Every state in the United States licenses psychologists at the doctoral level for independent practice. The American Psychological Association has recognized the Diplomate certifications from the American Board of Professional Psychology and the American Board of Psychological Hypnosis. The are also other multidisciplinary boards that recognize different professions. For forensic consultation, the profession has established a minimum of five years of clinical practice experience. The majority of social workers that have a doctorate, have the degree in a field other than social work.
Every state licenses social workers for independent practice at the masters level.
Five years experience is usually the standard for forensic consultation. The profession has two recognized Diplomate certifications. Psychiatry is not specifically regulated by state statute. Diplomate certification is established by certification by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology Forensic certification has been established in psychology and psychiatry. Advanced competency has been established by Fellowship in the American College of Forensic Psychology and the American College of Forensic Psychiatry.