What therapeutic approaches help people who have experienced crime or trauma?

Several evidence-based therapies are effective for trauma recovery, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and Trauma-Focused CBT. These approaches help individuals process traumatic experiences, develop healthy coping strategies, and reduce symptoms like anxiety, depression, and PTSD. The specific approach depends on individual needs and the nature of the trauma experienced.

How does therapy differ from forensic psychology evaluations?

Therapy focuses on healing, personal growth, and improving mental health through ongoing therapeutic relationships. In contrast, forensic psychology evaluations are assessments conducted for legal purposes, such as determining competency or providing expert testimony. Therapy is confidential and client-centered, while forensic evaluations serve the legal system and may not be confidential. Licensed therapists provide ongoing support, while forensic psychologists typically conduct one-time assessments.

Can therapy help with rehabilitation and preventing future criminal behavior?

Yes, therapy plays a crucial role in rehabilitation by addressing underlying issues that may contribute to criminal behavior, such as substance abuse, trauma, mental health disorders, and poor coping skills. Therapeutic approaches like CBT, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and anger management therapy help individuals develop healthier thought patterns, emotional regulation skills, and prosocial behaviors. However, therapy works best when individuals are motivated to change and participate voluntarily.

What should I expect from trauma-focused therapy after experiencing a crime?

Trauma-focused therapy typically begins with establishing safety and building coping skills before gradually processing the traumatic event. Your therapist will work at your pace, helping you understand trauma responses, develop grounding techniques, and process emotions in a safe environment. Sessions may involve discussing the event, challenging negative thoughts, and practicing relaxation techniques. Recovery is gradual, and it's normal to experience ups and downs throughout the healing process.

How can therapy help family members of those involved in the criminal justice system?

Family therapy and individual counseling can help family members cope with the emotional impact of having a loved one involved in the criminal justice system. Therapy addresses feelings of shame, guilt, anger, and grief while providing tools for healthy communication and boundary setting. Family members often benefit from support groups, stress management techniques, and strategies for maintaining their own well-being while supporting their loved one's rehabilitation.

Criminal Psychologists: Real Work vs Hollywood Myths

January 23, 2026

Criminal psychologists work primarily as criminologists who study crime patterns through sociological research or as forensic psychologists who apply clinical psychological expertise to legal cases, with both professions requiring specialized training and facing unique occupational mental health challenges.

Think TV shows like Criminal Minds show the real story? Criminal psychologists face a completely different reality - one filled with hidden mental health challenges that Hollywood never shows you.

Two individuals are in a video call on a laptop, while another person holds a document at a modern workspace with plants.

What Criminal Psychologists Really Do: Beyond the Hollywood Portrayal

Updated March 5th, 2025

Hollywood has given us countless depictions of criminal psychologists—intense profilers who solve cases through psychological analysis and dramatic interrogations. But the reality of this field looks quite different from what we see on screen. The term “criminal psychologist” itself is somewhat misleading, as it can refer to several distinct professions with very different roles in the criminal justice system. Let’s explore what these professionals actually do and the challenges they face in their work.

Clarifying the terminology: What “criminal psychologist” actually means

The phrase “criminal psychologist” is rarely used as an official job title in the United States. When people use this term, they’re typically referring to one of two distinct professions: criminologists or forensic psychologists. While both work within the realm of crime and criminal behavior, their approaches, training, and responsibilities differ significantly.

Understanding these distinctions matters—not just for those considering careers in these fields, but for anyone interested in how psychology intersects with law enforcement and the justice system.

Criminology: Studying crime through a societal lens

Criminology takes a broad, systemic approach to understanding crime. Rather than focusing on individual cases, criminologists examine crime as a social phenomenon, asking fundamental questions about its causes, prevention, and relationship to broader societal structures.

What criminologists investigate

Criminologists work to answer complex questions such as:

What social, economic, and environmental factors contribute to criminal behavior?
How can communities and institutions effectively prevent crime?
What role do relationships, upbringing, and environment play in someone’s decision to commit a crime?
How effective are current legal systems and policies at reducing crime rates?

This field has evolved considerably in recent decades. Modern criminology now encompasses numerous subspecializations, each focusing on specific aspects of crime and justice:

Victimology examines the experiences of crime survivors, including the dynamics between victims and offenders and the long-term impacts of victimization.

