Common questions about the field.

The path is medical, not psychological. It follows the same training sequence as any other physician subspecialist.

1. 1. Four-year college degree with the pre-medical coursework most U.S. medical schools require.
2. 2. Medical school (MD or DO), typically four years, with U.S. licensing exams.
3. 3. General psychiatry residency, four years, with board eligibility through ABPN or NBPAS.
4. 4. Forensic psychiatry fellowship, one year, accredited by ACGME, with subspecialty board certification.
5. 5. Ongoing: continuing education, supervision of complex cases, and engagement with professional organizations such as the American Academy of Psychiatry and the Law (AAPL).

In Idaho, the University of Washington Boise Psychiatry Residency is the appropriate first contact for students considering training in this region.

The two fields are often confused, but the training, scope of practice, and role in legal matters differ substantially.

Psychiatrist (MD/DO)

A physician. Completes medical school, a general psychiatry residency, and an optional subspecialty fellowship (forensic, child & adolescent, geriatric, addiction, consultation-liaison, etc.). Can prescribe medication, diagnose medical and psychiatric conditions, and treat them. In forensic work, psychiatrists evaluate capacity, competency, criminal responsibility, and risk, and testify as physicians.

Psychologist (PhD/PsyD)

A doctoral-level non-physician. Completes graduate training in psychology (clinical, counseling, forensic, school, neuropsychology). Conducts psychological testing, therapy, and research. Generally does not prescribe. Forensic psychologists perform forensic evaluations, competency and risk assessments, and testify within the scope of psychological practice.

Both disciplines are represented in forensic work; the referral question typically determines which is appropriate. This practice is a medical (psychiatric) practice.