Graduate Certificate in Crisis Response and Behavioral Health
Counseling and Behavioral Health
Learn how to respond more safely and effectively to individuals in crisis.
The first-of-its kind credentialing tool for arrest diversion, offering cutting-edge education and training for law enforcement and mental health clinicians working in partnership. Our Graduate Certificate in Crisis Response and Behavioral Health (CRBH) will help guide police and clinicians to defuse situations before force is needed and will provide intensive, skills-based coaching on responding to dynamic, complex, and evolving situations.
Curriculum Overview
CJ500 - Orientation to Crisis Response and Behavioral Health Certificate Program (credits: 0)
CJ501 - Criminal Justice and Behavioral Health (credits: 3)
CJ505 - Crisis Assessment, Diagnosis and Treatment (credits: 3)
CJ507 - Advanced Crisis Response and Practical Simulations (credits: 4)
Our Philosophy, Your Experience
At William James College, you will combine your classroom knowledge with hands-on experience to get a well-rounded and integrated education. Our curriculum combines an understanding of theory, training, and practice as you develop into a culturally responsive professional. You will be surrounded by like-minded faculty, staff, and peers who, like you, are dedicated to bringing high-quality services to culturally diverse clients, agencies, and organizations. With this training, you will be prepared to make a difference in our communities.
Ready for the Next Step?
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A Case Study
Police-Clinician Co-Response Calms Campus Mental-Health Crises
Featured Contributor: Dr. Sarah Abbott, Director, Director for Crisis Response and Behavioral Health, William James College
Dr. Sarah Abbott, Director of the Center for Crisis Response and Behavioral Health, contributed to a report co-produced by The Chronicle of Higher Education and AT&T. Below is an excerpt from the report.
“If a college student has a mental-health crisis, a uniformed, armed police officer knocking on the door might not be the most comforting, constructive response. It can escalate tensions, leading to panic, misunderstandings, or unnecessary forcible hospitalization or arrest. Often a better course is empathetic listening, calm diagnostic screening, and efficient connection of the student with campus counseling, medical, and other resources.
That’s why an increasing number of colleges are instituting co-response programs that pair campus police officers with clinicians to handle wellness checks and other mental-health-related calls.”
William James College to Host 2025 New England Psychological Association Conference in October
William James College is proud to host the annual Northeast Conference for Teachers of Psychology (NECTOP) and the New England Psychological Association (NEPA) conference, taking place October 24–25, 2025. Visit the NEPA website to learn how to submit a poster or symposium proposal, or to register.
We want to hear from you.
Connect with Our Students
Our Student Ambassadors have volunteered to be a resource for you and answer all of your questions about our programs, graduate school, living in Boston, and more.
Connect with StudentsAttend an Upcoming Admissions Event
We offer virtual information sessions, onsite open houses, and student panels for all of our academic programs.
Register for an EventAround campus, in the community, in the news—William James College community members are leading the conversation.
William James College and Department of Mental Health Co-Sponsor Inaugural Co-Response Research Symposium
William James College's Center for Crisis Response and Behavioral Health (CRBH), in collaboration with the Massachusetts Department of Mental Health (DMH), successfully organized a first-of-its-kind Co-Response Research Symposium on March 31, 2023 at the Warren Conference Center and Inn in Ashland, MA.
Read MoreCenter for Crisis Response and Behavioral Health Speaks at the 4th Annual National Co-Responder Conference
Members of the Center for Crisis Response and Behavioral Health team from William James College were selected to speak at the International Co-Responder Alliance (ICRA) 4th Annual National Co-Responder Conference in Spokane, WA from June 11-14.
Read MoreCenter for Crisis Response and Behavioral Health at the International Association of Chiefs of Police
Bonnie Cuccaro, Associate Director of the Center for Crisis Response and Behavioral Health, had the opportunity to represent William James College at the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) Annual Conference and Expo in Dallas, Texas.
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