OUR STORY
Forest Institute of Professional Psychology was one of the first professional schools established as a result of the "practicing-psychologist" movement of the 1950's. From its beginnings in 1979, the school's sole purpose has been to provide an alternative to traditional Ph.D. programs for individuals desiring an education preparing them to serve primarily as direct providers of mental health services rather than as researchers or academicians. Programs have emphasized a holistic approach to mental wellness grounded in the science and practice of clinical psychology.

The name Forest Institute reflects the origins of the school as part of the Forest Hospital in Des Plaines, IL. Early-on the program gained regional accreditation, and was then fully accredited by the American Psychological Association in the mid-90’s.

As the demand for quality training of clinical psychologists grew during the 1980’s, three additional campuses were opened in Springfield, Missouri, Huntsville, Alabama, and Honolulu, Hawaii. Over the next several years, operations were eventually consolidated into the Springfield location for a variety of reasons, including the affordable cost of living and attendance for faculty and students, recognized quality of the training program, and the critical need to provide mental health services to the under served populations of rural southwest Missouri.

Since 1985, Forest Institute has been a part of the Springfield community. The building which originally housed the program in its entirety now serves solely as the private clinical training facility for faculty and students. The 15,000 square foot inner-city Clinic has been modernized to provide a comfortable training and therapy environment, and now serves over 700 patients monthly on a need-based fee system. Additional therapy services are provided by the Clinic in a variety of locations, such as the Missouri Hotel and Homeless Shelter, the Multi-Cultural Life Center, the Gay and Lesbian Organization, the Greene County Jail, and the Federal Medical Center to name but a few.

A new 44,000 square foot academic and administrative facility was dedicated in 1997 and on site student housing was finished in late 2000. The 58-acre learning campus located in southwest Springfield provides a modern campus with a strong sense of identity for students, faculty and the Institute as a whole. With 220 students, 19 full time faculty, 23 adjunct faculty, and 28 full-time staff, Forest Institute has continued its legacy of growth and expansion into the 21st century.