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Forensic Psychiatrist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Forensic Psychiatrist Forensic Inpatient Psychiatrists needed! Full time Inpatient Locum Tenens assignments available in St. Louis, Missouri. Located near the Hill. Very competitive rate, position(s ...

Forensic Psychiatrist

Hartford, CT · On-site

$235K - $307K/yr

State Hospital is currently seeking a qualified and experienced individual for the position in Forensic Psychiatry. Position Highlights: * LOCATION: Middletown, CT * SCHEDULE: Full-time (40 hours ...

State Hospital is currently seeking a qualified and experienced individual for the position in Forensic Psychiatry. Position Highlights: * LOCATION: Middletown, CT * SCHEDULE: Full-time (40 hours ...

Forensic Psychiatrist

Middletown, CT · On-site

$235K - $307K/yr

State Hospital is currently seeking a qualified and experienced individual for the position in Forensic Psychiatry. Position Highlights: * LOCATION: Middletown, CT * SCHEDULE: Full-time (40 hours ...

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Forensic Psychiatrist information

See salary details

$50K

$266.4K

$399.5K

How much do forensic psychiatrist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for forensic psychiatrist in the United States is $266,404.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $225,000.00 and $336,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Are forensic psychiatrists in high demand?

Forensic psychiatrists are in increasing demand due to the growing need for mental health evaluations in legal and criminal justice settings. Their specialized skills in assessing competency, risk, and mental health conditions make them valuable in both public and private sectors, often leading to competitive job opportunities.

Is it hard to become a forensic psychiatrist?

Becoming a forensic psychiatrist requires completing medical school, a psychiatry residency, and often a fellowship in forensic psychiatry, which can take several years. It also requires obtaining medical licensure and board certification, making it a challenging and lengthy process that demands strong academic performance and specialized training.

What is the difference between Forensic Psychiatrist vs Clinical Psychiatrist?

AspectForensic PsychiatristClinical Psychiatrist
CredentialsMedical degree, psychiatry residency, forensic certificationMedical degree, psychiatry residency
Work EnvironmentCourts, legal settings, correctional facilitiesHospitals, clinics, private practices
Employer & IndustryLegal system, correctional institutions, government agenciesHealthcare facilities, outpatient clinics
Common Search & ComparisonYesNo

While both forensic and clinical psychiatrists are medical doctors specializing in mental health, forensic psychiatrists focus on legal cases, assessments, and working within the justice system. Clinical psychiatrists primarily treat mental health conditions in general healthcare settings. The key difference lies in their work environment and the nature of their cases.

What is a forensic psychiatrist?

A forensic psychiatrist is a licensed medical doctor specializing in psychiatry, who primarily works within the legal system. Your job duties may range from determining if a person is mentally competent to stand trial, to advocating for prisoners suffering from mental illness, to providing legal advice to persons awaiting trial. In addition to rigorous education requirements, a career as a forensic psychiatrist further requires you to have years of experience gained through residencies and fellowships focused on legal and forensic issues.

What jobs can you get as a forensic psychiatrist?

A forensic psychiatrist can work in various roles such as evaluating defendants' mental health for court cases, providing expert testimony, consulting with law enforcement, and working in correctional facilities. They may also be involved in risk assessments, treatment planning for offenders, and research related to mental health and the legal system.

How does a forensic psychiatrist typically collaborate with legal professionals during cases?

Forensic psychiatrists often work closely with attorneys, judges, and law enforcement officials to provide expert assessments and testimony regarding an individual's mental health as it relates to legal matters. This collaboration may involve preparing detailed reports, explaining complex psychiatric findings in court, and sometimes participating in multidisciplinary case meetings. Effective communication and the ability to translate clinical information into legal terms are crucial for ensuring that their input is both accurate and useful in judicial proceedings.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a forensic psychiatrist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Forensic Psychiatrist, you need a medical degree, board certification in psychiatry, and specialized training or fellowship in forensic psychiatry. Familiarity with legal documentation, risk assessment tools, and electronic medical record systems is typically required. Strong analytical thinking, excellent communication, and the ability to remain objective under pressure are crucial soft skills for this role. These competencies are essential for providing accurate assessments, credible testimony, and effective collaboration with legal and clinical teams in complex legal cases.

What does a forensic psychiatrist do?

A forensic psychiatrist is a medical doctor who specializes in the intersection of mental health and the law. They assess and diagnose mental disorders in individuals involved with the legal system, such as criminal defendants, victims, or witnesses. Their work often includes providing expert testimony in court, evaluating competency to stand trial, and making recommendations regarding treatment or criminal responsibility. Forensic psychiatrists may also consult on civil matters, such as custody disputes or disability evaluations. Their role is crucial in helping courts understand the impact of mental illness on behavior and legal responsibility.
What cities are hiring for Forensic Psychiatrist jobs? Cities with the most Forensic Psychiatrist job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Forensic Psychiatrist jobs? The most popular types of Forensic Psychiatrist jobs are:
Who are the top companies hiring for Forensic Psychiatrist jobs? The top employers for Forensic Psychiatrist jobs are:
What states have the most Forensic Psychiatrist jobs? States with the most job openings for Forensic Psychiatrist jobs include:
Infographic showing various Forensic Psychiatrist job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $266,404 per year, or $128.1 per hour.

