30 Great Websites for Forensic Psychologists

forensic psychology resourcesOne of the areas of greatest increase within the field of Psychology is Forensic Psychology. This rapidly growing, specialized area of Psychology offers individuals a chance to bridge the gap between the legal system and the mental health system. While many of us are aware of the more glamorized side of Forensic Psychology (such as profiling and courtroom testimony), there are many different aspects of this field. Forensic Psychology is considered by many to still be in its infancy. Most legal systems throughout the country did not accept the testimony or legal involvement of psychologists until the mid-1960’s. In 1962 there was a landmark case that established the precedent that appropriately trained psychologists were competent to provide diagnostic expertise within the legal system. Because this field is so new, there are a growing number of opportunities for individuals who would like to pursue a career in this field. Below you will find 30 excellent websites for Forensic Psychologists and Forensic Psychology students.

30 Great Websites for Forensic Psychologists

All About Forensic Psychology Facebook Page – The official Facebook page of All-About-Forensic-Psychology.com. This page features interesting articles, information and modern trends in the field of forensic psychology.

American Board of Forensic Psychology – The American Board of Forensic Psychology (ABFP) is the board responsible for instituting criteria related to the definition and requirements for education, training, competencies, and the examination, which leads to Board Certification in Forensic Psychology.

American Board of Forensic Psychology (ABFP) Suggested Reading List for Written and Oral Examinations – A reading list that identifies resources to help new professionals as they move through the ABFP certification process. It is an excellent resource for students and professionals alike.

American Board of Professional Psychology: Forensic Psychology Diplomate Certification Guidelines – The American Board of Professional Psychology is the governing body who grants board certification and Diplomate status for various specialty fields of professional psychology. This page outlines the qualifications that are necessary to earn Diplomate status in Forensic Psychology.

American College of Forensic Examiners (ACFEI) – The ACFEI is an independent, scientific, and professional association representing forensic examiners of many varieties world wide. The college actively promotes “the dissemination of forensic information and the continued advancement of forensic examination and consultation across the many professional fields of membership”. They promote high standards through education, required credentials and basic and advanced training as well as Diplomate and Fellow status.

American Journal of Forensic Psychology – This peer reviewed journal was founded in 1983 and continues to publish thought provoking, original papers that raise important questions and topics in the engaging field of forensic psychology. While this is a small journal, it continues to interest many individuals throughout the country, both professionals and students. All members of the American College of Forensic Psychology receive the journal and many nonmembers also subscribe.

American Psychological Association (APA) – The APA is a scientific and professional organization that represents professional psychologists and psychology students in the United States. With over 154,000 members nationwide, the APA is the largest association of psychologists worldwide. The mission of the APA is “to advance the creation, communication and application of psychological knowledge to benefit society and improve people’s lives”. The APA has a division devoted to matters of law and psychology (APA Division 41, the American Psychology-Law Society), http://www.apadivisions.org/division-41/index.aspx as well as a variety of scientific journals devoted to interactions between psychology and the law.

Graduate Programs in Psychology and Law – The American Psychological Association (APA) page outlining the programs in Psychology and Law that are accredited by the APA. The list of academic programs that offer education and training in psychology and law are listed in three distinct degree categories: Clinical doctoral programs, Non-clinical PhD programs and Masters programs.

Anthropologist in the Attic: 20 Most Influential People in Forensic Science – This list of who’s who in forensic psychology is an excellent resource when evaluating both contemporary or historical forensic science. This list outlines some of the people who shaped the field and continue to do so.

Criminal Profiling: The Reality Behind the Myth – This article, published by the APA in 2004 sheds necessary light on the highly dramatized field of criminal profiling. While many television shows and movies portray the romanticized side of this field, there is much more involved in this career. The article discusses the ways in which Forensic psychologists are working with law enforcement officials to integrate psychological science into criminal profiling.

The Clinical Psychologists Bookshelf: Reading List for Forensic Psychology – An excellent resource for forensic psychology students and professionals. It includes a reading list for required textbooks, required readings, and suggested additional readings. Many of these books are appropriate for non-professionals as well.

Dr. Cheryl Arutt Twitter Feed – Dr. Arutt is featured on such networks as CNN for her experience and savvy. Her twitter feed features information on Clinical and forensic psychologist as well as her personal experiences as a popular media consultant.

Evil Deeds http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/evil-deeds – This Psychology Today blog is penned by Dr. Stephen Diamond, a clinical and forensic psychologist in Los Angeles and the author of Anger, Madness, and the Daimonic: The Psychological Genesis of Violence, Evil, and Creativity. The blog deals with forensic psychology, anger, violence and the destructiveness of human evil, with an emphasis on the “escalating rage epidemic” throughout the world. The blog has evolved to include related and relevant topics such as mental health, spirituality, sexuality, relationships, psychotherapy, psychopathology, creativity, and the existential quest for meaning and purpose.

Forensic Psychologist: Education Requirements and Career Information – This Education Portal article discusses the educational requirements for various positions within the varied field of forensic psychology.

