Understanding the Impact of Forensic Counseling

The goal of counseling is to help individuals improve their well-being. By working through various issues and using effective, personalized coping strategies, a counseling patient or client can experience positive changes in not only their mental health but also their physical health. 

For individuals involved with the criminal justice and juvenile justice systems, achieving this goal may require a different approach. This is why forensic counseling is an important specialization of mental health counseling. Forensic counseling professionals are uniquely qualified to help this often-overlooked segment of society develop strategies that can improve their well-being in tough environments. Individuals looking to move into forensic counseling or advance their counseling careers in this challenging and rewarding area may want to consider an online MA in Counseling Psychology - Forensic Track.

What Is Forensic Counseling?

At a basic level, forensic counseling professionals provide mental healthcare to individuals navigating the criminal and juvenile justice systems. A career in forensic counseling involves casework as well as individual and group counseling sessions. 

The work of forensic or correctional counselors can help patients understand the root causes of their behaviors; adjust to institutionalized living; transition back into society; and manage relationship, financial, or other problems. It can also help these individuals develop healthier coping strategies that can lead to improved well-being.

These professionals may also work with victims of crime and the families of individuals involved with the criminal justice system, as well as forensic examiners, law enforcement, and other criminal justice professionals. Nonprofits, mental health facilities, private practices, and court systems, as well as other organizations, may employ them.

Mental Health and the Criminal Justice System

Statistics help illustrate the need for forensic counseling professionals.

Although 23% of Americans experienced a mental illness in 2021-22, according to the 2024 State of Mental Health in America report from Mental Health America (MHA), that figure is even higher among individuals involved with the criminal and juvenile justice systems. According to the National Alliance of Mental Illness (NAMI), about 40% of incarcerated individuals have a history of mental illness — and this figure jumps to 66% among women. NAMI’s report also notes that 70% of youth within the juvenile justice system have mental health disorders.

Unfortunately, some practices within the criminal justice system potentially exacerbate mental health issues rather than address them. Concepts such as solitary confinement can be particularly damaging to those dealing with mental health issues. Additionally, a deficiency in mental health screening within institutions can lead to incarceration, when mental health services may be the better long-term solution.

For incarcerated juveniles, inadequate mental health services can be particularly damaging. They’re navigating the juvenile justice system at a time of rapid physical and emotional development. Failure to address mental health at this stage can lead to worsening mental health conditions that may result in adult incarceration.

Impact and Importance of Forensic Counseling

Professionals with a counseling psychology degree can take on many roles, but with the statistics cited above in mind, it’s easy to see the importance of forensic counseling.

• Treating Mental Health Issues: As with other counseling professionals, forensic or correctional counselors can have a significant impact on the lives of those they counsel. They can help patients with depression, anxiety, anger, and other negative emotions, allowing them to establish and maintain stable relationships.
   
• Reducing Crime: Because of the population they work with, forensic counseling professionals can have an impact that goes beyond simply treating mental health patients. In the long term, a forensic counselor’s work can help mitigate the behaviors associated with criminal behavior, reducing the threat of recidivism. When looking specifically at juvenile patients, forensic counseling can help prevent recidivism into adulthood.

Improving the Justice System: Forensic counselors may also be called upon to use their expertise in a legal setting. Those in the role may be asked to assess an individual’s competency to stand trial, speak to issues that influence criminal penalties, and share information relevant for parole hearings. This allows forensic counseling professionals to improve the criminal justice system, helping ensure that it works fairly and appropriately.

Improve the Criminal Justice System Through Forensic Counseling

Forensic counseling is an area of study and practice at the intersection of criminal justice and mental health, making it a challenging and rewarding career path. Professionals in this field can have short- and long-term impacts on individuals and society as a whole.

Felician University’s online Master of Arts (MA) in Counseling Psychology Forensic Track offers the flexibility of three annual intakes, part- or full-time options, and online classes. The program covers core forensic counseling concepts, such as forensic assessment, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) studies, and theories of criminal behavior. It prepares graduates for licensure and careers as correctional counselors or related roles. 

Learn how Felician University can help you make a positive impact on the lives of others and the criminal justice system.