Forensic Psychiatrist

CFG HEALTH SYSTEM LLC

Philadelphia, PA • On-site

Per diem

Re-posted 14 days ago


Job description

Job Summary 

The Forensic Psychiatrist with the Philadelphia DOC  is responsible for conducting independent psychiatric evaluations and providing expert psychiatric opinions in legal, correctional, civil, and administrative matters. This role applies specialized psychiatric knowledge to answer medical-legal questions regarding competency, criminal responsibility, risk assessment, civil capacities, fitness for duty, and other forensic issues. The Forensic Psychiatrist prepares objective reports, provides expert testimony when required, and collaborates with legal professionals, courts, correctional institutions, and other stakeholders while maintaining strict ethical and professional standards.  Per Diem position

Duties and Responsibilities 

  • Conduct comprehensive forensic psychiatric evaluations through clinical interviews, mental status examinations, and psychological assessment review.
  • Assess competency to stand trial and an individual's ability to understand legal proceedings and assist counsel.
  • Evaluate criminal responsibility, including assessments related to insanity defenses and mental state at the time of an alleged offense.
  • Perform risk and dangerousness assessments to evaluate the likelihood of future violence, self-harm, or recidivism.
  • Conduct civil competency evaluations related to medical decision-making, guardianship, contractual capacity, testamentary capacity, and other legal capacities.
  • Assess psychiatric injuries and damages in personal injury, disability, and workers' compensation cases.
  • Conduct fitness-for-duty evaluations to determine an individual's ability to safely and effectively perform occupational responsibilities.
  • Participate in child custody and parental fitness evaluations when requested.
  • Review and analyze collateral information, including medical records, psychiatric records, legal documents, police reports, witness statements, correctional records, and other relevant materials.
  • Evaluate for malingering, symptom exaggeration, and feigned psychiatric illness utilizing appropriate clinical methods and assessment tools.
  • Prepare thorough, objective, and defensible forensic reports that clearly communicate findings, opinions, and supporting rationale.
  • Provide expert testimony in court proceedings, depositions, administrative hearings, and other legal settings.
  • Collaborate with attorneys, judges, correctional staff, healthcare providers, and other professionals while maintaining professional neutrality.
  • Maintain accurate and timely documentation in accordance with legal, regulatory, and organizational requirements.
  • Stay current with developments in forensic psychiatry, mental health law, and evidence-based assessment practices.
  • Participate in peer review, quality assurance, and continuing medical education activities.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

  • Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degree from an accredited institution.
  • Completion of an accredited Psychiatry Residency Program.
  • Completion of an accredited Forensic Psychiatry Fellowship Program preferred.
  • Board Certification in Psychiatry required.
  • Board Certification or Board Eligibility in Forensic Psychiatry preferred.
  • Current, unrestricted license to practice medicine in the applicable state(s).
  • DEA registration and controlled substance licensure, where applicable.
  • Demonstrated experience conducting forensic psychiatric evaluations and preparing medico-legal reports.
  • Knowledge of criminal, civil, correctional, and administrative legal processes.
  • Strong analytical, assessment, and diagnostic skills.
  • Excellent written communication skills with the ability to prepare comprehensive forensic reports.
  • Strong verbal communication and presentation skills.
  • Ability to provide expert testimony and communicate complex psychiatric concepts to legal audiences.
  • Ability to maintain objectivity and professional neutrality.
  • Proficiency with electronic medical records and standard computer applications.
  • Ability to work independently and manage multiple cases simultaneously.

Functional Demands

  • Ability to pass all required health, credentialing, and security screening requirements.
  • May be required to travel between facilities, courts, hospitals, and other evaluation sites.
  • May be required to work evenings, weekends, or holidays as needed.
  • Ability to maintain all required licenses, certifications, and credentials.
  • Must maintain security clearance for assigned facilities and legal settings.

Organizational Expectations

  • Provides a positive and professional representation of CFG Health Systems, LLC.
  • Maintains competency and knowledge of current standards, trends, and developments related to forensic psychiatry and mental health law.
  • Participates in ongoing quality improvement initiatives.
  • Adheres to company policies and procedures.
  • Upholds confidentiality and privacy standards.
  • Maintains compliance with HIPAA, PREA, and applicable legal and regulatory requirements.
  • Punctual and dependable for assigned work schedules.
  • Performs duties in a professional, ethical, and collaborative manner.
  • Maintains appropriate professional boundaries and objectivity in all forensic evaluations and legal proceedings.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those required to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities.

  • May regularly be required to sit, stand, walk, reach, bend, and use office equipment for extended periods.
  • Ability to communicate effectively through written and verbal communication.
  • Must be able to use a computer and standard office equipment for prolonged periods.
  • May be required to travel to courts, correctional facilities, hospitals, and other evaluation locations.
  • Ability to occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.

Disclaimer: The essential duties listed are representative of the major duties of this position. Specific responsibilities may vary based on departmental needs, facility assignment, and legal requirements. Additional duties may be assigned consistent with the knowledge, skills, and abilities required for the role.