How to Become a Forensic Neuropsychologist: Career Tips

By Dr. Matthew Loux and Bryce Loux  |  12/11/2025

The field of forensic neuropsychology became commonplace nearly a century ago when neuropsychological expert testimony became accepted in courtrooms. This field of study examines the interrelationship between neuroscience, psychology, and the law.

Neuropsychologists are called in for civil and criminal cases to assess brain dysfunction in litigants. Analyzing brain functions such as thinking, acting, and decision-making is fundamental in determining legal accountability, competence, and intent.

An attorney or judge may call on a forensic neuropsychologist, who studies an individual’s brain function and any dysfunctions in their cognition and behavior. Forensic neuropsychologists’ assessments are crucial for making legal decisions concerning verdicts, sentencing, and treatment recommendations.

Forensic neuropsychologists have also played a key role in helping law enforcement agencies apprehend criminals such as Ted Bundy. Their understanding of human behavior can help police officers to develop psychological profiles of suspects during criminal investigations. In the case of Ted Bundy, the detailed profile that forensic psychologists created about this notorious serial killer ultimately led to his capture.

What Is Forensic Neuropsychology?

Clinical neuropsychology focuses on diagnosing and treating brain-based disorders in medical or rehabilitation settings. By contrast, forensic psychology can involve interviewing criminals and conducting a psychological assessment, such as evaluating someone’s competency.

Forensic neuropsychology is the combination of the two fields. A forensic neuropsychologist assesses brain pathology to answer legal questions.

Forensic neuropsychology is a unique, interdisciplinary specialty area involving psychology, neuroscience, and the law. Forensic neuropsychologists study a person’s advanced cognitive functions such as memory and attention and brain impairment, as well as that person’s capacity to reason, adjudicate, and testify. They also determine whether an individual has “capacity to intend,” which means the ability to understand the consequences of their actions.

In court cases, forensic neuropsychologists evaluate a defendant’s:

• Competency to stand trial
• Criminal responsibility (in a case where an insanity defense is used)
• Decision-making capacity
• Changes in cognition resulting from brain injury or disease

These professionals make scientific insights accessible to various components of the legal system such as courts, attorneys, and insurance companies. As experts in brain function, forensic neuropsychologists may be involved with all kinds of cases, from criminal to personal injury or disability claims. In the latter cases, they will look for signs of malingering (the fabrication or exaggeration of symptoms).

Forensic Neuropsychologists and the Justice System

Forensic neuropsychologists conduct psychological evaluations and testify about neurocognitive matters as expert witnesses in legal cases. Their evaluations may influence:

• Sentencing and mitigation in criminal cases
• Civil cases involving head trauma, toxic exposures, or malpractice
• Guardianship and competency in elder law cases
• Disability benefits and compensation

They undergo extensive training, exercise scientific independence in their evaluations, and maintain their neutrality to provide objective opinions. In addition, they:

• Present scientific ideas in a clear, neutral, and objective manner
• Remain neutral and do not advocate
• Draw conclusions from empirical data as well as from standardized tests  
• Stay ready to defend their ideas and methods during cross-examination

In addition to scientific credibility, a forensic neuropsychologist must also earn a reputation based on courtroom conduct, neutrality, and respect for the law.

Skills Needed by Forensic Neuropsychologists

Forensic neuropsychologists need the scientific and analytic skills to carry out multiple tasks simultaneously, such as: 

• Accurately administering and interpreting neuropsychological tests
• Examining intricate medical and behavioral records 
• Engaging with current research on neuroimaging, brain injuries, and cognitive science 

As supporting members of the criminal justice system, forensic neuropsychologists must also understand legal concepts and uphold high ethical standards. They must also comprehend the principles of competency, criminal responsibility, and admissibility of evidence.

