Mental Health Counseling & Law Enforcement Concentration, M.A.

Counseling student smiling in the classroom.

Partnering Mental Health and Law Enforcement for Community Well-Being

The Law Enforcement Co-Response Concentration in Mental Health Counseling equips students with the skills needed to collaborate effectively with law enforcement agencies in addressing community mental health, particularly for forensic populations. One of the first graduate-level programs in the U.S. to combine mental health counseling and law enforcement response training, this concentration was developed collaboratively by faculty in Psychology and Criminal Justice to meet the growing workforce need for trained co-responders.

Designed for mental health clinicians, law enforcement professionals, and public safety leaders seeking advanced training and certification, the program covers essential topics such as the intersection of mental disorders and crime, relevant legal frameworks, and strategies for conducting rapid mental health and risk assessments. Students gain practical experience in crisis intervention, and those interested in research can pursue a thesis or independent study project.

Upon completion of the 60-credit curriculum, graduates will fulfill the master’s-level knowledge and experience requirements necessary for licensure in mental health counseling, including hands-on practicum hours integrated into their coursework.

Program Highlights

  • Develop skills to collaborate with law enforcement on community mental health
  • Master rapid assessments and crisis intervention strategies
  • Pursue a thesis or research project to enhance your expertise
  • Complete practicum hours and coursework for mental health counseling licensure

Empower Your Future: Transform Community Mental Health

Explore a career that makes a difference.

Transformative Training for Impactful Mental Health Collaboration

  • Criminal Justice student at career fair speaking with an employer.

    Holistic Community Engagement

    This concentration emphasizes a collaborative approach, training students to work effectively with law enforcement to address the mental health challenges faced by individuals in crisis. By understanding both psychological principles and the nuances of the criminal justice system, graduates are equipped to foster safer, healthier communities.

  • Three students working on a classroom project together looking at a laptop.

    Comprehensive Skill Development

    Students will gain hands-on experience in crisis intervention, rapid assessment techniques, and ethical decision-making. The program focuses on equipping future mental health counselors with the tools necessary to navigate high-pressure situations and provide immediate support to individuals in need.

  • Counseling student in the classroom working on a laptop.

    Research and Professional Growth

    With opportunities to engage in meaningful research or independent study projects, students can explore areas of interest that align with their career goals. This focus on scholarly inquiry not only enriches their education but also contributes valuable insights to the field of mental health counseling.

By being the first in the nation to offer this within a degree, we are not only addressing critical community needs but also demonstrating our leadership in innovative, interdisciplinary education that bridges the gap between mental health and public safety.

Nora Padykula, Dean of the Division of Graduate and Continuing Education

What Can You Do with the Law Enforcement Co-Response Concentration in Mental Health Counseling?

With a degree in the Law Enforcement Co-Response Concentration in Mental Health Counseling, you can serve in municipal police departments, mental health agencies, crisis units, and justice partnerships. Additional opportunities include becoming a:

  • Law Enforcement Mental Health Co-Responder
  • Crisis Intervention Specialist
  • Forensic Mental Health Counselor
  • Public Safety or Clinical Supervisor
Student working on a classroom project with two other students.

Course Requirements

Program Description

The law enforcement co-response concentration within mental health counseling will prepare students for jobs alongside law enforecement to address community mental health, particularly among forensic populations. Our curriculum is designed to train students to understand theory and research on mental disorder and crime, review laws, policies, and procedures relelvant to mental health and the criminal justice system, learn how to conduct rapid mental health and risk assessments, and build skills that prevent and intervene in crisis situations. Students interested in research or in continuing their graduate education will have the opportunity to complete a thesis or independent study project. Upon graduation, students will meet masters-level knowledge and experience requirements for subsequent licensure in mental health counseling.

Master of Arts in Counseling

The Department of Psychology offers a 60-credit graduate program in counseling designed to serve the student who plans to enter the applied fields of counseling after receiving the M.A. The program offers five specialized tracks: school counseling, school adjustment counseling , forensic mental health counseling, law enforcement co-response, and mental health counseling.

Program Policies

The M.A. program must be completed within seven years of the first course counted toward the degree. Since courses are offered in a sequence rather than each semester, planning with advisors is imperative. Upon acceptance into the program, the student is assigned an advisor who will assist in planning a program to fit individual needs. There will be continual evaluation during the course of study with students apprised of their progress. A favorable evaluation is necessary for continuation in the program. The granting of the degree is based on professional competence, completion of the program of study, and satisfactory performance in a comprehensive exam or professional portfolio.

To accommodate students who work and/or have other substantial demands placed upon their time, courses are offered during the evenings and/or late afternoon. Important exceptions to this schedule are the Pre-practicum, Practicum and Internship experiences. While some placements permit flexible scheduling, many place restrictions on scheduling. Since these experiences are an essential component of counselor training, students must plan for the flexibility that will allow them to complete these requirements.

