At A Glance
Forest was founded in 1979 to provide an alternative to the traditional teaching Ph.D. programs of education. The programs were designed for individuals desiring an education to prepare them to serve as direct providers of mental health services rather than researchers or academicians. Programs continue to emphasize a holistic approach to mental wellness grounded in the science and practice of clinical psychology.
Forest has expanded its mission to include master’s level curriculum, professional solutions for the business community, continuing education, federal grant support, alternative delivery methods for education and treatment focused research.
Forest operates the Robert J. Murney Clinic and is one of the few graduate programs in the nation to offer its students a free-standing clinic for practicum experience. This “classroom” provides services to members of the local community and offers students the opportunity to apply what they have learned in the classroom.
Forest also supports the Center for Professional Solutions, the Center for Continuing Education and numerous programs in the greater Springfield area. These programs fill critical needs for mental health services, training and consulting in the metro-area and the surrounding rural communities.