Toxicology in the criminological context focuses on how poisons and toxic substances are used in criminal acts and how they can be detected.

DNA analysis specialists study how genetic material from blood, skin, hair, and other sources can be used in criminal investigations and prosecutions.

Fingerprint analysis involves the detailed study of fingerprint patterns and their application in identifying suspects and solving cases.

Educational pathways in criminology

Most criminologists hold at least a bachelor’s degree, though the specific major can vary. While some study criminology directly, others come from related fields like sociology, criminal justice, or psychology. Specialized areas may require different educational backgrounds—for instance, forensic toxicologists often need degrees in chemistry, biology, or forensic science.

Forensic psychology: Applying psychological expertise to legal matters

Forensic psychologists occupy a different space in the criminal justice ecosystem. These are licensed psychologists who apply their clinical expertise to legal questions and proceedings. Their work bridges the gap between mental health science and the law.

The scope of forensic psychology practice

Forensic psychologists address specific questions that arise in legal contexts:

Is an individual competent to stand trial and participate in their own defense?
What was a person’s mental state at the time they committed an alleged crime?
How reliable is a confession or statement given by a suspect?
What is the likelihood that someone convicted of a crime will reoffend?
How has a crime psychologically affected its survivors?

How forensic psychologists contribute to the justice system

The practical work of forensic psychologists varies depending on their specific role. Their responsibilities might include:

Providing expert testimony in criminal and civil proceedings about defendants’ or survivors’ mental states
Conducting comprehensive psychological evaluations of individuals involved in legal cases
Reviewing and analyzing police reports, witness statements, and other case documentation
Offering professional opinions in civil matters such as child custody disputes or personal injury cases
Assessing risk factors and providing recommendations regarding sentencing and treatment

Training requirements for forensic psychologists

The educational bar for forensic psychologists is considerably higher than for criminologists. Most positions require a master’s degree or doctorate in psychology, with specialized training in forensic applications. In the United States, forensic psychologists must also obtain licensure to practice, which involves completing supervised clinical hours and passing licensing examinations.

The overlooked mental health challenges facing these professionals

While criminologists and forensic psychologists spend their careers analyzing the psychological aspects of crime and criminal behavior, their own mental health needs often go unaddressed. The nature of their work exposes them to unique stressors and psychological risks that deserve serious attention.

Occupational stress and burnout

Professionals in criminal psychology fields frequently work long, irregular hours, particularly when involved in active investigations or trial preparation. This chronic time pressure can lead to sustained stress, which research links to increased risk of anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions.

Burnout—a state of profound emotional, mental, and physical exhaustion—poses a significant risk for those working in these demanding fields. The combination of high-stakes decision-making, emotionally challenging content, and systemic pressures can gradually erode even the most dedicated professional’s resilience.

The burden of vicarious trauma

Perhaps the most insidious occupational hazard for criminal psychologists is vicarious trauma. This condition affects those who work closely with trauma survivors or who are regularly exposed to traumatic material as part of their professional duties. Forensic psychologists who evaluate crime survivors, review graphic evidence, or hear detailed accounts of violent crimes are particularly vulnerable.

Vicarious trauma can manifest through various symptoms:

Emotional numbing or persistent feelings of hopelessness
Difficulty regulating emotions or increased irritability
Withdrawal from relationships and loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities
Turning to alcohol or substances as coping mechanisms
Physical symptoms including chronic fatigue, muscle tension, or frequent illness
Intrusive thoughts, hypervigilance, or other symptoms resembling post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

If you are struggling with substance use, contact the SAMHSA National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357) to receive support and resources. Support is available 24/7.

Additional psychological risks

Working extensively with individuals who have certain personality disorders, such as antisocial personality disorder can present its own challenges. The emotional labor of maintaining professional boundaries while working with individuals who may be manipulative or lack empathy can be psychologically taxing over time.

Supporting the mental health of criminal justice professionals

Given these substantial occupational hazards, mental health support for criminologists and forensic psychologists isn’t just beneficial—it’s essential for sustainable careers in these fields. Therapy provides a confidential space to process the emotional weight of this work, develop effective coping strategies, and build the resilience necessary for long-term professional effectiveness.

