Forensic psychology is a subset of applied psychology broadly defined as psychology pertaining to the legal system. Because the legal system and criminal motivation are both complex, forensic psychologists can be found across a wide set of activities, from analyzing crime scenes to administering treatment to incarcerated offenders.
What Is Forensic Psychology? (Plain Language Explanation)
Forensic Psychology refers to a pattern of thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that many people experience. While it can be challenging, it's also well-understood and treatable.
Key Terms to Know About Forensic Psychology
- Symptoms: The specific ways forensic psychology shows up for you
- Triggers: Situations or thoughts that activate or worsen forensic psychology
- Evidence-based: Treatments backed by scientific research
- Comorbidity: When forensic psychology occurs alongside other conditions
3 Things Most People Don't Know About Forensic Psychology
- Forensic Psychology is far more common than most people realize
- Forensic Psychology is not caused by weakness — it has identifiable biological and psychological causes
- Most people with forensic psychology see significant improvement with the right support
Your Next Steps
Learning about forensic psychology is just the beginning. If you think you're experiencing forensic psychology, speaking with a mental health professional is the most valuable next step.