Dispositional Assessment

Candidates will be subject to an ongoing dispositional assessment coordinated by the faculty advisor in collaboration with cooperating course instructors, faculty supervisors, and site supervisors. In order for a candidate to advance academically from semester to semester, advance to a Field Placement or graduate with an M.A. Counseling degree, they must hold no unresolved "0" or "-1" scores in their dispositional record.

Any candidate who fails to achieve and maintain a satisfactory level on the Dispositional Assessment will be subject to review by the Graduate Committee in Counseling who may determine that the candidate can proceed without intervention or may work with the candidate (or provide a designated faculty member to work with the candidate) on a remedial plan. The Graduate Committee in Counseling may also decide the candidate is not eligible to proceed academically or proceed to Field Placement. If a candidate's assessment displays "0" or "-1" scores, the Graduate Committee in Counseling may remove them from a Field Placement.

Admission Requirements

Admissions requirements for MA programs, including Mental Health Counseling, Forensic Mental Health Counseling, Law Enforcement Co-Response, School Counseling, and School Adjustment Counseling are:

  • Official transcripts indicating a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.
  • Applicants with a firm foundation in psychology, education, or related field are highly preferred. [Note - applicants with degrees in unrelated fields may enhance their application through the successful completion of undergraduate courses in Statistics, Child or Adolescent Development, Personality, Abnormal Psychology, Counseling, and/or Behavior Modification, as appropriate to the targeted degree program.
  • A 3.0 overall undergraduate GPA.
  • Applicants must submit the Graduate Admissions application specifying either Mental Health Counseling, Forensic Mental Health Counseling, School Adjustment Counseling, OR School Counseling AND whether they would like to attend full-time or part-time.
  • Applicants must submit three letters of reference, including at least one academic reference.
  • Applicants must submit a personal statement that describes (1) reason for interest in the field, (2) assessment of personal strengths and limitations, and (3) goals of graduate study.
  • Applicants must submit a professional vitae or resume, including information on prior and/or current volunteer and /or employment positions.
  • Applicants selected for interviews must attend a formal interview with members of the graduate admissions committee.
  • Applicants applying to the School Counseling program or School Adjustment Counseling must submit passing scores in Communication and Literacy Skills portions of the Massachusetts Educators Certification Tests (MTEL).
  • Applicants may  transfer in up to 6 graduate credits toward their degree program, assessed following successful matriculation.
  • In extraordinary circumstances, one or more of the above requirements may be waived by the graduate admissions committee.

The closing date for receipt of all admissions materials is February 1st.

Notice of acceptance will occur on or about April 15th for study beginning the following September.

Due to the competitive natures of these programs, we require a nonrefundable program deposit of $150.00 within 10 days of acceptance. This deposit is used to ensure your space in the program. The deposit is applied to your first registration as a matriculated student in the Fall semester immediately following your acceptance. If we do not hear from you within 10 days, we will assume you have selected an alternative direction, and we will close your matriculation.

Law Enforcement Co-Response - 60 Credits

Required Mental Health Counseling Courses - 36 Credits

Required Law Enforcement Co-Response Courses - 12 Credits

Internship Requirements - 12 credits-600 hours

Law Enforcement Co-Response Graduate Certificate in Mental Health Counseling

Designed for professionals in law enforcement and mental health, this graduate certificate equips participants with the skills to address the intersection of community mental health and the criminal justice system. As police departments increasingly partner with mental health clinicians during crisis calls, this program provides essential training in understanding mental health challenges, criminal behavior, rapid assessments, and crisis intervention. Students will also complete a hands-on capstone project, applying their learning in real-world scenarios to enhance their professional expertise.

Learn more about the graduate certificate program

Get Big School Features With Small School Advantages

We offer high-quality academics, unique learning opportunities, and a gorgeous campus—and we have small classes, accessible faculty, and one-on-one support. 

You'll join fellow motivated graduate students ready to make the most of the college experience through active participation. Become part of a caring and committed community that understands and embraces the bridge between academic study and civic responsibility.

  • February 1

    Application deadline for fall admission

  • On-the-job

    experience through practicum

  • Full-time

    or part-time options

Expert Faculty with Diverse Specialties

Our faculty bring a wide range of professional experiences and areas of specialization, united by a shared commitment to scientific inquiry, hands-on learning, and student success. Their real-world expertise enriches classroom discussions, bridges theory and practice, and helps prepare you for the evolving demands of your field. In our supportive and close-knit academic community, you’ll benefit from opportunities to build strong connections with faculty and peers alike. This collaborative environment fosters meaningful engagement, encourages interdisciplinary thinking, and opens doors to valuable networking and professional growth.

Faculty member and a student at commencement ceremony.

Dr. Joseph Camilleri, Mental Health & Law Enforcement Concentration Program Director

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the application requirements for the concentration?

Prospective students should access the graduate application online at connect.westfield.ma.edu/apply/

The following material must be received for an application to be reviewed:

  1. Completed graduate application and $50 application fee. In your application, please indicate your concentration preference: Law Enforcement Co-Response. Additionally, please specify if you will be attending full-time or part-time.
  2. Official transcripts indicating a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university. 
  3. A 3.0 overall undergraduate GPA.
  4. Applicants must submit three letters of reference, including at least one academic reference. 
  5. Applicants must submit a personal statement that describes (1) reason for interest in the field, (2) assessment of personal strengths and limitations, and (3) goals of graduate study. 
  6. Applicants must submit a professional vitae or resume, including information on prior and/or current volunteer and/or employment positions. 

