Grad School, Clinical Training, or Forensic Psychology Resources
I’ve collected some of my go-to resources below, including professional organizations, advice for applying to graduate programs, and details about training at Simon Fraser and elsewhere. If you’re curious about forensic psychology in theory and in practice, please take a look at some of the introductory articles, short videos, and the major associations in the field, many of which have student boards and great ways to get involved.
If you are interested in a career in mental health services and are not quite sure what options there are beyond clinical psychology, check out this Clinical Pathways Resource to explore different career pathways.
Forensic Psychology
Forensic psychology sits at the intersection of mental health and the legal system. Practitioners are typically clinically trained at the doctoral level and specialize in addressing psychological questions that arise in legal contexts, with a focus on how psychological evidence is interpreted and used in decision-making.
In practice, this work involves conducting psychological assessments and providing consultation in criminal, civil, and family law contexts. This may include independent evaluations, expert opinions for courts and legal professionals, and, in some cases, expert witness testimony. The focus is typically on clarifying specific legal questions rather than providing ongoing treatment, although some roles also involve teaching, research, and system-level consultation.
Work spans a range of settings, including hospitals, community mental health services, correctional facilities, private practice, and universities. Forensic psychologists may also hold blended roles, combining clinical or forensic assessment work with academic responsibilities such as teaching, research, and supervision. The work is often interdisciplinary, involving collaboration with legal professionals, psychiatrists, social workers, and others across justice and healthcare systems.
Areas of specialization commonly include criminal responsibility (NCR) assessments, fitness to stand trial evaluations, and violence risk assessment, including cases involving sexual offending. More broadly, the field is concerned with understanding the relationship between mental health and involvement in the legal system, as well as advancing research in forensic mental health.
Learn more:
- Introduction to the Field of Psychology and Law (YouTube)
- Real World Impact of Psychology and Law (YouTube)
- American Psychology-Law Society: Division 41 of APA
- American Psychology-Law Society: Student Section
- Canadian Psychological Association: Criminal Justice Psychology
- International Association of Forensic Mental Health Services
- International Association of Forensic Mental Health Services: Student Section
General Psycology
Psychology at Simon Fraser University
Preparing for Clinical and Forensic Psychology Grad School Applications
If you are preparing for the application process, you may want to check out Mitch’s Uncensored Advice for Applying to Graduate School in Clinical Psychology, which covers pretty much everything you need to know about applying to clinical psych programs. I also recommend Project SHORT, a free mentoring service for individuals from diverse and underrepresented backgrounds applying to graduate school. Below are other resources to help with understanding the application process in Canada, choosing the right type of program for you, a resource list of all forensic programs, and tips on making an academic CV.
- Applying to Canadian Graduate Schools
- Choosing Between a PhD and PsyD: Some Factors to Consider
- Graduate Programs in Psychology and Law
- Harvard GSAS CVs and Cover Letters Guide
- Princeton Building Your CV Guide
Video & Blog Guides to the Application Process
These resources provide practical guidance on the application process, including how programs evaluate applicants, how to identify mentor fit, and how to navigate common barriers.
Division 45 (APA): Graduate Application Resources
A curated set of resources focused on navigating graduate applications, with attention to equity, access, and common barriers.
Graduate School Application Resources (Emily Bibby)
A curated guide to clinical psychology PhD applications, covering program selection, mentorship, statements, and interviews.
The Psychology PhD (YouTube Channel)
Broad overview of doctoral training, including program structure, accreditation, funding, internships, and career outcomes.
Dr. Joseph Hammer: Video Series (Counseling Psychology PhD)
Focuses on the “hidden curriculum” of applications, including how files are evaluated and what programs are really looking for.
Dr. Mitch Prinstein: Uncensored Advice
Comprehensive overview of clinical psychology training, including applying, interviewing, and understanding different degree types.
PLC Lab 