What does a forensic clinical psychologist do?
Forensic clinical psychologist is an expert in mental health who performs clinical work or research related to crime and criminal law. One of the most important and most common tasks of a forensic clinical psychologist is the evaluation of the mental fitness of suspicious criminals in court. People suffering from certain mental disorders may not be considered legally responsible as their actions, and it is the task of a forensic clinical psychologist to find out when this is the case. Other possible jobs for forensic clinical psychologists include testimony in court, education of lawyers and judges and providing treatment for individuals in the criminal judiciary. For example, a youth psychologist or school may speak with children in cases of abuse of children rather than assess suspicious criminals for mental fitness. Neurologists are often invited to eochrate possible neurological disorders that can lead to criminal behavior and psychiatrists consult if psychoactive drugs are necessary. Most clinical dogsHowever, chologists specializing in forensic work primarily perform evaluation and diagnoses.
The evaluation of suspicious criminals is the central task of a forensic clinical psychologist. This usually involves reviewing the details of the given case and the suspect's criminal history. In most cases, the most important part of the evaluation is one or a number of meetings with a suspect. In -depth discussion and observations can generally provide a forensic clinical psychologist with enough information to make a judgment on the mental prowess and the ability of the suspect to take responsibility for the crimes committed. The psychologist is often asked to testify to the mental condition of the suspect or his lack in court.
Clinical psychologists who work outside the sphere of criminal judiciary usually treat people who come to them voluntarily and who try to cooperate as much as possible. This is not always the caseForensic clinical psychologist. Suspects may not have a desire to meet a psychologist and can therefore refuse to cooperate. Psychologists often have to make careful judgments based on the behavior of non -visual suspects.
In some cases, a forensic clinical psychologist may be asked to provide individuals in the criminal judiciary. Individuals in prisons or prolonged studies may need psychological therapy that non -pure psychologists cannot be provided. Forensic criminal psychologists can also provide assistance to those in the criminal judiciary system suffering from addiction and abuse of addictive substances.