Forensic therapy is concerned with the mental health assessment, evaluation and treatment of individuals who are in the legal system for crimes committed. Victims and families may also be involved in the therapy related to the occurrence of crimes. A forensic therapist helps the offender to examine the motivations for their behavior, the actions committed, and take responsibility for them, which may help prevent any future activity. Where possible, a therapist works to prevent recidivism on the part of the offender, and/or evaluates inmates to assess the likelihood that they will commit further crimes. The patient and therapist may work in a therapeutic, supervisory, or consulting capacity, depending on the client’s situation and the requirements of the legal system. The process may also call on other health professionals such as social workers and physicians. Forensic therapy, forensic psychology, forensic psychiatry and forensic expert witnesses at criminal trials each focus on different aspects of criminal behavior. However, the terms are sometimes used interchangeably.
Many factors go into recidivism and or repeat offenses among the criminal population, and there is some debate over the efficacy of this therapy type. However, in 2001 the American Psychological Association recognized forensic psychology as a specialty, which emphasizes research and analysis.
To learn more about clinical work within the criminal justice system, see Forensic Psychology.
Forensic therapists work with both juvenile and adult offenders, both individually and in groups. The work takes place in prisons, hospitals, schools, specialized mental health centers and therapeutic communities, legal environments, such as probation services, and government forensic assessment units. Clients are evaluated for criminal responsibility, competency to stand trial, or risk for violence. Forensic therapists also testify as expert witnesses in courtrooms. Cases and specializations may include child abuse and neglect, child custody and parental fitness, sex offender risk assessment, violence risk assessment, juvenile evaluations, and sentencing and mitigation. Forensic therapists often work with offenders who have antisocial personalities and or psychopathy.