Ryan Tobiasz Bio Page | Adler University

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Overview

The high standards and expectations that I have for myself are the driving force behind my teaching philosophy. In several of my courses, students engage in scholarly research by developing their own group treatment programs for underserved populations. I encourage my students to present those programs in the form of poster presentations at conferences to further their own professional identity and development. My central goal across all the classes I teach is to help students think critically, conceptualize complex problems, and develop clinical skills to work collaboratively with their future clients.

Within my classes I emphasize the value of high-quality work, the importance of ethical practice, and the significance of professional identity and responsibility. I promote an integrative approach to assessment, examining data across various sources to best conceptualize a given clinical case. I do my best to offer constructive feedback on all written reports, as it is never too early to begin the process of feedback and supervision in a student’s development and training.

Given my previous clinical experiences, I have the opportunity to bring in current and relevant clinical case examples to demonstrate the practical applications of the theories and assessment measures discussed in class. I promote developing interpersonal and consultation skills in class through discussions and group projects, allowing individuals to converse about diverse clinical opinions they have, as varying the viewpoints related to clinical practice only enhances the educational experience.

Education

Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.) Clinical Psychology, The Chicago School of Professional Psychology

Master of Arts (M.A.) Forensic Psychology, The Chicago School of Professional Psychology

Master of Arts (M.A.) Clinical Psychology, The Chicago School of Professional Psychology

Bachelor of Science (B.S.) Psychology, University of Wisconsin-Madison

Bachelor of Science (B.S.) Behavioral Science and Law, University of Wisconsin-Madison

Current Positions

Program Director and Associate Professor, Forensic Mental Health Leadership, Adler University

Former Positions

Interim Campus Dean, The Chicago School of Professional Psychology, Washington, DC
– Provided campus level leadership during a time of transition to academic and operation departments
– Worked with program, campus, and university leadership to ensure program and institutional compliance with criteria for professional accreditation, regional accreditation, and state certification
– Worked with faculty and staff to provide leadership to fulfill campus and institutional advancement and sponsored program goals
Department Chair, Counseling Department, The Chicago School of Professional Psychology, Washington, DC
– Administration and operational oversight of the M.A. Forensic Psychology: Professional Counselor Licensure Track Program 2014-2022, the M.A. Counseling Psychology Program 2016-2022, the M.A. Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program 2018-2022, and the Dual Enrollment: M.A. Counseling Psychology and M.A. Applied Behavior Analysis 2019-2022 with an average total student population of 170-180 students across an academic year
Psychological Associate, Wisconsin Department of Corrections, Waupun Correctional Institution, Waupun, Wisconsin
– Served as the institution’s Behavioral Health Unit Clinician, providing individual psychotherapy, group treatment, crisis intervention, and other mental health treatment in a safe and secure housing location for inmates with serious mental illness
– Implemented and facilitated Illness Management and Recovery, the first evidence-based treatment group for a seriously mentally ill population within the Department of Corrections on the Behavioral Health Unit
– Implemented and facilitated Social Skills Training for Schizophrenia, an evidence-based treatment group for those with Schizophrenia on the Behavioral Health Unit
Psychological Associate, Wisconsin Department of Corrections, Columbia Correctional Institution, Portage, Wisconsin
– Developed and co-facilitated the institution’s first ongoing weekly mental health treatment groups on the Special Management Unit, which housed inmates with serious mental illness
– Groups included Psychosocial Skills Training, Symptom Management, Daily Living Skills, Stress Management, and Problem-Solving

Professional Memberships

American Psychological Association (APA), September 2007 – Present
Society for Personality Assessment (SPA), February 2014 – Present
American Counseling Association (ACA), October 2014 – Present
District of Columbia Counseling Association (DCCA), October 2014 – Present
DC Mental Health Counselors Association (DCMHCA), November 2020 – Present

Select Awards

Presidents’ Circle of Excellence Award Winner 2022, Wisconsin Alumni Association, Madison, Wisconsin

Areas of Expertise

Forensic psychology
Correctional psychology
Psychological assessment
Schizophrenia
Self-injurious behavior
LGBTQ+ issues

My CV

Please click here to download a copy of my CV

Select Presentations

Tobiasz, R. (2022, June). Moonlight: Enhancing diagnostic formulation, case conceptualization, and treatment planning through the integration of psychology and film. Pride Month Virtual Conference. The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. Washington, DC.

Tobiasz, R. (2022, June). The Hours: Three women in their search for happiness: Enhancing diagnostic formulation, case conceptualization, and treatment planning through the integration of psychology and film. Pride Month Virtual Conference. The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. Washington, DC.

Tobiasz, R. (2022, June). The dog days of summer: An analysis of the LGBTQ+ fight for liberation and police brutality then and now. Pride Month Virtual Conference. The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. Washington, DC.

Tobiasz, R. & Blake, T. (2022, February). White allies: Why their voices are crucial in the Black Lives Matter Movement. Black History Month Virtual Conference. The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. Washington, DC.

Tobiasz, R. (2022, February). Us: Enhancing diagnostic formulation, case conceptualization, and treatment planning through the integration of psychology and film. Black History Month Virtual Conference. The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. Washington, DC.

Tobiasz, R. & Clyburn, S. (2022, February). Get Out: Enhancing diagnostic formulation, case conceptualization, and treatment planning through the integration of psychology and film. Black History Month Virtual Conference. The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. Washington, DC.

Tobiasz, R. (2022, February). A historical comparison of mental health and corrections in the United States and Germany. Black History Month Virtual Conference. The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. Washington, DC.

Chicago Campus

Located in the heart of the city, the 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 and the latest technology. In our Library, you will find every resource you need to research, form, and shape your journey. At Adler University, we have more than enough room to share your thoughts and flex your intellect.