Forensic Psychology is the field of psychology dealing with criminal and delinquent behaviour,as well as the application of psychology in legal settings and the Criminal Justice System (CJS). Forensic psychologists are able to provide psychological services like any other psychologist, such as therapy. What makes them unique is that they are equipped with a deep understanding of the root causes and patterns of criminal behavior, as well as factors facilitating victimization.

They are frequently called upon to evaluate offenders’ propensity to reoffend, diagnose and treat mental health issues and suicide risk, create and oversee offender treatment and rehabilitation programs, profile offenders, conduct forensic psychological assessments and testify as expert witnesses.

Forensic or criminal psychology should not be confused with criminology. Criminology is a field of sociology, where crime is examined as a social phenomenon and also deals with the criminological procedures that need to be followed, e.g. processing a crime scene. Forensic psychology examines crime on an individual basis, focusing both on the perpetrator and the victim from a psychological perspective.