If you already have a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in a field such as criminal justice, psychology or law, and would like to complement that knowledge by adding a specialized focus, you may elect to complete the 18-credit Certificate in Forensic Mental Health. This certificate may be pursued as a stand-alone curriculum or may be easily combined with the 60-credit M.A. in Counseling and Community Psychology offered by the Psychology Department.
Graduates of master’s level non-clinical Forensic Mental Health programs are typically not permitted to engage in the practice of psychology except in agencies that have obtained specific exemptions in law. Thus, graduates of appropriate non-clinical M.S. programs may serve in clinical capacities in these agencies. Current NYS law extends provisions establishing an exemption from licensure as a psychologist or mental health counselor for individuals employed in certain programs that are operated, regulated, funded or approved by specified forensic mental health agencies. Pursuant to the policies of Chapters 130 and 132 of the Laws of 2010, exempt NYS agencies include:
- Department of Health (DOH)
- Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services (OASAS)
- Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS)
- Office of Mental Health (OMH)
- Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD)
- State Office for the Aging (SOFA)
- Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS)