The owner of a private psychology practice and prior Consulting Psychologist for the Ministry of the Attorney General in Vancouver and Fraser Valley, Dr. Michael Elterman has years of experience with a range of psychological issues, including forensic psychology. In this interview, he shares some of his knowledge.
Q:What is forensic psychology?
A: Forensic psychology represents the intersection of criminal justice and the study of the mind. Those involved in this field work in such places as rehabilitation centers, law firms, government agencies, private practices, and a variety of other places. Though forensic psychologists come from an array of backgrounds and experiences, they all have earned a doctorate in psychology.
Q:What are the typical job duties of a forensic psychologist?
A: Many of those involved in the court system work on insurance claims, lawsuits, and child custody issues, to name a few. They often work with child witnesses and suspects, assess mental competency in criminal and custody cases, and conduct risk assessments in visitation cases. Not all forensic psychologists work directly in the court system, however; some devote their careers to the continued study of the intersection between psychology and the law itself.
Q: In a trial, what is the difference between how a forensic psychologist and a clinical psychologist views a defendant or a witness?
A: The difference is that a clinical psychologist’s duties include advocating for an individual and taking on more of an observational role. A forensic psychologist, however, implements a more thorough and fact-based series of psychological tests and interviews and has to be more alert to deception in the individual. The clinical psychologist assesses the individual, while the forensic psychologist investigates the individual.
Dr. Michael Elterman 