Forensic Psychologist Hiring Guide | LinkedIn Talent Solutions

Illustration of a doctor in an exam room working on a computer

A forensic psychologist uses their expertise in mental health disorders to help individuals facing legal battles. They have extensive knowledge of abnormal psychology and how it relates to criminal and legal issues. They are responsible for completing psychological tests and assessments, conducting face-to-face mental health evaluations to determine competency to stand trial, and providing expert testimony to the court. A forensic psychologist knows how to conduct themself as a neutral friend of the court, and they are able to provide effective evaluations and treatment plans.

You might hire a forensic psychologist to:

Evaluate child custody in a divorce

Assess an offender’s state of mind at the time of their offense
Assess witness credibility

Advise police on mental illness and criminal psychology

Design correctional programs

Assess risk of reoffending

Required skills and qualifications	Preferred skills and qualifications
Doctoral degree (or equivalent) in psychology	Working knowledge of test instruments (ex: MMPI, IQ, Static-99R, Static-2002R, PCL-R, HCR-20)
License to practice in psychology	Experience with forensic psychology patients
Professional experience, knowledge, and skills in psychological evaluation techniques, especially risk assessment	Ability to communicate in more than one language