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Chicago | Master of Arts

Forensic Mental Health Leadership

Faculty Spotlight
Program Overview

Program Overview

Adler University’s Master of Arts (M.A.) in Forensic Mental Health Leadership program prepares individuals to become socially responsible leaders, consultants and agents for change in forensic mental health and related public safety fields. Students in this program will gain new skills and strategies to use research-driven data to address the social issues, shifting cultural landscapes, increased public scrutiny, and the growing demand for increased accountability and transparency from the communities and stakeholders they serve.

Graduates are prepared to serve in a variety of capacities in forensic mental health systems and related public safety settings including, but not limited to law enforcement, correctional settings, advocacy, and research.

Curriculum

Curriculum

The Master of Arts in Forensic Mental Health Leadership is a 36-credit hour program that includes the following:

Core Courses
  • Helping Skills in Coaching and Consultation
  • Forensic Mental Health Responses to Maladaptive Behavior
  • Forensic Mental Health Systems and Multicultural Communities
  • Roles, Responsibilities, and Leadership in Forensic Mental Health and Public Safety
  • Research in Program Development and Evaluation
  • Organizational Consulting & Change Management
  • Adlerian Principles in Community and Organizational Leadership
  • Crisis, Critical Incidents, and Trauma Informed Programming and Intervention
  • Addictions & Recovery Oriented Principles and Practices
  • Forensic Mental Health Leadership Capstone Seminar
Field Experience
  • Social Justice Practicum I
  • Social Justice Practicum II
Electives
  • Conflict, Violence, Aggression and Restorative Practices
  • Community Based Programming, Partnerships & Advocacy
  • Counseling in Forensic Populations
  • Forensic Mental Health Evaluation and Practice

Find course descriptions and more information in the Adler University Course Catalog here.

Dual Degree

Dual Degree

M.A. in Forensic Mental Health Leadership / M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Stand out in the job market with a unique dual degree that offers training in mental health counseling and forensic mental health leadership—all with a focus on social justice. Our M.A. in Forensic Mental Health Leadership / M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling dual degree program prepares graduates to work with a range of clients in traditional mental health programs as well as mental health counselors with individuals, families and systems that interface with the legal and criminal justice arena. Our aim is to prepare clinicians who will be able to assess, treat, consult and apply a full array of counseling services in forensic and correctional settings, allowing for a range of dynamic career paths.

M.A. in Forensic Mental Health Leadership / M.A. in Rehabilitation Counseling
Adler University’s unique M.A. in Forensic Mental Health Leadership / M.A. in Rehabilitation Counseling dual degree prepares graduates to improve quality of life for individuals who face physical, behavioral, developmental, and emotional challenges — all with a focus on social justice. Trained to confront systemic barriers and increase opportunities for inclusion, our graduates are well-equipped to empower populations such as the elderly, veterans, and people with disabilities in a wide range of settings. The forensic distinctions offered in the dual degree program will also prepare graduates to work as mental health counselors with individuals, families and systems that interface with the legal and criminal justice arena. Our aim is to prepare clinicians who will be able to assess, treat, consult and apply a full array of counseling services in forensic and correctional settings.

The dual degree option also uniquely qualifies graduates to conduct specialized evaluations and provide expert witness and consultant services to the courts in a variety of civil litigation venues, including: personal injury; product liability; Worker’s Compensation; Social Security disability; employment law; discrimination; catastrophic injury with a Life Care Plan; professional malpractice; divorce; wrongful death of an adult or child; and other related areas.

Social Justice Practicum

Social Justice Practicum

Doing is learning. A unique and proven program designed to give students real world experience throughout their time at Adler University, the Social Justice Practicum is a required 200-hour internship that spans four courses (or terms for online programs). Every student is given a number of civic-minded categories to choose from. They submit their desired areas of interest. After which, they are assigned a specific and aligned community outreach site where they will work 8 to 10 hours per week.

Student Outcomes

Student Outcomes

In this program, students learn to apply contemporary leadership models and practices, individual, organizational and community based assessment and intervention skills, research and program development, consulting skills, ethical practices, and a foundation in empirically supported policies and principles that will inform your choices as leaders within forensic mental health and related public safety organizations, or as consultants to such organizations.

Careers

Graduates are prepared to serve in a variety of capacities in forensic mental health systems and related public safety settings including, but not limited to law enforcement, probation, parole and other community based correctional settings, correctional institutions, victim assistance, mitigation and sentencing advocacy, child welfare, family court services, emergencies and crisis management services, as well as in policy, advocacy, and research capacities.

Professional Development & Training

Upon completion of the course, students will be able to:

  • Perform the duties and responsibilities of a forensic mental health system specialist in a manner that assures the impartial and socially just delivery of services and recovery opportunities to the community.
  • Apply research principles and methods to conduct action-based research for needs assessment, program development and evaluation, and evidence-based practice in response to diverse system needs in the forensic mental health field.
  • Establish a leadership philosophy and style that capitalizes on the value of respectful interpersonal relationships and transparent group/team interactions to bring about tangible changes, innovations, and improvements in forensic organizations.
  • Integrate knowledge of theory, and professional literature to guide systemic case conceptualization, provide consultation and interventions, and the development of policies and strategies to promote the wellness and effectiveness of forensic mental health organizations.
  • Advocate for evidence-based community level policies and practices to foster community wellbeing.
  • Apply knowledge of the intersection between forensic mental health systems and related public safety agencies, and practice with reference to legal, ethical and cultural considerations.
  • Determine the nature and causes of social problems (social injustices such as poverty, racism, abuse) and gain experience and skills to advocate for systemic change through engagement and leadership in multi-disciplinary, diverse forensic mental health and related public safety organizations.
  • Apply principles of Adlerian Theory in forensic mental health policies, program and practices, with the goals of improving the well-being of individuals, couples, groups, families, organizations, governmental agencies, and communities.
Admissions Requirements

Admissions Requirements

  • A baccalaureate degree earned from a regionally accredited college or university or an equivalent degree from an international college or university.
  • A recommended GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale for undergraduate and graduate coursework. Exceptions may be made for applicants who demonstrate outstanding academic performance or academic ability in other ways.
  • Approved applicants will be invited for an interview with faculty.

Applicants are required to submit the following items to be considered for admission:

  • Application and application fee
  • Statement of Intent (2-3 pages, double-spaced) answering the following questions:
    • Why are you interested in your chosen field and program?
    • Why is Adler University’s program a good fit for you?
    • What are your career goals and interests?
  • Resume or Curriculum Vitae
  • Official transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate schools attended (U.S and Canada)
    • Please have official transcripts sent directly to the Office of Admissions
    • Unofficial transcripts may be accepted for any schools in which a degree was not received
    • International transcripts must be evaluated by a transcript evaluation service
  • Two letters of Recommendation
    • These should be from someone who can specifically speak to your academic and professional abilities

Approved applicants will be invited to complete an interview with faculty. Please submit all application materials to the Office of Admissions prior to the application deadline.

Official transcripts should be sent to:

Adler University – Office of Admissions
17 N. Dearborn Street
Chicago, IL 60602

Official electronic transcripts should be sent to [email protected].

 

For more information for International Applicants, click here.

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Faculty

Chicago Campus

Located in the heart of the city, the Adler Chicago campus was designed to provide and inspire the learning and living experience. To that end, we have created an environment that caters to your mental, emotional and intellectual growth. Our classrooms are bright and spacious with windows to the outside world. Our technology is the very latest and best. In our Library, you will find every resource you need to research, form and shape your journey. At Adler, we have made it our mission to create a space with more than enough room to share your thoughts and flex your intellect.

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