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Forensic Psychology As A Specialty
If you needed to have heart surgery, would you go to a family physician or would you go to a cardiologist? No brainer. The cardiologist wins every time because he’s a specialist. The dictionary defines specialist as “somebody who specializes in an occupation, interest, or field of study.”
Specialists have more specific training, expertise, and experience in a narrow field. They focus on one thing and do it well, rather than trying to know a little about everything.
Forensic psychology as a specialty is recognized by the American Psychological Association (APA) and specialty guidelines for forensic psychology practice are published by the APA. Just as you would not go to a family doctor for heart surgery, it doesn’t make sense to use a clinical or generalist psychologist in forensic settings. What is the difference between forensic and clinical psychology?
