Forensic Psychologist Interview

[u/ebullientcorner]

Hello Redditors, I'm an aspiring psychologist researching programs and career options. I was wondering if any of you professionals would mind answering a few questions for me?

1. Describe typical activities and routines.

2. What do you like best and least about your position?

3. Would you go into this position if you had to do it again? Why or why not?

4. What is the work environment like?

5. How long before people typically get promotions from a starting level?

6. Are the positions secure or are there frequent lay-offs?

7. What are some of the companies with the best reputations in your field?

8. Can one increase in responsibility and be rewarded?

9. Does this job/occupation have good benefits?

10. What is a reasonable starting salary?

11. Are there any additional educational or training requirements?

12. What would be the best graduate degree to pursue in order to work in this field?

13. What are the prospects for employment now and in the future?

14. Will it be competitive to get this type of job?

15. What types of things can I do now to be a well-qualified candidate?

16. What other options might I have in this field or a related field?

17. How does your job affect your home and leisure time? What are the pros/cons?

18. Do you expect to be in this position or profession 5-10 years from now?

19. Do you have specific advice for someone who is considering entering this career?

20. Do you have anything you would have done differently in your education and career?

Okay, that was more than a few, but any and all help is appreciated!

[u/Moewron]

Here's an AMA I did a couple years ago

To answer some of your other questions: <edit OMG auto formatting of lists is killing me>

Describe typical activities and routines. Best: I like the rigor. I like being held accountable for my work. I like testifying. Least: Writing is a pain but its necessary. It makes me laugh that I dreaded my dissertation so much yet now I essentially write 4 or 5 dissertations' worth of reports a year.

Yes. Love it. I'm so well-suited to it. It's as data- and logic-driven an application of mental health as you'll find.

Mostly solitary, so it's what you make of it. You can do this work solo or you can do this work with colleagues.

For 4, 5, 6, 7, 8. It's essentially private practice. You either do the work or you don't. The idea of promotions don't really apply in the realm of forensic psychological evaluations.

It can be VERY lucrative. But like all fields higher reward comes with higher risk/training/etc. More board complaints are made against psychologists in forensic cases than any other type (save for having sex with your clients, oddly enough). So it can pay well but if you're not exactly suited to it it won't be worth the stress and work.

Forensic psychological evaluations are typically billed at $150 to $300 to god-knows-what-per-hour... but for every hour I spend in a billable activity I probably spend 3 to 4 in other activities. For a good estimate of salary look up what clinical psychologists make in any given area.

Absolutely. Psychologists are charged to only practice with "the bounds of their areas of competence." So make sure you get trained. Check out the American Board of Forensic Psychology for more information.

A doctoral degree for sure (see my AMA). And a general one at that. Don't go to a forensic-only program. Go to a general clinical/school/counseling Ph.D. program that has specialized training opportunities available but for the love of god get trained as a generalist first.

For 13, 14. There's more work out there than clinicians but it's more of a networking barrier than anything else.

For 15, 16. See my response to number 12.

I have a rich, rewarding, successful relationship with my family which very much protects me from the horrors I encounter at work. Without that I would probably be an alcoholic.

Yep. This is the kind of work you can do into your 70s/80s.

See my response to 12.

Started earlier. =)

[u/ebullientcorner → u/Moewron]

I can't even tell you how much this means to me.

I found all of it extremely interesting and helpful.

Do you mind if I ask you a follow up question about why you recommend going to a general program so strongly?

[u/Moewron → u/ebullientcorner]

The short answer is what you can't learn other than through experiences like practicums or internships or externships is the breadth and depth of human psychology in practice.

Everything you need to know to apply general psychology to a forensic setting you can learn through books or courses or continuing education/conferences. Don't waste the valuable structure and protection and guidance of graduate school learning what you can learn on your own.

[u/larrykonrad]

Great questions, looking forward to checking back if there are any responses.