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Forensic Psychology Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

US Department of the Navy

PSYCHOLOGIST

Quantico, VA · On-site

$143K/yr

Minimum of seven years post-licensure experience in forensic psychology, threat assessment, and organizational consultation. * Board certification through the American Board of Professional ...

DC Government

CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGIST

Washington, DC · On-site

$110 - $140/hr

Provides a full range of court-ordered forensic evaluations and interventions in outpatient ... Provides training for psychology trainees and pre-licensure psychologists. This position IS in the ...

DC Government Careers

CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGIST

Washington, DC · On-site

$106K - $137K/yr

Provides a full range of court-ordered forensic evaluations and interventions in outpatient ... Provides training for psychology trainees and pre-licensure psychologists. This position IS in the ...

Revolutional, LLC

Senior Forensic Analyst

Washington, DC · On-site

$130/hr

Senior Forensic Analyst Location: Washington, DC, Ft. Collins, CO, or Kansas City, MO (remote optional, local preferred) Terms: Full-time Clearance: Active Top Secret required Salary Range: $130-170k ...

U.S. Postal Service

Forensic Analyst SR

Dulles, VA · On-site +1

$128K - $178K/yr

The successful candidate conducts forensic analyses of digital and other multimedia evidence utilizing appropriate scientific methodologies, forensic techniques, and quality assurance practices in ...

US Postal Service

Forensic Analyst SR

Sterling, VA · On-site

Functional Purpose Conducts highly complex forensic analyses of evidence utilizing appropriate scientific methodologies and forensic techniques in support of criminal investigations; conducts quality ...

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All JobsForensic Psychology JobsForensic Psychology Jobs in Reston, VA

Forensic Psychology information

See Reston, VA salary details

$42.7K

$91.4K

$142.5K

How much do forensic psychology jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for forensic psychology in Reston, VA is $91,423.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $60,900.00 and $115,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is forensic psychology?

Forensic psychology is a specialized field that applies principles of psychology to the legal and criminal justice systems. Forensic psychologists often assess individuals involved in legal cases, provide expert testimony in court, and consult on matters such as jury selection, competency evaluations, and criminal profiling. Their work helps bridge the gap between psychology and law, ensuring that psychological insights are used to inform legal decisions. Professionals in this field may work in prisons, courts, law enforcement agencies, or private practices.

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

To thrive as a Forensic Psychologist, you need a strong background in psychological assessment, criminal behavior analysis, and a relevant graduate degree (usually a Ph.D. or Psy.D.) along with appropriate licensure. Familiarity with assessment tools, psychological testing instruments, and legal documentation systems is essential. Exceptional critical thinking, objectivity, and advanced communication skills help you work effectively in courtrooms, correctional facilities, and with diverse stakeholders. These competencies ensure ethical, accurate evaluations and clear testimony, which are crucial for influencing legal outcomes and safeguarding justice.

What are some common challenges forensic psychologists face when working within the legal system?

Forensic psychologists often navigate complex ethical dilemmas, such as maintaining objectivity while being hired as expert witnesses. They must communicate psychological findings in clear, non-technical terms for judges, juries, and attorneys. Additionally, the adversarial nature of legal proceedings can create pressure and scrutiny, requiring strong resilience and professionalism. Balancing clinical responsibilities with court deadlines and managing sensitive or traumatic case material are also frequent challenges in this role.

What is the difference between Forensic Psychology vs Clinical Psychology?

AspectForensic PsychologyClinical Psychology
CredentialsDoctoral degree (PhD or PsyD), licensure, often specialized training in forensic settingsDoctoral degree (PhD or PsyD), licensure, specialized training in mental health treatment
Work EnvironmentCourts, correctional facilities, law enforcement agencies, forensic settingsHospitals, clinics, private practices, mental health facilities
Employer & IndustryLegal system, government agencies, forensic institutionsHealthcare industry, private practices, hospitals
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared due to overlapping mental health expertise and legal applications

Forensic Psychology and Clinical Psychology share foundational psychological training and licensure requirements. However, forensic psychologists focus on applying mental health expertise within legal and criminal justice settings, while clinical psychologists primarily provide mental health treatment in healthcare environments. Understanding these differences helps professionals and job seekers identify the right career path based on their interests and credentials.

Is forensic psychology a good career path?

Forensic psychology is a specialized field that involves applying psychological principles to legal and criminal justice settings. It often requires advanced education, such as a master's or doctoral degree, and skills in assessment, report writing, and courtroom testimony. The career can be rewarding for those interested in criminal behavior, law, and mental health, but it can also involve high-stress situations and irregular hours.