Applicants with a firm foundation in psychology, education, or related field are highly preferred. [Note - applicants with degrees in unrelated fields may enhance their application through the successful completion of undergraduate courses in Statistics, Child or Adolescent Development, Personality, Abnormal Psychology, Counseling, and/or Behavior Modification, as appropriate to the targeted degree program.]

Applicants selected for interviews must attend a formal interview with members of the graduate admissions committee.

Applicants may transfer in up to 6 graduate credits toward their degree program, assessed following successful matriculation. In extraordinary circumstances, one or more of the above requirements may be waived by the graduate admissions committee. The closing date for receipt of all admissions materials is February 1st.

How long will it take me to complete the master’s degree?

Full-time students typically complete the program in three years, while part-time students take about four years, offering flexibility to accommodate diverse schedules.

How are courses offered?

Most courses are offered in-person during the evening on campus with the some online or remote synchronous courses offered, providing a convenient schedule for our students. It's essential to note that an exception to this is the flexibility required to complete practicum hours during the daytime.

Do I have to submit GRE/MAT or MTEL scores when I apply?

No, we do not require a GRE or MAT for this concentration.

Is graduate housing available?

Discover graduate living at Welch Hall Apartments – your gateway to a vibrant community and tailored amenities. Choose from four-person apartments featuring single and premium single rooms, all inclusive of utilities and internet. Make connections by signing up as a group or embark on an individual adventure with like-minded roommates. Revel in the comfort of fully furnished apartments, boasting a well-equipped kitchen with a breakfast bar, cozy bathrooms, and inviting shared living spaces.

Your convenience is our priority – enjoy free laundry facilities on campus and parking at an affordable rate. Immerse yourself in academic pursuits with easy access to the campus library or prioritize your well-being at our fitness centers.

Whether you prefer cooking with your roommates or opting for a meal plan, relish access to an array of campus dining options, including late-night and takeaway choices. Elevate your graduate experience with Welch Hall Apartments – where living meets exceptional comfort and convenience.

For more information contact housing@westfield.ma.edu or 413-572-5402.

How much does Westfield State University cost?

Westfield State University offers a comprehensive university experience at an affordable cost—with many options for financial aid. Visit our Cost and Aid page to learn more. 

Do you offer graduate assistantships?

Yes, a limited number of graduate assistantships are available each year for graduate students. These opportunities are competitive and are awarded to students with excellent academic records who are enrolled in a graduate degree program.

This valuable opportunity can enhance your academic journey and provide valuable experience. Don't miss out on the chance to be part of this enriching program!

Learn more about graduate assistantships.

Will I receive academic support?

Every student is paired with a dedicated advisor who guides you from choosing classes to planning your future. You’ll also have access to resources like the Banacos Center, Writing Center, and Career Center. And even after graduation, our Career Center provides lifetime support.

How does the Dispositional Assessment for the Master of Arts in Counseling program work?

Candidates will be subject to an ongoing dispositional assessment coordinated by the faculty advisor in collaboration with cooperating course instructors, faculty supervisors, and site supervisors. In order for a candidate to advance academically from semester to semester, advance to a Field Placement or graduate with an M.A. Counseling degree, they must hold no unresolved “0” or “-1” scores in their dispositional record. 

Any candidate who fails to achieve and maintain a satisfactory level on the Dispositional Assessment will be subject to review by the Graduate Committee in Counseling, who may determine that the candidate can proceed without intervention or may work with the candidate (or provide a designated faculty member to work with the candidate) on a remedial plan. The Graduate Committee in Counseling may also decide the candidate is not eligible to proceed academically or proceed to Field Placement. If a candidate's assessment displays “0” or “-1” scores, the Graduate Committee in Counseling may remove them from a Field Placement.

Are there any other policies for this program that I should know about?

The M.A. program must be completed within seven years of the first course counted toward the degree. Since courses are offered in a sequence rather than each semester, planning with advisors is imperative. Upon acceptance into the program, the student is assigned an advisor who will assist in planning a program to fit individual needs. There will be continual evaluation during the course of study with students apprised of their progress. A favorable evaluation is necessary for continuation in the program. The granting of the degree is based on professional competence, completion of the program of study, and satisfactory performance in a comprehensive exam or professional portfolio. 

To accommodate students who work and/or have other substantial demands placed upon their time, courses are offered during the evenings and/or late afternoon. Important exceptions to this schedule are the Pre-practicum, Practicum, and Internship experiences. While some placements permit flexible scheduling, many place restrictions on scheduling. Since these experiences are an essential component of counselor training, students must plan for the flexibility that will allow them to complete these requirements.

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Mental Health Counseling & Law Enforcement Concentration, M.A.