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Forensic psychologist vs health psychologist

The differences between forensic psychologists and health psychologists can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a forensic psychologist has an average salary of $83,065, which is higher than the $81,412 average annual salary of a health psychologist.

The top three skills for a forensic psychologist include psychological evaluations, mental illness and risk assessments. The most important skills for a health psychologist are patients, behavioral health, and APA.

Forensic psychologist vs health psychologist overview

Forensic PsychologistHealth Psychologist
Yearly salary$83,065$81,412
Hourly rate$39.94$39.14
Growth rate6%6%
Number of jobs11,80258,741
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 36%Bachelor's Degree, 42%
Average age4747
Years of experience--

What does a forensic psychologist do?

Forensic Psychologists are responsible for evaluating and treating criminal behavior. Their duties include conducting forensic assessments, developing rehabilitation programs, reviewing offender treatments, carrying out research projects, and carrying out forensic statistical analysis. They are responsible for undertaking expert witness testimonies, assisting in policy development, and creating forensic staff training programs. Forensic Psychologists also facilitate crisis negotiation, interpret psychological tests, and help in the supervision of psychology trainees. They use their expertise in helping improve organizational outcomes.

What does a health psychologist do?

A health psychologist deals with the emotional and psychological aspects of health and illness. They lend support to those who are chronically ill. One of their foremost responsibilities is to find ways to encourage patients to improve their health. They conduct clinical interviews, complete behavioral assessments on patients, study patients' responses to ailments, and develop ways to incentivize patients to follow medical advice.

Forensic psychologist vs health psychologist salary

Forensic psychologists and health psychologists have different pay scales, as shown below.

Forensic PsychologistHealth Psychologist
Average salary$83,065$81,412
Salary rangeBetween $56,000 And $121,000Between $55,000 And $118,000
Highest paying CitySanta Rosa, CA-
Highest paying stateCalifornia-
Best paying companyWellpath-
Best paying industryManufacturing-

Differences between forensic psychologist and health psychologist education

There are a few differences between a forensic psychologist and a health psychologist in terms of educational background:

Forensic PsychologistHealth Psychologist
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 36%Bachelor's Degree, 42%
Most common majorClinical PsychologyPsychology
Most common collegeNorthwestern UniversityNorthwestern University

Forensic psychologist vs health psychologist demographics

Here are the differences between forensic psychologists' and health psychologists' demographics:

Forensic PsychologistHealth Psychologist
Average age4747
Gender ratioMale, 36.7% Female, 63.3%Male, 41.7% Female, 58.3%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 5.1% Unknown, 3.6% Hispanic or Latino, 10.6% Asian, 4.2% White, 76.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2%Black or African American, 5.0% Unknown, 3.6% Hispanic or Latino, 10.4% Asian, 4.2% White, 76.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2%
LGBT Percentage20%20%

Differences between forensic psychologist and health psychologist duties and responsibilities

Forensic psychologist example responsibilities.

  • Develop cognitive behaviorally-base educational module for post-surgery patients.
  • Develop cognitive behaviorally-base educational module for post-surgery patients.

Health psychologist example responsibilities.

  • Provide a broad array of psychological services for children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families.
  • Administer and interpret psychological tests, provide crisis intervention and orientation for new patients.
  • Utilize CBT, EMDR, client centered & humanitarian approaches.
  • Utilize biofeedback, CBT therapy, behavioral-change exercises, etc.
  • Work directly with physiatrists in developing patient's treatment plan for rehabilitation.
  • Support clients with psychiatry referral, aide in medication understanding and management.
  • Show more

Forensic psychologist vs health psychologist skills

Common forensic psychologist skills
  • Psychological Evaluations, 12%
  • Mental Illness, 11%
  • Risk Assessments, 11%
  • Forensic Evaluations, 10%
  • Mental Health, 8%
  • Psychological Tests, 8%
Common health psychologist skills
  • Patients, 28%
  • Behavioral Health, 13%
  • APA, 9%
  • Patient Care, 5%
  • Rehabilitation, 5%
  • Substance Abuse, 5%

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