Is it hard to get hired as a forensic psychologist?

Getting hired as a forensic psychologist can be competitive due to the specialized nature of the field, which often requires advanced degrees, licensure, and relevant experience. Strong skills in assessment, report writing, and understanding legal systems improve employment prospects, but job availability may vary based on location and demand for forensic services.

What is the work of a forensic psychologist?

A forensic psychologist evaluates individuals involved in legal cases, providing assessments of mental competency, risk of violence, and psychological state. They often work with law enforcement, attorneys, and courts, using psychological testing and interviews to inform legal decisions. Certification and knowledge of legal procedures are important in this field.

What jobs do you get with forensic psychology?

Forensic psychology graduates can work as criminal psychologists, forensic evaluators, correctional psychologists, or expert witnesses in court. These roles involve assessing offenders, providing psychological insights in legal cases, and working within criminal justice settings, often requiring knowledge of mental health assessment tools and legal procedures.

What are the most commonly searched types of Forensic Psychology jobs in Reston, VA?

The most popular types of Forensic Psychology jobs in Reston, VA are:

What job categories do people searching Forensic Psychology jobs in Reston, VA look for?

The top searched job categories for Forensic Psychology jobs in Reston, VA are:

What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for Forensic Psychology jobs?

Cities near Reston, VA with the most Forensic Psychology job openings:

Forensic Psychology jobs near you
Infographic showing various Forensic Psychology job openings in Reston, VA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 20% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $91,423 per year, or $44 per hour.

Adjunct Faculty - Forensic Psychology - DC Campus

Chicago School of Professional Psychology

Washington, DC • On-site

$1.1K - $1.5K/wk

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 23 days ago

Job description

Job Description:

Job Description:

Founded in 1979, The Chicago School is an independent professional graduate school with a dynamic student body and a professionally accomplished faculty. Our curriculum and training opportunities prepare graduates to deliver outstanding professional services emphasizing the ability to understand and work with diverse populations.

The M.A. Forensic Psychology Department is seeking highly qualified candidates for adjunct faculty positions. The Chicago School's Forensic Psychology programs trains graduates who work directly within the arena of police and public safety, correctional-based facilities, re-entry facilities, and with specialized populations including adult offenders, juvenile offenders, and sexual offenders.

Our Forensic Psychology programs offer a track enabling graduates to sit for licensure as a professional counselor upon graduation, enabling them to practice as counselors who provide specialized therapy for clients in forensic settings.

Courses run 16 weeks in fall and spring semesters, and 8 weeks in the summer.

Principle Duties:

Engage students in M.A. Forensic Psychology curriculum through discussion and assignments as outlined in the course syllabi.Provide students substantive feedback and respond to student questions and concerns in a timely manner. Maintain communication with department administration, faculty, and students.

Position Qualifications:

  • Doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology, Counselor Education, or related field

  • Strong commitment to academic excellence, research, community service, and diversity

  • Exemplary professional experience

The department seeks an individual who has the ability and interest in contributing to a community committed to student-centeredness, professional development and scholarship, integrity and ethics, respect for diversity and pluralism, innovation, flexibility, and teamwork and collaboration. Candidates who will advance equity, diversity, and inclusion through their teaching, scholarship, and service are strongly encouraged to apply.

Disclaimer:

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. All personnel may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed.

This job posting, and all others for adjunct faculty roles with The Chicago School, are posted as "evergreen" roles. This means that there is usually an ongoing need for departments to hire 1-2 adjuncts each semester (usually for teaching specialized topics), and they prefer to keep a running pool of applicants to select from when the need to hire arises. Given this information, please note that your application to our evergreen roles willbe reviewed on an as needed basis and you may not hear back immediately. If you would like an update on your application status, you can email National-HR@thechicagoschool.edu. We sincerely appreciate your interest in working with us and hope this won't deter you from continuing to submit your application for any current or future roles you may be interested in.

Compensation & Benefits

This opportunity is budgeted at $1,124-1,540 per credit and may vary per course with student enrollment. Additional compensation factors may impact total compensation. To learn more about our competitive benefits and additional rewards, including generous paid time-off, medical and dental insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, retirement plan with employer contribution, multiple flexible spending accounts, tuition reimbursement, click the link below.

https://www.thechicagoschool.edu/career-opportunities/

The Chicago School is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Please note: For the protection of faculty, staff, students, and all who enter our facilities, The Chicago School strongly recommends that all employees are fully vaccinated for COVID-19 per CDC guidance.

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