Close Menu
    Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram
    Trending
    • Amoxicillin and Warfarin: Interaction Risks, Monitoring & Best Practices
    • Benzonatate and Steroids: What You Need to Know
    • The Truth About Trintellix: Benefits, Side Effects, and Patient Guide
    • Top Qualities of a Great Dental Facility in Airdrie: Equipment, Care & Convenience
    • Learn How To File a Class Action Lawsuit
    • Write for Us on Health, Wellness, Dental & Fitness Topics
    • Frisco Home Water Filtration: Health, Taste & Protection Guide
    • Rigicon’s Infla10™ & Rigi10™: Game-Changing Penile Implants for Men with ED
    Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram
    HealthsootheHealthsoothe
    • Home
    • Healthy
    • Dental Care
    • Skin Care
    • Discover
      • Fitness
      • Women hygiene
      • Tragedy Stories
      • Recipes
    • Health Tools
      • Body Tat Calc
      • CALC Diet Calorie
      • Ideal Body Weight Calc
      • Burned Calories Calc
      • View All
    • Connect
      • About
      • Privacy Policy & Affiliate Disclosure
      • Contact us
    HealthsootheHealthsoothe
    WELLNESS HEALTH

    5 Differences Between Forensic Psychology and Clinical Psychology

    By Isreal Olabanji DST RNUpdated:July 4, 2024
    5 Differences Between Forensic Psychology And Clinical Psychology
    Share
    Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Email
    Advertisement
    5
    (5)

    If you’re looking to get a degree in psychology, you’ll also want to pick a specific field. Since there are many options, it can feel overwhelming at first. However, two of the most popular options are forensic and clinical psychology.

    Table of contents
    1. What is Forensic Psychology?
    2. What is Clinical Psychology?
    3. The Differences Between Forensic and Clinical Psychology
      1. 1. There are Different Clients
      2. 2. They Have Different Purposes
      3. 3. Varying Education and Experience
      4. 4. Different Work Environments
      5. 5. Where Evaluation Recommendations Come From
    4. Choosing Between Clinical and Forensic Psychology
    5. Related posts: 4 Benefits of Positive Psychology On Health What Does Upskilling Look Like When You Work In The Psychology Field? Why Standards Matter In Clinical Research Technological Solutions in Clinical Trials

    While both are part of psychology, they are incredibly different. You’ll want to know what exactly these differences are, so you can choose the field that will suit you the best. In this article, you’ll find everything you need to know to make a choice!

    Advertisement/Sexual content

    What is Forensic Psychology?

    Let’s start by covering what these two branches of psychology are. Forensic psychology is the study of human behavior within the legal system. Forensic psychologists can work in government, law enforcement, correctional facilities, and courthouses.

    Those in this field focus on the relationship between psychology and the criminal justice system. If you’re more interested in this form of psychology, you’d also need to have an interest in the legal system.

    What is Clinical Psychology?

    Clinical psychology is different- it doesn’t have to take place within a legal setting. The field focuses on diagnosing and treating mental health disorders. These experts treat complex emotional, behavioral, and mental problems.

    Essentially, clinical psychology is a broader form of forensic psychology. It can occur in any setting, although it’s usually in a clinic, and those outside the legal system can use their services, so having an interest in the legal system is not needed in order to pursue an on-campus or online degree in clinical psychology. Clinical psychologists interact with general patients, not necessarily inmates or parolees.

    The Differences Between Forensic and Clinical Psychology

    Now that you know the definition between these two types of psychology, you’re likely wondering what the difference is between them. Both are branches of psychology, but clinical psychology takes place in a clinic. Forensic psychology has to happen within the legal system.

    While both are a branch of psychology, they still don’t have very many similarities. Here are all of the differences that you’ll need to know about:

    1. There are Different Clients

    First of all, these two types of psychologists work with clients from different places. In Clinical Psychology, the client is likely an adult who is a general community member. They seek mental health diagnosis and treatment from the psychologist.

    However, a forensic psychologist works with the court, attorneys, inmates, parolees, and law enforcement officers. These experts may evaluate criminal behavior and make reports to judges to help them determine how long a punishment should be.

    A clinical psychologist gives assessment results directly to their clients. Forensic psychologists will not do that- they give their assessment results to law enforcement or the court. From there, the judicial system is the best course of action for the offender.

    2. They Have Different Purposes

    These two types of psychology also have varying purposes. The main goal of clinical psychology is to provide therapy as a treatment for mental health disorders. Clinical psychologists work directly with patients and give them the tools they need to improve their mental health.

    However, forensic psychologists are there to assist the legal system. Their main goal is to provide victims or offenders with diagnosis and treatment, then make reports to the court. They also assess the mental state of their patients and present it.

    Overall, clinical psychology is more private, suiting individuals. Instead, forensic psychology supplies the legal system with information to make a trial run smoothly and fairly.

    3. Varying Education and Experience

    5 Differences Between Forensic Psychology And Clinical Psychology

    Additionally, these two different fields require varying degrees. Clinical psychologists require a Master’s degree or Ph.D. They also must become licensed in their state to provide treatment. Many of these professionals study under doctors and start as psychiatric technicians or experts in their community.

    Forensic psychology requires you to follow a different path. Many positions need a Master’s in forensic psychology and specialized training.

    For example, if you want to become a victim advocate, you’d need ample training and experience within that field. A probation officer would have different training and expertise than a victim advocate. Because of this, you must have an idea early on of what career path you want to take within forensic psychology.

