WSU Introduces Pioneering Law Enforcement, Mental Health Co-response Grad Program
WESTFIELD — Westfield State University announced its new law enforcement and mental health co-response graduate program, which is designed to address the growing need for collaboration between law enforcement and mental-health professionals. This degree-granting program, the first of its kind in the nation, is a concentration within the university’s master of arts in mental health counseling program or available as a standalone post-baccalaureate certificate.
Joseph Camilleri, professor of Psychology; Kimberly Tobin, professor of Criminal Justice; and Lisa Barao, visiting lecturer of Criminal Justice, were instrumental in developing this program. They worked closely with law-enforcement agencies across Massachusetts and Connecticut to create a curriculum that meets workforce needs and equips participants with tools for success in this emerging field.
“This groundbreaking program builds on Westfield State University’s strong legacy in criminal justice and psychology education,” said Nora Padykula, interim dean of the Division of Graduate and Continuing Education. “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.”
This comprehensive 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 in the field. Students will gain in-depth knowledge and skills to understand mental-health disorders and their relationship to criminal behavior, as well as the broader criminal-justice system. Ultimately, this strengthens relationships between public-safety professionals and the communities they serve.
Emphasizing practical application, the co-response program includes research opportunities and culminates in a capstone project where students apply their learning in real-world scenarios.
The program is designed to reduce strain on emergency services, connect individuals to appropriate care and resources, and foster trust between community members and public-safety professionals. By bridging the gap between law enforcement and mental-health professionals, the program equips graduates to address critical public-safety challenges while supporting the mental-health needs of communities.