Understanding The Role Of A Criminal Psychologist

You may have seen movies and TV shows where criminal psychologists work to solve crimes through criminal profiling and intense interrogations. If so, you may be surprised to learn that the term “criminal psychologist” can actually refer to multiple jobs—and in real life, none of them are quite like they might seem on TV. So what does it really mean to be a criminal psychologist? What do criminal psychologists focus on? We’ll explore these questions below.

What is criminal psychology?

How criminal psychology differs from forensic psychology

Criminal psychology is studied and applied by criminologists, focusing on understanding criminals and their behaviors, particularly the factors that influence the development of criminal behavior dating back to childhood. 

Criminologists work to answer questions like:

• Why was a crime committed?
• How can crimes be prevented?
• How do the environment and relationships of someone who committed a crime contribute to their behavior? 
• How effective is the current legal system at reducing crime? 

Forensic psychology concerns assessment, consultation, psychotherapy, and the study of human behavior within judicial systems. Forensic psychologists are trained psychologists who assist in legal contexts. A forensic psychologist might work with lawyers, law enforcement officers, and others to answer questions like:

• Is a person who committed a crime mentally able to stand trial? 
• Were they experiencing a mental illness when they committed their crime?
• Was a confession given by a suspect real, or were they pressured into it? 
• Is a person convicted of a certain crime likely to commit another?
• What were the psychological effects of a certain crime on the survivor(s)? 

The primary difference between the two is that forensic psychology has a broader scope, as it encompasses the entire justice system (including psychological assessment, consultation, and psychotherapy), not just criminal behavior.

Where do criminal psychologists work?

Criminal psychologists may pursue numerous career paths and can be found in settings that range from federal investigation units to university research centers. Below, we look at some of the most common places where criminal psychologists work.

Law enforcement agencies and the federal government

Within law enforcement agencies, criminal psychologists may play many roles. They can contribute to active investigations by conducting behavioral analyses, offender profiling, crime scene evidence analysis (such as crime scene photos or letters connected to the crime), and advising on interrogation approaches. 

At the federal level, criminal psychologists may hold positions in departments such as Homeland Security and the FBI, where they apply their expertise to high-stakes investigations ranging from terrorism to cybercrime.

Correctional facilities and mental health centers

In correctional facilities, criminal psychologists may assess inmates' psychological needs, manage rehabilitation programs, and conduct risk assessments to provide evidence for the psychological aspects of parole and sentencing decisions. In mental health centers, they may use various psychological tools to analyze and deliver treatment to individuals whose criminal histories may be connected to underlying mental health disorders that have gone unaddressed.

Academic, research, and consulting roles

Academic roles allow criminal psychologists to conduct research into criminal behavior, including how to prevent it. Consulting work can provide a practical outlet, with criminal psychologists offering expert opinions to legal teams, advising government agencies, and contributing to criminal justice reform.

Criminal psychology vs related psychology fields

Criminal psychology is one of multiple disciplines in the broader field of professional psychology. Understanding how it differs from other fields can help clarify its unique purpose and the expertise that criminal psychology professionals bring.

Criminal psychology vs clinical psychology

Clinical psychology can be considered a broad field that focuses on diagnosing and treating mental health conditions across various settings and populations. On the other hand, criminal psychology has a narrower focus, aiming to understand criminal behavior and its motivations.

Criminal psychology vs counseling psychology

Counseling psychologists may help people learn to manage emotions, personal, and behavioral challenges, generally through the development of a therapeutic relationship between the professional and an individual. Criminal psychology, on the other hand, focuses on understanding behavior and assessing risk rather than providing individual support, directing insights toward legal and correctional applications rather than therapeutic outcomes.

Education and training required

Becoming a criminal psychologist requires extensive education and ongoing professional development. 

Undergraduate degree and bachelor’s degree program options

Completing an undergraduate degree is the first step toward becoming a criminal psychologist. While many aspiring criminal psychologists may pursue a criminal psychology major, some other undergraduate options may include psychology, criminology, criminal justice, and forensic psychology. 

