years focusing on academic courses and labs and the final two years on clinical practice.

After completing medical school, those who still want to pursue forensic psychiatry must complete a residency, where they practice under an experienced doctor in their specialty. Residency programs are typically two years long. Those hoping to specialize in forensic psychiatry will likely have to complete their residency in general psychiatry. During this time, they will also take licensing exams.

The next step is to do a fellowship. This is a two-year program that provides experience directly in the field of forensic psychiatry. In addition to related clinical experience, fellows complete more specialized academic courses and research. After completing a fellowship, doctors can work independently. They can apply to take the Initial Certification in Forensic Psychiatry through the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology (ABPN) to become licensed. 

How to become a forensic psychologist

Because education is one of the key differences between a forensic psychiatrist and a forensic psychologist, it is worth looking at the process of becoming a forensic psychologist as well. The most significant difference between the two is that a forensic psychiatrist is a doctor of medicine, and a forensic psychologist is a doctor of philosophy or psychiatry.  

The first step in this process is earning a bachelor’s degree in forensic psychology, general psychology, or a related field. At this level, a degree in forensic psychology may include studies in law, criminology, and general psychology, which will be beneficial when applying for a master’s program, which is the next step. 

After completing a master’s program, those hoping to be forensic psychologists must complete a doctoral program, either a Ph.D. or Psy.D. Both of these programs take between five and seven years to finish. Those who choose this route will then have to obtain a license from the state where they intend to practice. Licensure usually requires a certain number of hours of clinical experience and passing a certification exam. They can also take an American Board of Professional Psychology exam if they wish to become licensed. 

Other necessary skills

While education and training are significant aspects of becoming a forensic psychiatrist or a forensic psychologist, some personality traits are helpful, too. People in these roles need strong communication skills. They must have excellent attention to detail and be good at critical thinking. Forensic psychologists and psychologists must be able to stay open-minded and remain objective. They may spend a lot of time working with criminals or people accused of crimes, so they must remain ethical and follow the legal process. People in this field will face many complex topics, like crime, death, domestic violence, and child abuse. They must be resilient and strong-minded to deal with these heavy things on a regular basis. 

Getting career guidance

The role of a forensic psychiatrist is often glamorized on TV and in the movies, but there is a lot more to this career than many people realize. Forensic psychiatrists may do work like what is seen on the screen, but they also work in schools, prisons, hospitals, and other institutions. 

If you want to pursue this career, talking to a career counselor or online therapist can help determine if it’s the right move for you. If you are a practicing forensic psychologist or are currently training to be one, and the things that you see every day are contributing to feelings of stress and anxiety, online therapy can help you work through them and develop coping mechanisms so you can continue to do the job you love. 

When you sign up for online treatment, you can be matched with a qualified professional within 48 hours. You don’t have to worry about being on a waiting list or traveling to an office on the other side of town. Platforms like BetterHelp have a wide range of available professionals, and you can attend sessions from home or anywhere you have an internet connection. Plus, research shows that online therapy is just as effective as in-person treatment. If you’re ready to get started, sign up with BetterHelp to take the next step.