For professionals working in criminal psychology, finding the right therapeutic support can be challenging. The demanding nature of the work often leaves little time for traditional therapy appointments, and the process of finding a compatible therapist can itself be time-consuming.

Telehealth mental health services offer a practical alternative. At ReachLink, our licensed clinical social workers provide flexible, secure video therapy sessions that can fit into even the most demanding schedules. Our platform allows you to connect with a therapist who understands the unique pressures of high-stress professional environments, without the logistical complications of traditional in-person appointments.

Evidence for telehealth mental health support

Research supports the effectiveness of telehealth interventions for the types of mental health challenges common among criminal justice professionals. A 2021 study examined 63 medical residents experiencing significant stress and burnout who participated in a three-month internet-based psychological intervention. The findings demonstrated meaningful improvements in emotional exhaustion, depression, and anxiety.

While this study focused on medical professionals, the parallels to criminal psychology work are clear: both involve high-stakes decision-making, exposure to human suffering, long hours, and emotional demands that can accumulate over time.

Understanding the real work of criminal psychologists

The reality of criminal psychology—whether practiced as criminology or forensic psychology—bears little resemblance to its Hollywood portrayals. Criminologists study crime through a sociological lens, examining patterns, causes, and prevention strategies at a systemic level. Forensic psychologists apply clinical psychological expertise to specific legal questions, evaluating individuals and providing expert testimony.

Both professions require rigorous training, though forensic psychology demands more extensive education and licensure. More importantly, both carry significant mental health risks, including chronic stress, burnout, and vicarious trauma. These occupational hazards make mental health support not a luxury but a professional necessity.

If you work in criminal justice or a related field and recognize these challenges in your own experience, seeking support from a mental health professional can make a meaningful difference. ReachLink’s licensed clinical social workers understand the unique pressures of demanding professional environments and can provide the therapeutic support you need to maintain both your wellbeing and your effectiveness in this important work.

For additional help & support with your concerns

The information on this page is not intended to be a substitution for diagnosis, treatment, or informed professional advice. You should not take any action or avoid taking any action without consulting with a qualified mental health professional.

FAQ

What therapeutic approaches help people who have experienced crime or trauma?

Several evidence-based therapies are effective for trauma recovery, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and Trauma-Focused CBT. These approaches help individuals process traumatic experiences, develop healthy coping strategies, and reduce symptoms like anxiety, depression, and PTSD. The specific approach depends on individual needs and the nature of the trauma experienced.
How does therapy differ from forensic psychology evaluations?

Therapy focuses on healing, personal growth, and improving mental health through ongoing therapeutic relationships. In contrast, forensic psychology evaluations are assessments conducted for legal purposes, such as determining competency or providing expert testimony. Therapy is confidential and client-centered, while forensic evaluations serve the legal system and may not be confidential. Licensed therapists provide ongoing support, while forensic psychologists typically conduct one-time assessments.
Can therapy help with rehabilitation and preventing future criminal behavior?

Yes, therapy plays a crucial role in rehabilitation by addressing underlying issues that may contribute to criminal behavior, such as substance abuse, trauma, mental health disorders, and poor coping skills. Therapeutic approaches like CBT, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and anger management therapy help individuals develop healthier thought patterns, emotional regulation skills, and prosocial behaviors. However, therapy works best when individuals are motivated to change and participate voluntarily.
What should I expect from trauma-focused therapy after experiencing a crime?

Trauma-focused therapy typically begins with establishing safety and building coping skills before gradually processing the traumatic event. Your therapist will work at your pace, helping you understand trauma responses, develop grounding techniques, and process emotions in a safe environment. Sessions may involve discussing the event, challenging negative thoughts, and practicing relaxation techniques. Recovery is gradual, and it's normal to experience ups and downs throughout the healing process.
How can therapy help family members of those involved in the criminal justice system?

Family therapy and individual counseling can help family members cope with the emotional impact of having a loved one involved in the criminal justice system. Therapy addresses feelings of shame, guilt, anger, and grief while providing tools for healthy communication and boundary setting. Family members often benefit from support groups, stress management techniques, and strategies for maintaining their own well-being while supporting their loved one's rehabilitation.