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.

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Criminal psychology vs. criminology vs. forensic psychology 

Both forensic psychologists and criminologists focus on crime and criminal behavior, but they typically play different roles in the criminal justice system. Let’s take a closer look at the similarities and differences between them. 

Criminology

Criminology is the broad study of crime and how it relates to society and law. 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? 

Criminology often takes a broad look at the causes and effects of crime. That said, in recent decades, the field has also started to include other specializations. Some examples include:

• Victimology. Victimology is the study of the survivors of crime. It often focuses on the relationship between survivors and criminal offenders and the effects that experiencing a crime can have on people. 

• Toxicology. Toxicology is the study of poisons. Forensic toxicologists often focus on how different poisons are used to commit crimes. 

• DNA study. In criminology, those who specialize in this sub-field often focus on the role that DNA from skin, hair, or blood can play in criminal investigations and legal proceedings. 

• Fingerprint analysis. Fingerprint analysis is the study of fingerprints. Like DNA, fingerprints may play a role in investigations and law enforcement.  

Criminal Justice and the Role of a Criminologist

Criminologists are often required to have a bachelor’s degree. Some study criminology specifically, but some may major in a related field like sociology or criminal justice. Certain areas of focus may require degrees in other subjects. For example, a toxicology specialist might need a degree in biology, forensic science, or chemistry. 

Forensic psychologists

Forensic psychologists are trained psychologists who assist with legal matters. 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)? 

Forensic Psychology

Forensic psychology tends to focus more on specific crimes rather than crime as a whole. Depending on their role in the legal process, a forensic psychologist might:

• Testify in court about the mental state of someone who committed a crime or of a survivor

• Gather information about the people involved in a crime in the form of police reports and witness statements

• Perform psychological assessments on the people involved in a crime

• Give expert opinions in civil suits, like child custody cases

Forensic psychologists are often required to have a master’s degree or doctorate in psychology. In the US, they are usually also required to have a license to practice psychology. 

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 (800) 662-4357 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.