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Forensics Psychologist Jobs in Ohio (NOW HIRING)

American psychological association forensic psychological guidelines; ethical issues within forensic psychology; adult parole authority laws, rules & guidelines; criminology, social psychology ...

American psychological association forensic psychological guidelines; ethical issues within forensic psychology; adult parole authority laws, rules & guidelines; criminology, social psychology ...

Ohio administrative code (e.g., section 473 2); American psychological association forensic psychological guidelines; ethical issues within forensic psychology; adult parole authority laws, rules ...

Ohio administrative code (e.g., section 473 2); American psychological association forensic psychological guidelines; ethical issues within forensic psychology; adult parole authority laws, rules ...

Psychologist - PhD

Holland, OH ยท On-site

$75K - $95K/yr

Description: Psychologist - PhD Holland, Ohio Racing for Recovery is a comprehensive wellness ... Therapy/Therapeutical Services, Risk Assessment, Testing Procedures, Interviewing, Forensics

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Showing results 1-20

Forensics Psychologist information

See Ohio salary details

$10.5K

$88.2K

$378.9K

How much do forensics psychologist jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for forensics psychologist in Ohio is $88,237.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $63,200.00 and $111,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a forensic psychologist do?

A forensic psychologist applies psychological principles to legal issues, often working within the criminal justice system. They may assess the mental state of criminal defendants, provide expert testimony in court, assist in jury selection, and offer recommendations regarding sentencing or treatment. Forensic psychologists also work with victims, conduct risk assessments, and may help develop criminal profiles. Their work bridges psychology and law, ensuring that psychological considerations are accurately represented in legal contexts.

What types of cases does a forensic psychologist typically work on, and how do they collaborate with legal professionals?

Forensic psychologists are often involved in a variety of cases, including criminal evaluations, child custody disputes, competency assessments, and risk assessments for violent behavior. They regularly collaborate with attorneys, judges, law enforcement, and correctional staff by providing psychological expertise, preparing written reports, and offering expert testimony in court. Effective communication and the ability to clearly explain complex psychological concepts to non-experts are essential in this role. The work can be challenging due to high-stakes decisions and emotionally charged cases, but it also offers opportunities to make a significant impact in the justice system.

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 solid background in psychology, a doctoral degree (Ph.D. or Psy.D.), and specialized training in forensic assessment and legal procedures. Familiarity with psychological testing tools, risk assessment instruments, and case management systems is typically required. Excellent critical thinking, objectivity, and strong verbal and written communication skills distinguish top professionals in this role. These competencies are crucial for providing accurate evaluations, credible testimony, and effective collaboration with legal and law enforcement agencies.

What is the difference between Forensics Psychologist vs Criminal Psychologist?

AspectForensics PsychologistCriminal Psychologist
CredentialsDoctoral degree in psychology, licensure, specialized training in forensic settingsDoctoral degree in psychology, licensure, focus on criminal behavior analysis
Work EnvironmentCourts, law enforcement agencies, correctional facilitiesResearch settings, law enforcement, clinical practice with offenders
Employer & IndustryLegal system, government agencies, forensic labsResearch institutions, law enforcement, mental health clinics
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared for legal cases, assessments, expert testimonyFocused on understanding criminal minds, offender profiling

While both roles involve understanding criminal behavior, Forensics Psychologists primarily work within the legal system conducting assessments and providing expert testimony, whereas Criminal Psychologists focus more on studying criminal minds and behavior patterns, often in research or clinical settings.

How much money do forensic psychologists make?

Forensic psychologists typically earn a median annual salary of around $80,000 to $100,000, with experienced professionals or those working in high-demand areas earning higher wages. Salaries can vary based on education, certification, location, and work setting, such as courts, law enforcement agencies, or private practice.

What careers can you get with forensics psychologist?

A forensics psychologist can pursue careers in criminal justice, law enforcement agencies, correctional facilities, or private consulting. They often work as expert witnesses, assessment specialists, or in research roles, utilizing psychological testing, interview techniques, and knowledge of the legal system.

What cities in Ohio are hiring for Forensics Psychologist jobs?

Cities in Ohio with the most Forensics Psychologist job openings:

Infographic showing various Forensics Psychologist job openings in Ohio as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $88,237 per year, or $42.4 per hour.

Psychologist - Plus Pay Supplement

Ohio Department of Aging

Cincinnati, OH โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, PTO

Re-posted 7 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Conduct comprehensive psychological evaluations, including cognitive, personality, diagnostic, and risk assessments.

  • Provide individual and group psychotherapy, behavioral interventions, and psychosocial rehabilitation services.

  • Complete court-ordered forensic assessments, provide expert testimony, and collaborate with multidisciplinary treatment teams.


