Program Overview
Choose Excellence with a Graduate Certificate in Crisis Response and Behavioral Health
Gain both practical training and graduate certification in crisis response and behavioral health at William James College. A first-of-its-kind program, our Graduate Certificate in Crisis Response and Behavioral Health can be completed in 10-credits over 150 classroom hours. Law enforcement and mental health professionals will receive an interdisciplinary education in co-response to prepare them to respond to and resolve crisis situations before force is needed.
This graduate certificate is a program that combines weekly in-person classes and one weekend in residence. Each of the semester-long courses will require three hours of classroom instruction each week. Courses offered on an accelerated schedule will require five hours of classroom instruction each week. Through this program, you will learn advanced skills in effectively identifying, responding to, and de-escalating situations with individuals who are experiencing a psychiatric, substance-related, or mental health crisis.
The Center for Crisis Response and Behavioral Health at William James College not only includes this graduate certificate, but also the Co-Response Community of Practice which provides networking opportunities, continuing education programs, roundtable discussions, and an annual symposium.
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Start HereWhat is Co-Response?
Co-Response is a model with more than 20 years of operation in the Commonwealth and has spread nationwide. The model embeds mental health clinicians in law enforcement settings to accompany police officers on calls for service/911 calls. It is intended to de-escalate, divert from unnecessary arrest, divert from overwhelmed emergency departments, and fully support the acute needs of individuals in crisis.
Choose Real-World Learning with Experiential Education
At William James College, we believe the most effective learning comes from integrating classroom knowledge with hands-on experience. The innovative MILO™ platform (Multiple Interactive Learning Objectives) training system will simulate complex, open-ended law enforcement situations based on real-world calls that you can practice safely throughout the program.
Choose Impact with a Commitment to Social Responsibility
An education at William James is rooted in social justice, respect for diversity, and a multicultural perspective. This approach is woven through the entire curriculum and training model of this graduate certificate. Graduates of this program will be prepared to effectively and safely respond to the diverse mental health needs of our communities.
Choose Community Connectivity, Support and Student Life
The William James College community is supportive and connected. Our Dean of Students Office offers regular programming, in person and online, for all students, and oversees our Academic Resource Center. Student leadership and student groups create more opportunities for engagement, and we are proud to be home to the William James College Black Mental Health Graduate Academy, a community for Black students enrolled in our doctoral and master’s degree programs, that provides mentorship and networking opportunities.
Choose Mentorship and Personal Growth
Across the College, our faculty are practicing professionals who bring their clinical expertise and real-world examples into the classroom. Each of the Crisis Response and Behavioral Health courses are co-taught by law enforcement and counseling faculty.
As a student at William James, you will find a supportive learning environment and engage with your faculty through education, research, mentorship, and training. All students work with an advisor to discuss personal and professional development and career goals.
6:1
Student : Faculty Ratio