The Doctor of Psychology (Clinical and Forensic Psychology) — commonly referred to as the DPsych — is an advanced professional doctorate that combines intensive clinical psychology training with specialised study in forensic psychology. The program integrates coursework, supervised clinical placements, and a substantial research thesis to develop highly skilled practitioners who can operate at the intersection of mental health and the justice system. Students gain expertise in psychological assessment, evidence-based intervention, risk assessment, offender rehabilitation, and expert witness testimony, while also mastering the research skills needed to contribute to the field. This degree is the pinnacle of professional psychology training in Australia and typically takes three to five years of full-time study to complete.

The Doctor of Psychology (Clinical and Forensic) is designed for psychology graduates who aspire to work at the highest levels of both clinical and forensic practice. It suits those who want to pursue careers not just as registered psychologists, but as endorsed specialists recognised by the Psychology Board of Australia (PsyBA) and the Australian Psychological Society (APS). Graduates are equipped to function as independent practitioners across a wide range of demanding and complex environments, including correctional facilities, forensic mental health hospitals, courts, child protection services, law enforcement agencies, and private practice.

Key employers of DPsych (Clinical and Forensic) graduates in Australia include state and territory departments of justice and correctional services, public health networks, forensic mental health units, the Australian Federal Police, family courts, community legal centres, youth justice agencies, disability services, and academic institutions. Private practice and consulting roles are also increasingly prominent, with endorsed forensic and clinical psychologists providing court-ordered assessments, expert testimony, and specialist treatment programs across Australia's major cities and regional areas.

Entry into a Doctor of Psychology (Clinical and Forensic Psychology) program in Australia is highly competitive and requires a strong academic foundation in psychology. Applicants must have completed an APAC-accredited four-year sequence of study in psychology — typically an undergraduate degree plus an Honours year — with at least an upper second class Honours result (H2A, equivalent to approximately 70–74%), or an APAC-accredited Master's degree in Psychology. These qualifications must generally have been completed within the last 10 years. Applicants may also need to demonstrate an appropriate level of knowledge and skill in research methodology. International applicants must have their qualifications assessed by the Australian Psychological Society (APS) to confirm equivalence with Australian standards.

Beyond academic qualifications, selection processes are typically rigorous and multi-staged. Applicants are usually assessed on the basis of academic transcripts, a detailed personal statement or research proposal, two or more professional referee reports, and performance at a competitive selection interview or assessment centre. Some programs positively regard applicants with prior work, volunteer, or counselling experience (such as work with Lifeline or in community mental health), though this may not be a strict requirement. As places are severely limited each year, applicants who lack standout academic records and relevant experience may struggle to gain admission.

Once admitted, all students must obtain provisional registration with AHPRA's Psychology Board of Australia (PsyBA) before commencing clinical placements, which is typically a prerequisite for clinical training in Year 1. English language proficiency requirements apply for international applicants, with IELTS scores typically required at 7.0 overall (with no band below 6.5) or equivalent scores on PTE Academic or TOEFL iBT. Some programs may require applicants to pass a National Psychology Exam or have completed equivalent prerequisites. Ongoing compliance with Working with Children and/or Vulnerable People checks and a National Police Check are also required before placements can commence.