This type of work involves different skills, such as:

• Applying the principles of psychology to the legal question at hand 
• Drafting and defending articulate, clear reports 
• Asserting their findings in court in a persuasive, objective manner
• Communicating technical information in an easily understandable way to aid a jury in a criminal's sentencing
• Providing unbiased judgments about mental illness and other issues during criminal trials
• Using critical thinking skills
• Keeping information confidential
• Avoiding dual relationships and conflicts of interest
• Following the American Psychological Association’s (APA’s) ethical principles and specialty guidelines for forensic psychology 

Work Environments of Forensic Neuropsychologists

Forensic neuropsychologists conduct clinical assessments and consult on legal issues in a range of environments, including: 

• Hospitals and rehabilitation centers – Evaluating patients for cognitive impairments caused by head injuries, strokes, or neurological illnesses in relation to legal issues 
• Correctional facilities – Assessing offenders for mental competence, control of impulses, and rehabilitation potential in cases relating to criminal behavior
• Private forensic practices – Performing forensic assessments and providing expert testimony to lawyers, insurance companies, and courts

Becoming a Forensic Neuropsychologist

Training to become a forensic neuropsychologist involves 12 to 15 years of advanced education, specialized training, and supervised practice. There are certain steps to be followed as well.

Step 1: Earn a Bachelor’s Degree

Selecting a bachelor's degree program in psychology, neuroscience, or the biological sciences is the best preparation for an aspiring neuropsychologist. Concentrations within forensic psychology programs or neuropsychology programs also provide essential specialization.

Students seeking this type of college degree may also consider courses covering:

• The anatomy and physiology of the brain
• Cognitive psychology
• Research methods and statistics
• Abnormal psychology
• Behavioral neuroscience
• Legal ethics

Step 2: Seek an Internship

Internship experience is also useful. Undergraduate students can gain internship experience at:

• Cognitive psychology or neuropsychology research centers
• Mental health rehabilitation centers
• Government agencies
• Hospitals
• Courts
• Correctional facilities or other areas of the criminal justice system
• Psychology associations

Internship activities boost a prospective candidate’s profile for graduate schools and provide valuable professional experience.

Step 3: Complete a Graduate Program

A master’s degree in psychology or neuroscience will help students to gain greater knowledge of the field. However, in most jurisdictions, only psychologists with a doctorate are allowed to get licensure and testify as expert witnesses in court. 

Step 4: Enter a Doctoral Program

If you want to practice independently, a doctoral degree (Ph.D. or Psy.D.) in clinical psychology is required. Doctoral programs offer comprehensive training in science and clinical practice.

If you’re planning to study forensic neuropsychology in your doctorate, you’ll want to:   

• Choose a concentration in clinical neuropsychology or forensic psychology   
• Work with professors conducting brain behavior, mental health, or legal psychology research   
• Gain a practicum placement at a hospital, rehabilitation center, or forensic unit   

Essential areas to study in your doctoral program include: 

• Neuroanatomy and neurophysiology 
• Cognitive neuroscience 
• Psychopathology 
• Assessment and testing methods 
• Forensic psychology and legal systems 
• Ethics in clinical and forensic practice 
• Advanced statistics and research design   

To deepen your doctoral experience, investigate conducting research on the intersection of law and neuroscience. For instance, this research could involve areas such as:

• Brain injury and criminal behavior
• Malingering detection
• Criminal psychology
• Neuroimaging reliability 

Step 5: Complete a Clinical Internship  

A requirement of forensic neuropsychologist licensure is the completion of an internship accredited by the American Psychology Association (APA). Under the supervision of licensed psychologists, interns refine their skills in neuropsychological testing, report writing, and courtroom communication.

Students considering a career path in forensic neuropsychology usually choose internships that offer a mix of clinical neuropsychology and forensic assessment. Internship placements may include:

• Veterans Affairs hospitals
• State forensic hospitals
• Neurorehabilitation centers
• Correctional institutions
• Academic medical centers

Step 6: Complete a Postdoctoral Fellowship

After earning a doctorate and completing the internship, candidates then undertake a two-year postdoctoral fellowship to specialize in neuropsychology and gain forensic experience.

