Psychiatrist vs forensic psychiatrist

The differences between psychiatrists and forensic psychiatrists can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 4-6 years to become both a psychiatrist and a forensic psychiatrist. Additionally, a psychiatrist has an average salary of $229,034, which is higher than the $216,927 average annual salary of a forensic psychiatrist.

Psychiatrist vs forensic psychiatrist overview

	Psychiatrist	Forensic Psychiatrist
Yearly salary	$229,034	$216,927
Hourly rate	$110.11	$104.29
Growth rate	7%	7%
Number of jobs	29,979	12,127
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Doctoral Degree, 32%	Bachelor's Degree, 33%
Average age	48	48
Years of experience	6	6

What does a psychiatrist do?

A Psychiatrist is a medical practitioner specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of mental illness. They treat patients utilizing psychotherapeutic methods and medications.

What does a forensic psychiatrist do?

Forensic psychiatrists are medical doctors who are trained in mental health and law. The psychiatrists assess facts and defendants' mental state and report their findings to lawyers. They specifically evaluate the areas of depression, anxiety, hysteria, and psychotic conditions like schizophrenia. Primarily, they provide expert testimony to the jury during trial. Their duties and responsibilities include the assessment of their clients, provision of diagnosis, and the prescription of medication. And to become a successful forensic psychiatrist, one should have strong communication skills and a pleasing manner.

Psychiatrist vs forensic psychiatrist salary

Psychiatrists and forensic psychiatrists have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Psychiatrist	Forensic Psychiatrist
Average salary	$229,034	$216,927
Salary range	Between $133,000 And $393,000	Between $118,000 And $398,000
Highest paying City	Fargo, ND	-
Highest paying state	Alaska	-
Best paying company	Yuma Regional Medical Center	-
Best paying industry	Health Care	-

Differences between psychiatrist and forensic psychiatrist education

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

	Psychiatrist	Forensic Psychiatrist
Most common degree	Doctoral Degree, 32%	Bachelor's Degree, 33%
Most common major	Medicine	Biology
Most common college	Duke University	Northwestern University

Psychiatrist vs forensic psychiatrist demographics

Here are the differences between psychiatrists' and forensic psychiatrists' demographics:

	Psychiatrist	Forensic Psychiatrist
Average age	48	48
Gender ratio	Male, 44.6% Female, 55.4%	Male, 58.3% Female, 41.7%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 5.3% Unknown, 2.8% Hispanic or Latino, 9.5% Asian, 18.0% White, 64.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1%	Black or African American, 3.9% Unknown, 2.4% Hispanic or Latino, 6.2% Asian, 19.4% White, 68.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1%
LGBT Percentage	10%	10%

Differences between psychiatrist and forensic psychiatrist duties and responsibilities

Psychiatrist example responsibilities.

Provide psychiatric evaluations, diagnosis and treatment, including prescribing and administering psychotropic medications, conduct individual and group psychotherapy.
Case load includes children, adolescents and adults.
Provide accurate, timely and complete documentation in the EMR.
Conduct full neurological evaluation, including lab, MRI & /or EEG.
Work closely with Medicaid in areas of compliance needs and information of the clients.
Create multidisciplinary team (psychiatrist, psychologist, nurse, marriage family therapist) to spear head new veterans parenting class.

Forensic psychiatrist example responsibilities.

Research of medical management using motivational interviewing and psychotherapy with Hispanic patients treating depression and anxiety disorders.
Well-Round in knowledge of psychopharmacology, from molecular to clinical levels.

Psychiatrist vs forensic psychiatrist skills

Common psychiatrist skills

Patients, 32%
Diagnosis, 11%
Patient Care, 5%
Mental Illness, 5%
Psychiatric Services, 5%
EMR, 4%

Common forensic psychiatrist skills

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Psychiatrist vs Forensic Psychiatrist

Updated January 8, 2025

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