Forensic Psychology Career Profile http://psychology.about.com/od/psychologycareerprofiles/a/forensicpsych.htm – This career profile answers questions such as What is forensic psychology, What do forensic psychologists do, How much do forensic psychologists typically earn and What type of degree do forensic psychologists need. This information guide is an excellent resource for students who may be interested in a career in forensic psychology.

Forensic Science and Criminology Linked In Page – The Linked In Page for a Journal of forensic science and criminology that is an open access publication created to publish peer reviewed research articles on topics relating to the field of forensic sciences and criminology. The journal includes scientific papers, specialist reviews and commentaries.

History of Forensics – This blog outlines the field of Forensic Psychology as a sub field of criminology, that unlike many other fields, there is no universally accepted idea of what qualifies as Forensic Psychology. Therefore blog writes have chosen to focus on these six main components, as the most vital in understanding the history of forensic psychology. These six components are: Psychology and Law, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Issues and Debates, Research, Media and Deviance.

In The News – Dr. Karen Franklin, a forensic psychologist and adjunct professor at Alliant University in Northern California, writes this fascinating blog. She is a former criminal investigator and legal affairs reporter. This blog features news and commentary pertaining to forensic psychology, criminology, and psychology-law. It is an excellent resource for both professionals and students. There are detailed topical articles as well as articles outlining the study and practice of forensic psychology as well as the requirements to become a forensic professional.

The Huffington Post Forensic Psychology Blog – This blog features well-written articles regarding popular topics and occurrences of the intersection between the law and psychology. Laypersons, students and forensic professionals alike could enjoy this blog.

International Association for Correctional and Forensic Psychology – The International Association for Correctional and Forensic Psychology (IACFP) is an organization comprised of behavioral scientists and practitioners with a collective concern for the delivery of high-quality mental health services to criminal offenders, while also promoting and disseminating research on the etiology, assessment and treatment of criminal behavior.

The Jury Expert – Dr. Rita Handrich began with a PhD in Psychology from Virginia Commonwealth University and specialized in Gerontology and Women’s Issues. After a decade of this work she found her calling studying the psychology of juries and is still practicing in this area. In 1996 she began working as a psychologist for the University of Texas and she worked there until 2010. At the same time she was working as a legal and jury consultant and in 2008 began editing a quarterly e-journal that offers psychology research as potential strategies for lawyers when dealing with the jury.

National Career Services: Job Profile of Forensic Psychology – This article answers many of the questions about the day-to-day practice of forensic psychology. It discusses the realities of the job details, the hours, where many forensic psychologists work and just how varied the field actually is.

Open Access Journal of Forensic Psychology – This free publication was created by forensic psychologists for forensic psychologists. It is a free professional, peer-reviewed journal with the mission “to link the science and practice of forensic psychology by making research and applications directly available to all forensic psychologists”. The publication also offers Journal Based CE credits.

Payscale: Forensic Psychology Salary – This informational website examines the average salary for forensic psychologists in the United States. In addition to the general median salary, they also discuss the implications of experience, region and area of practice on potential earnings.

PsycCareers – A free web-based job database supported by the American Psychological Association. Job Seekers can search by their career area as well as where they would like to work and their skill level.

Psychology and Crime News – This blog seeks to “collate information of interest in a forensic psychological context.
This collection of scholarly research, applications of contemporary research and relevant topics brings something new to the table on a regular basis. The existing library of articles and subject matter, there is a collection of valuable information.

Psychotherapy Brown Bag – This twitter feed outlines topics from the popular online magazine. Some of the topics included are the use of science in clinical psychology. The co-writers, Dr. Michael Anestis and Dr. Joye Anestis have a knack for including interesting and thought provoking topics on a daily basis.

Reddy’s Forensic Page – Don’t let the casual name of this website fool you. This seemingly simplistic website is an excellent resource for forensic psychology professionals and students. With reading lists, website links, definitions and much more, this is an immensely useful tool to have at your disposal. The creator of the page Reddy P. Chamakura, is a retired forensic scientist with the Police Laboratory at the New York City Police Department with 36 years of experience in forensic field. He earned a BS and MS in chemistry, degree in law, a diploma in criminal law and two years of graduate work in Forensic Science at John Jay College of Criminal Justice, New York. His professional specialty areas include forensic chemistry/narcotics, research and training, questioned documents, and ballistics.

Simply Hired – A free job searching website where professionals can search for a position as a forensic psychologist. With thousands of positions located throughout the United States, job seekers can find a position that suits their experience and skill level.

US News and World Report List of Online Master’s Degrees in Forensic Sciences – This article is supplied by US News and World Report outlines the overview of the field, job outlook, some of the best online graduate programs and salary levels for individuals within the field. It also outlines some of the sub-specialty areas of forensics.

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Written by Kristen Fescoe
Published October 29, 2014

About the Author

After earning a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Rutgers University and then a Master of Science in Clinical and Forensic Psychology from Drexel University, Kristen began a career as a therapist at two prisons in Philadelphia. At the same time she volunteered as a rape crisis counselor, also in Philadelphia. After a few years in the field she accepted a teaching position at a local college where she currently teaches online psychology courses. Kristen began writing in college and still enjoys her work as a writer, editor, professor and mother.