Updated for 2026

Forensic Psychologist
Resume Example

A specialized resume format for forensic psychologists working in legal, correctional, or consulting settings. Showcase evaluations and expert testimony.

ATS Score
88
Excellent
Keywords · Impact · Format
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Dr. Marcus Thornton

Philadelphia, PA  |  [email protected]  |  (555) 215-6428  |  linkedin.com/in/marcusthornton
Summary

Licensed forensic psychologist with 7 years of experience conducting forensic evaluations, risk assessments, and expert witness testimony in criminal and civil proceedings. Completed 400+ forensic evaluations across competency, criminal responsibility, and violence risk domains. Qualified as expert witness in 3 state court systems.

Technical Skills
Evaluations: Competency to Stand Trial, Criminal Responsibility, Violence Risk, Custody, Sentencing Mitigation
Instruments: HCR-20, PCL-R, VRAG, Static-99, TOMM, PAI, MMPI-2-RF
Legal: Expert Testimony, Report Writing, Attorney Consultation, Case Review
Clinical: Risk Assessment, Threat Assessment, Malingering Detection, Correctional Mental Health
Experience
Forensic Psychologist - Commonwealth Forensic Associates
  • Conducted 80+ forensic evaluations per year across competency, criminal responsibility, and violence risk referral questions
  • Provided expert witness testimony in 25+ criminal and civil proceedings across 3 state jurisdictions
  • Authored comprehensive forensic reports averaging 20 pages per evaluation with a 96% acceptance rate by courts
  • Supervised 2 forensic psychology postdoctoral fellows, providing 6 hours of weekly supervision and case consultation
Forensic Psychology Fellow - Pennsylvania Department of Corrections
  • Completed 320 forensic evaluations over 2 years in a maximum-security correctional facility housing 2,500 inmates
  • Administered risk assessment instruments (HCR-20, PCL-R, VRAG) for 150+ parole-eligible inmates
  • Provided individual and group therapy to 15 inmates per week with a focus on anger management and recidivism reduction
  • Co-authored 2 publications on violence risk prediction accuracy in correctional populations
Education
Ph.D. Clinical Psychology, Forensic Concentration - John Jay College of Criminal Justice, CUNY
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Why This Resume Works

1
Evaluation volume and court acceptance quantified

400+ evaluations and 96% court acceptance rate demonstrate credibility and thoroughness.

2
Expert testimony scope specified

25+ proceedings across 3 jurisdictions shows breadth of courtroom experience.

3
Risk assessment instruments named

HCR-20, PCL-R, and VRAG are essential keywords for forensic psychology job postings.

Section-by-Section Breakdown

Summary

Lead with licensure, evaluation count, and jurisdictions where you have testified. Name evaluation domains.

Skills

Group by evaluation types, instruments, legal skills, and clinical functions. Instrument names drive ATS matches.

Experience

Include evaluations per year, testimony count, report acceptance rates, and supervision scope.

Education

Ph.D. with forensic focus is standard. Name the concentration or track explicitly.

Key Skills for Forensic Psychologist Resumes

Based on analysis of thousands of job postings, these are the most frequently required skills:

Forensic Evaluation Competency to Stand Trial Criminal Responsibility Violence Risk Assessment HCR-20 PCL-R VRAG MMPI-2-RF Expert Testimony Malingering Detection Correctional Mental Health Risk Assessment Threat Assessment Report Writing Clinical Supervision

Common Mistakes on Forensic Psychologist Resumes

  • Not specifying forensic evaluation types - Competency, criminal responsibility, and risk assessments are distinct. Name each type you perform.
  • Missing expert testimony metrics - Court appearances, jurisdictions, and case types show courtroom readiness.
  • Omitting risk assessment instruments - HCR-20, PCL-R, Static-99 are heavily searched. List every instrument you are trained on.
  • No report quality indicators - Court acceptance rates and page counts signal the rigor of your forensic writing.
  • Ignoring correctional experience - Correctional settings are a primary employer. Include facility size, caseload, and population details.

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