Community psychology focuses on the processes that link social systems (and situations) with individual behavior. The goal is to focus on health and empowerment and prevent community and individual problems. Although community and social psychology share an interest in the person and environment, community psychology is oriented more toward the social forces in the outside world and how they affect individuals, families, and communities. For example, for some community psychologists, the law represents the social institution that reflects and promotes the values and norms of a community, serving as both facilitators and barriers to social change efforts.
Like other psychologists, many community psychologists interested in psychology and law teach and conduct research in higher education settings. Unlike other areas of psychology, however, several community psychologists work outside academia in government agencies (e.g., General Accounting Office, state health and human services agencies), non-profit organizations (e.g., domestic violence shelters, child advocacy groups), or other community-based advocacy and service settings.