ADLER UNIVERSITY

Founded in Chicago in 1952, Adler University’s approach to training future psychologists and counselors includes a strong emphasis on community outreach and addressing the social determinants of health. Adler prepares graduate students to view mental health in a larger context, contribute to a range of disciplines and fields that impact population wellbeing, and engage directly with communities to increase access to mental health services across the Chicago area.

An accredited, non-profit university, Adler’s educational philosophy emphasizes population health and community outreach. Over 1,500 students are enrolled in 30 masters and doctoral programs in psychology, clinical counseling and public policy on three campuses in Chicago, Vancouver, BC; and online; with the majority of students attending classes on our founding campus in Chicago. Our student body is ethnically and racially diverse, as 33.1% of our 2017-18 student population identified as members of ethnic minority groups.

More than 500 agencies and organizations, including the Community Justice for Youth Institute, the Circuit Court of Cook County’s Juvenile Justice and Child Protection Department, St. Leonard’s Ministries, the Logan Square Neighborhood Association, Heartland Alliance, Near North Health Services Corporation, and Precious Blood Ministry of Reconciliation; partner with Adler University to provide community practicum and internship sites for students, thus enabling them to work closely with patients from underserved and marginalized populations.

Students gain real-world experience providing mental health services at health clinics, shelters, correctional centers, veterans and social service organizations by completing internships and practicum experiences through Adler Community Health Services (ACHS). They also experience the social determinants affecting population health and work alongside community members to address these issues through the Social Justice Practicum. Adler University’s Institute on Public Safety and Social Justice also convenes and provides trainings in trauma-informed counseling methods for the Community Restorative Justice Hubs, nonprofits in marginalized communities that provide positive alternatives to incarceration for at-risk youth. Through these outreach programs, Adler University provides services and support to residents of underserved neighborhoods throughout the city.