Job description

Please note: Effective October 1, 2025, the Ohio Department of Mental Health & Addiction Services has transitioned to its new name-the Ohio Department of Behavioral Health. This change reflects our continued commitment to providing comprehensive, person-centered care that addresses the full range of behavioral health needs for Ohioans. All positions and services now fall under the Ohio Department of Behavioral Health as we move forward in serving individuals, families, and communities across the state.
What you'll do at DBH
Psychological Assessment & Evaluation
  • Conduct comprehensive psychological evaluations, including cognitive, personality, diagnostic, and risk assessments.
  • Administer, score, interpret, and document psychological testing results.
  • Perform forensic evaluations, including competency-to-stand-trial and mental state assessments.
  • Develop risk assessments and risk management plans for justice-involved individuals.
Therapeutic Services & Patient Care
  • Provide individual psychotherapy, group therapy, behavioral interventions, and psychosocial rehabilitation services.
  • Deliver trauma-informed and patient-centered care to support recovery and treatment goals.
  • Develop, implement, and monitor individualized treatment plans.
  • Facilitate therapeutic groups and evidence-based interventions designed to improve patient outcomes.
Forensic Psychology Services
  • Complete court-ordered forensic assessments and evaluations.
  • Provide expert consultation and testimony regarding forensic findings when required.
  • Support the treatment and assessment needs of a justice-involved patient population.
Treatment Team Collaboration
  • Serve as a key member of the multidisciplinary treatment team.
  • Collaborate with psychiatrists, nurses, social workers, and other healthcare professionals to coordinate patient care.
  • Provide psychological consultation and recommendations to support treatment planning and clinical decision-making.
Program Development & Quality Improvement
  • Develop and implement programs that promote patient recovery and rehabilitation.
  • Participate in hospital initiatives focused on improving patient care, treatment effectiveness, and clinical outcomes.
  • Contribute to continuous quality improvement efforts and best practices in psychological services.
Professional Leadership & Engagement
  • Attend and actively participate in meetings, committees, and workgroups.
  • Maintain professional standards and documentation in accordance with organizational and regulatory requirements.
  • Engage in ongoing training and professional development opportunities to enhance clinical and forensic psychology skills.
Our regional hospitals have a high percentage of justice-involved patients. Psychologists will work in the specialized areas of clinical and forensic psychology. Psychologists serve an essential role in assessing and treating patients in The Department of Behavioral Health Regional Psychiatric Hospitals. They provide trauma-focused and patient-centered care, forensic evaluations including competency to stand trial and mental status at the time of offense, and collaboration and consultation with multidisciplinary treatment teams. Skills related to the forensic sub-specialty will be supported with training and mentorship if limited upon hire. Strong clinical skills are essential. Psychologists conduct psychological evaluations, including cognitive, personality, and risk assessments, diagnose mental health conditions, develop and implement treatment plans and provide clinical interventions such as individual and group therapy. Psychologists may also conduct court ordered forensic assessments, provide testimony, consultation, and supervision.
Psychologists will also contribute to hospital initiatives aimed at improving patient care and treatment outcomes, as well as working closely with psychiatrists, social workers, nurses, and other team members to coordinate patient care within the regional psychiatric hospital.
This is an hourly position covered by the Ohio Health Care SEIU/1199 bargaining unit (union) , with a pay range of 15 on the Ohio Health Care SEIU/1199 Pay Range Schedule . Day, afternoon and evening shifts available, weekend and holiday rotations. This position is located within our Summit Behavioral Healthcare location, located at 1101 Summit Road, Cincinnati, OH 45237.
Unless required by any applicable union contract and/or requirements of the Ohio Revised Code, the selected candidate will begin at Step 1 of the pay range schedule listed above, with an opportunity for pay increase after six months of satisfactory performance and then a yearly raise thereafter.
Additional Salary / Appointment Information:
Longevity supplement after 5 years of service.
The reasons given by psychologists who work in state psychiatric hospitals include:
  • Personal and professional growth
  • Advocating for patients
  • Working with complex psychiatric challenges
  • Untangling psycho-legal questions
  • Ample continuing educational opportunities
  • Presenting at professional conferences/workshops
  • Mentoring upcoming psychologists through practicums and post-doctoral programs

At the State of Ohio, we take care of the team that cares for Ohioans. We provide a variety of quality, competitive benefits to eligible full-time and part-time employees*. For a list of all the State of Ohio Benefits, visit our Total Rewards website ! Our benefits package includes:
  • Medical Coverage
  • Free Dental, Vision and Basic Life Insurance premiums after completion of eligibility period
  • Paid time off, including vacation, personal, sick leave and 11 paid holidays per year
  • Childbirth, Adoption, and Foster Care leave
  • Education and Development Opportunities (Employee Development Funds, Public Service Loan Forgiveness, and more)
  • Public Retirement Systems ( such as OPERS, STRS, SERS, and HPRS ) & Optional Deferred Compensation ( Ohio Deferred Compensation )
*Benefits eligibility is dependent on a number of factors. The Agency Contact listed above will be able to provide specific benefits information for this position.
Qualifications
Position Qualifications:
License to practice psychology as issued by Ohio State Board of Psychology per Section 4732.12 or 4732.15 (A) of Ohio Revised Code.
Primary Skill: Psychology
Technical Skills: Forensic, Mental Health, Behavioral Health, Counseling and Rehabilitation
Professional Skills: Collaboration, Establishing Relationships, Listening, Teamwork, Time Management, Observation
Required Educational Transcripts
Official transcripts are required for all post-secondary education, coursework, or degrees listed on the application. Applicants must submit an official transcript before receiving a formal employment offer. Failure to provide transcripts within five (5) business days of the request will result in disqualification from further consideration. Transcripts printed from the institution's website will not be accepted. DBH reserves the right to evaluate the academic validity of the degree-granting institution.

Ohio Department of Aging logo

About Ohio Department of Aging

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The Ohio Department of Aging, based in Columbus, OH, US, is within the healthcare and service industry, primarily serving older individuals and their care providers throughout the state. As a state government agency, its key role is to ensure the provision of quality services and supports that assist older Ohioans to live healthier, safer and more productive lives. The department functions through the official website, ohio.gov. It was established with a mission to position the State of Ohio on the leading edge of solution-driven innovation for the challenges and opportunities presented by Ohio's rapidly aging population.

Industry

Public administration

Company size

51 - 200 Employees

Headquarters location

Columbus, OH, US