Graduate and doctorate degree paths

Psychologists typically need an advanced or graduate degree to practice; most states require a doctoral degree for licensure and independent practice. To pursue a doctoral degree, someone hoping to become a criminal psychologist may first earn a master’s degree, or they may enter an accelerated program that allows them to complete a doctorate without first earning a master’s.

Licensure and supervised clinical hours

Generally, licensed criminal psychologists are permitted to practice independently. While the exact requirements can vary by program and by state, most criminal psychologists complete supervised clinical experiences to qualify for licensure, which may include an internship or clinical hours as part of post-doctoral training. These experiences allow prospective psychologists to gain clinical experience before seeking licensure.

Career outlook and criminal psychology career paths

If you are thinking about this field as a career, consider the following information about a criminal psychology career. 

Typical roles and responsibilities

Some of the key roles and responsibilities of a criminal psychologist may include:

• Criminal profiling 
• Forensic assessments
• Providing expert testimony for criminal cases
• Interviewing suspects, offenders, and victims
• Performing risk assessments
• Conducting research

Salary expectations and labor statistics

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the field of psychology is projected to grow by 6% from 2024 to 2034, faster than the average for all occupations. Salary may vary by state and place of employment. As of May 2020, those who work for government agencies earned a median of $126,990 annually, and the median for all psychologists was $94,310.

Common career misconceptions

There are several misconceptions about this career, with television shows like Criminal Minds likely skewing the perception of this profession. Three of the most common are:

• Criminal psychologists solve crimes and catch offenders. 

Reality: They analyze behavior; criminal law enforcement handles investigations, solves crimes, and catches offenders.

• They often create profiles of serial killers. 

Reality: Profiling, particularly as a criminal profiler for serial killers, can be a rare part of the job.

• Their work is fast-paced and action-driven, like on TV and in the movies.

Reality: Most of their work is research-based.

• They interrogate suspects for confessions.

Reality: Criminal psychologists generally do not conduct interrogations; the police do. Psychologists are more likely to focus on the assessment and evaluation of offenders or suspects of an alleged crime.

• They spend most of their time at crime scenes.

Reality: Criminal psychologists are more likely to work in courts, prisons, hospitals, or academic settings.

The mental health of criminal psychologists

Given how much time they may spend analyzing other people, it can be easy to overlook the mental health of criminal psychologists themselves. In reality, criminologists and forensic psychologists may face their own mental health concerns related to their jobs. For example, those who work long hours may be at a greater risk of chronic stress. Chronic stress may contribute to other mental illnesses, like anxiety and depression. Burnout, a state of intense emotional and physical exhaustion, may also be a risk for criminal psychologists. 

Criminal psychologists and mental health challenges

Working closely with people who have certain personality disorders, like antisocial personality disorder, may be a risk factor for mental health challenges and conditions in forensic psychologists, too. In addition, some criminal psychologists may be vulnerable to vicarious trauma, which can affect those who work closely with trauma survivors or are exposed to images and stories of trauma as part of their job. 

Vicarious trauma can cause symptoms like:

• Feeling emotionally numb or hopeless
• Having trouble managing emotions
• Losing interest in relationships and activities
• Self-medicating with alcohol or drugs
• Experiencing muscle aches, fatigue, or frequent illness
• Experiencing symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

If you are struggling with substance use, contact the SAMHSA National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357) to receive support and resources. Support is available 24/7.

If you work in criminal justice and you’re concerned about your own mental health, you might want to consider working with a therapist. A trained provider can offer a safe place for you to explore emotions related to your work, identify healthy coping strategies, and build resilience.

That said, it can sometimes take a few tries to find a therapist you trust and connect with. This process can be time-consuming, especially if you work long hours as part of your job. Online therapy may make it easier. Platforms like BetterHelp match you with a licensed therapist and let you change therapists at any time, for any reason, at no additional cost. 

The impact of online therapy on a criminal psychologist's mental health

Studies suggest that online therapy can be an effective treatment for mental health concerns that criminal psychologists may face, like burnout and stress. For example, a 2021 study looked at 63 medical residents experiencing high levels of stress and burnout. They participated in a three-month, internet-based psychological intervention. The findings suggest that the online program improved their levels of emotional exhaustion, depression, and anxiety.