Completing a postdoctoral fellowship program accredited by the Association of Postdoctoral Programs in Clinical Neuropsychology (APPCN) delivers the advanced competencies needed to apply for board certification. These fellowship programs focus on providing training in:

• Administering and interpreting neuropsychological assessments
• Understanding neuropathology, neuroimaging, and pharmacology 
• Evaluating cognitive deficits following injury or disease
• Forensic report writing, testimony preparation, and ethics

During this stage of training, supervision by licensed forensic neuropsychologists and the integration of real cases into training will provide the most benefit to aspiring forensic neuropsychologists.

Step 7: Attain State Licensure

In order to practice independently as a licensed psychologist, it is necessary to obtain either state or national licensure. Typical requirements include:

• Earning a doctorate from an accredited program
• Completing supervised clinical hours
• Passing the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP)
• Continuing education for license renewal

Licensure ensures that the public receives clinical services from a licensed forensic psychologist who meets the ethical and professional standards of the profession. Check with your state for specific clinical psychology licensure requirements.

Step 8: Earn the Clinical Neuropsychology Certification

After receiving a state license, a clinical psychologist can begin training for board certification in clinical neuropsychology. This certification is offered by the American Board of Professional Psychology (ABPP). 

Obtaining this type of certification usually takes place after passing oral and written exams and practicing neuropsychology for two years. This certification demonstrates advanced competence in neuropsychological evaluations and is necessary for testifying in court as a forensic psychologist. 

Building Credibility in the Field

In this field, success also depends on your reputation, accuracy, and fairness in your work. To demonstrate credibility, forensic neuropsychologists often:

• Publish scholarly articles in peer-reviewed journals 
• Develop a professional network with other professionals by joining the National Academy of Neuropsychology or the American Academy of Forensic Psychology
• Attend workshops on the ethics of expert testimony
• Connect with judges and attorneys to learn about courtroom practices

Continuing Education Is Essential for Professional Development

The field of forensic neuropsychology is always changing, requiring practitioners to learn new skills. For example, forensic evaluations are increasingly informed by magnetic resource imaging (MRI), positron emission tomography (PET) scans, and electroencephalography (EEG) analyses with brain imaging. These methods also help in identifying organic brain dysfunctions that may be pertinent to criminal responsibility and competency.

Professionals can build their knowledge by:

• Obtaining the required continuing education credits for license renewal
• Participating in national meetings and training events
• Being a part of professional organizations, such as the APA’s Division 40 – Neuropsychology and Division 41 – Forensic Psychology
• Contributing to the literature on emerging topics in the field, such as digital forensics, neuroethics, and trauma-related brain injury
• Participating in mentorship and consultation
• Engaging in interdisciplinary work

For those individuals who are curious about how brain science is intertwined with the law, becoming a forensic neuropsychologist is a tough, yet gratifying process. It involves a dedication to science, a commitment to ethics, and a passion for justice. 

Forensic neuropsychologists handle some of the most fundamental questions of society:

• How does a brain injury affect a person’s behavior?
• What is responsibility and accountability with an impaired mind?
• How can neurons and science assist in guaranteeing justice and equity in the legal system? 

Forensic neuropsychologists don’t simply evaluate minds; they assist in rendering a nuanced understanding of the human mind to the justice system. This career path is intellectually challenging and also socially and psychologically rewarding.

The Bachelor of Arts in Psychology at AMU

For adult learners who are interested in studying various aspects of psychology, American Military University (AMU) provides an online Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. For this degree, students will take courses in a range of topics, including personality theories, research methods in psychology, and learning and cognition. Other courses include perception, the history and systems of psychology, biopsychology, and psychopathology.

For more details on this degree program, visit AMU’s arts and humanities degree program page.

Note: This psychology degree does not provide licensure; preparation for licensure; or professional certification as a mental health counselor, psychologist, or practitioner.