    You’d also need to have a license in your state, although getting it would be a different process. In short, while both of these positions do require degrees, the education and experience you need to thrive in the field are very different from one another.

    4. Different Work Environments

    Finally, these two branches of psychology operate within different work environments. A clinical psychologist often works in a clinic. Although, you can also find them within businesses or schools. It’s not uncommon for large companies to have them on call to help their employees.

    The work environment for a forensic psychologist is very different. They most often work in jails, courthouses, and law firms. However, they may also work in some private settings or the government.

    Forensic psychologists often make appearances in court. They testify as witnesses and present their analyses to help the judge and jury make informed legal decisions.

    While both of these environments are very professional, they can feel highly different. Forensic psychology would suit you well if you don’t mind working in a legal setting. You’ll want to consider the place you prefer to work at!

    5. Where Evaluation Recommendations Come From

    Finally, the evaluation recommendations can come from different places. Clients who visit a clinical psychologist often receive requests for an evaluation from a therapist or other doctor. The assessment should benefit them with their mental health.

    Those who receive recommendations for a forensic evaluation receive orders from attorneys, judges, or law enforcement for legal reasons. They may find themselves in trouble if they don’t complete the assessment.

    Choosing Between Clinical and Forensic Psychology

    You’ll want to consider if you wish to study and practice psychology in a clinical setting or if you’d instead do that in a legal environment. You should know before you start working on your education, but nothing stops you from switching at any time!

    Many psychologists are very passionate about helping clients they work with- you’ll want to be too!

     

    How useful was this post?

    Click on a star to rate it!

    Average rating 5 / 5. Vote count: 5

    No votes so far! Be the first to rate this post.

    As you found this post useful...

    Follow us on social media!

    We are sorry that this post was not useful for you!

    Let us improve this post!

    Tell us how we can improve this post?

    Related posts:
    1. 4 Benefits of Positive Psychology On Health
    2. What Does Upskilling Look Like When You Work In The Psychology Field?
    3. Why Standards Matter In Clinical Research
    4. Technological Solutions in Clinical Trials

    Follow on Google News Follow on Flipboard
    Share. Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Email
    Previous ArticleA Simple Guide to the 7 Stages of Dementia
    Next Article New Research Shows that ASMR Can Reduce Anxiety
    Isreal Olabanji DST RN
    • Website
    • Facebook
    • X (Twitter)
    • Pinterest
    • Instagram

    Isreal olabanji a dental assistant and public health professionals and has years of experience in assisting the dentist with all sorts of dental issues.We regularly post timely and trustworthy medical information and news on Fitness, Dental care, Recipes, Child health, obstetrics, and more.

    Related Posts

    How Does Amoxicillin Interact With Warfarin_

    Amoxicillin and Warfarin: Interaction Risks, Monitoring & Best Practices

    July 10, 2025
    Does Benzonatate Have Steroids

    Benzonatate and Steroids: What You Need to Know

    July 10, 2025
    The Truth About Trintellix

    The Truth About Trintellix: Benefits, Side Effects, and Patient Guide

    July 10, 2025
    Leave A Reply

    You must be logged in to post a comment.

    Site Statistics
    • Today's visitors: 24
    • Today's page views: : 25
    • Total visitors : 14,237
    • Total page views: 20,714
    Popular Posts
    6 Foods That Will Make You Taste Sweeter Down There

    6 Foods That Will Make You Taste Sweeter Down There

    Dental Instruments And Their Uses

    Dental Instruments And Their Uses

    Wellbutrin-Zoloft

    What Are The Benefits Of Combining Wellbutrin And Zoloft? (Detailed Guide)

    Why Take Flomax At Bedtime? (Explained)

    Why Take Flomax At Bedtime? (Explained)

    Categories
    About
    Healthsoothe provide you with real evidence-based, authoritative health care information, Credible facts, experiences, and expert opinions with citations to reputable references.                                
    Contact Us
    For more queries and news contact us on this Email: contact@healthsoothe.com,                              Call Me At: +44 7700 306246,                                      
    Healthsoothe International
    • Healthsoothe.ng
    • Healthsoothe.in
    • Healthsoothe.ke
    Caregivers Healthy Aging

    Mobility and Independence: Essential Tips for Active Ageing

    Embracing the Future: How Artificial Intelligence and Robotics are Transforming Elderly Care

    Angel Care Inc: Your Trusted Partner for Home Care Services

    Health Calculator

    BMI Calculation: Spatz Benefits

    Circumference Body fat calculator

    Proportionality of Body Calculator

    Oral care

    Top Qualities of a Great Dental Facility in Airdrie: Equipment, Care & Convenience

    Write for Us on Health, Wellness, Dental & Fitness Topics

    ClearChoice Locations Near You: Convenient and High-Quality Dental Implants

    Healthy Recipes

    20+ Scientifically Proven Health Benefits of Alligator Pepper

    Step Into a Healthier Future: Best Game-Changing Diet Plans in 2024

    Tiffany Magee Weight Loss: Exploring The Viral TikTok Sensation

    Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram Pinterest
    • HealthSoothe Media Kit
    • Privacy & Affiliate Disclosure
    • Terms & Conditions
    • Residents of California Right
    • Our Editorial Team
    • Healthsoothe Newsletter
    • Contact us : Our Company
    © 2025 Healthsoothe. Designed by Healthsoothe.

    Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.

    Ad Blocker Enabled!
    Ad Blocker Enabled!
    Our website is made possible by displaying online advertisements to our visitors. Please support us by disabling your Ad Blocker and Reload the Page.