Question

compare and contrast clinical psychology and forensic psychology.

Answer 1

Clinical Psychology can be comprehended as a specialization field of Psychology, which involves comprehensive theory and clinical knowledge for the fixation of behavioral and emotional issues of individuals. Forensic Psychology is also a specialization field of Psychology developed to create an understanding of the legal and criminal justice system in order to examine the ability of a defendant to stand trial. Forensic Psychology demands a strong base in Clinical Psychology. More specifically, it acts as a convergence between Psychology and Law. Forensic Psychology amalgamates psychology and law. Forensic Psychologists specialize to answer psycho-legal questions for attorneys, judges, probation officers, and those associated with the concerned legal system.

Clinical psychologists administer tests to clients to attain a diagnosis. The practice of Clinical Psychology involves a range of specialized activities like the utilization of psychotherapy or counseling, or the utilization of standardized tests to attain a diagnosis. In the practice of Forensic Psychology, a psychologist administer's a different set of instruments. These instruments measure certain legal constructs framed by statute and case law. Here, the opinion of the psychologist matters, regarding the ability of the client to stand trial. Post the expressed opinion, the Psychologist starts utilizing clinical instruments to explain the causes of the inability of the defendant to undertake legal proceedings.

A Clinical Psychologist acts as an advocate for his patient. On the other hand, a Forensic Psychologist provides services to an attorney, judge, or any other legal person. The Forensic Psychologist can release the results of testing only to the concerned individual who requested the result like the attorney, judge, and probation officer.