The field of clinical forensic psychology includes clinical services provided to clients with criminal and non-criminal contact with the legal system, covering diverse needs related to divorce, custody mediation, worker’s compensation evaluations, disability evaluations, child abuse, and adoption, in addition to work in prisons and jails. The Clinical Forensic Psychology Experience Area in Fresno aims to prepare students to work with clients in these diverse settings.

All students must take:

• Introduction to Forensic Psychology (2 units)

Elective offerings may include some of the following:

• Advanced Forensic Assessment with Children/Families or Adults (2 units)
• Forensic Ethics (1 unit)
• Forensic Report Writing (1 unit)
• Child Custody Consultation: Evaluation and Mediation (2 units)
• Disabilities, Law and Families (2 units)

Students must complete 1000 hours of clinical training in at least two different forensic practicum placements. A pre-doctoral internship in a forensic psychology setting is strongly recommended as well. Dissertations must be completed in a forensic psychology related area.

Multicultural Facilitated Learning

In addition to the primary emphases, the Fresno PsyD faculty is committed to offering a broad array of elective courses reflecting theory, assessment, and intervention across a variety of systems, especially across cultural systems. The importance of the cultural system is emphasized throughout students’ academic and clinical training. This focus on cultural issues ensures students will be prepared for professional practice in a pluralistic society.