Career Paths in Forensic Psychology

Jaymes Fairfax-Columbo, J.D., Ph.D., is a forensic mental health policy professional at a non-profit organization on the East Coast, U.S.A. He also maintains a forensic mental health evaluation and consulting private practice. Additionally, he is Visiting Assistant Professor of Psychology at Drexel University’s Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.A. His research interests include mental health policy, forensic mental health assessment, therapeutic jurisprudence, and the prevention and reduction of criminal behavior and recidivism.Alisha Desai, Ph.D., is a licensed clinical psychologist and founder of the Center for Values-Based Living, a mental health private practice and consulting firm. Her research and clinical interests focus on trauma, burnout, and compassion fatigue across the healthcare, humanitarian aid, and criminal legal sectors.Simone Grisamore, M.S., is a doctoral student in the clinical psychology Ph.D. program at Drexel University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.A. Her research and clinical interests include community-based alternatives to incarceration and the treatment of mental health and substance use disorders.David DeMatteo, J.D., Ph.D., ABPP (Forensic), is Professor of Psychology and Professor of Law at Drexel University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.A., and Director of Drexel’s J.D./Ph.D. Program in Law and Psychology. He is Fellow of the American Psychological Association (Divisions 1, 12, and 41) and is board-certified in forensic psychology by the American Board of Professional Psychology. He is a former president of the American Psychology-Law Society (Division 41 of the American Psychological Association) and the American Board of Forensic Psychology, and he is Editor-in-Chief of Law and Human Behavior.

• Part I: Laying the Foundation Chapter 1: So…what is forensic psychology, anyway? Chapter 2: Gotcha…so what do forensic psychologists actually do, then? Chapter 3: Okay…so what types of settings can forensic psychologists work in? Part II: Not Just an Ivory Tower: An Exploration of Academic Opportunities in Forensic Psychology Chapter 4: The Perpetual Quest for Knowledge and the Pull to Disseminate: An Overview of Research-Focused Academia Chapter 5: Teaching and Practice: An Overview of Less Traditional Pathways in Academia Part III: Working with Individuals: An Exploration of Clinically Focused Jobs Chapter 6: I Want to Serve the Public! An Overview of Public Sector Clinical Practice Chapter 7: The Private Life: An Overview of Private Sector Clinical Practice Part IV: Accomplishing Systems-Level Change: An Exploration of Policy Work in Forensic Psychology Chapter 8: I Want a Pension! Doing Policy Work via Government Agencies Chapter 9: I’m not Motivated by Profit! Doing Policy work via Non-Profit Organizations Part V: Putting it all Together: An Exploration of How to Actualize Your Career in Forensic Psychology Chapter 10: Balancing Priorities: Tips for Selecting the Most Appropriate Career Setting for You Chapter 11: I Want to do Everything! Creating/Pursuing Supplemental Opportunities to Round Out Your Career and Life Experience Chapter 12: Representing Forensic Psychology Regardless of Setting: Do’s and Don’ts for a Successful Career