Clinical Forensics

Since psychology involves the study of human behavior, it has become a vital role within the judicial system. However, the debate concerning the use of clinical psychologists in the courtroom has become a growing epidemic. While many argue that the treating therapist can play both a therapeutic and forensic role, what they fail to realize is that the vast differences within the two fields will create more turmoil than good.

In clinical psychology, for instance, the general goal is to identify and attend to mental deficiencies whose focus is on compassion and support. Forensics, on the other hand, involves psychological evaluations that are primarily for the judicial system and entails procedures that involve neutral and objective approaches
In clinical settings, the clinician works toward establishing trust and empathy (Grisso, 2003). The forensic evaluator, on the other hand, might not justly nurture the individual or perform in a helpful demeanor, due to the distributed devotions and the restrictions on confidentiality. In addition, the forensic examiner should remain cautious of manipulation since the context is a legal situation. For these reasons, there are obligations in clinical settings regarding attaining emotional distance (Grisso, 2003). Furthermore, clinical therapists attain a person’s past as a means to understand the individual 's interpersonal dynamics, formulate an analysis, and articulate a treatment plan. This information may be obtained through the individual’s personal account without establishing validity from other sources (Heilbrun, 2008). When overseeing forensic assessments, it is customary to acquire comprehensive data concerning the defendants mental functioning. This includes such things as medical records, police interrogations, criminal history, education, employment, and medical/mental-health records. A significant purpose for attaining this material is to have a standard in order to relate the individual 's abilities, as well as, using consistencies and discrepancies amid several sources to decide his or her authenticity (Heilbrun,
correctional or court) since they are more apt to deal with multicultural issues (Hanser, Mire, & Braddock, 2010). For the forensic clinician, inadequacy in cultural competence may convey incorrect and possibly confusing diagnostic formulations (Hanser, Mire, & Braddock, 2010). For instance, in the prison culture persistent staring is a symbol of hostility or bullying. In addition, respect is usually the only aspect a person possesses and is therefore usually protected or attained by violence. For evaluators with no past training or experience in violence or aggression, thought must be given to conditions surrounding seemingly typical conduct (Hanser, Mire, & Braddock,