Media Room

Approximately one percent of people in the United States are now incarcerated – a fact that most behavioral health professionals are experiencing in their caseloads.

Dr. David Stephens, dean of the School of Professional Psychology at University of the Rockies, will discuss a number of factors that contribute to this phenomenon, as well as evidence-based components of successful prisoner re-entry, when he delivers the keynote address and a workshop presentation at the 23^rd annual Washington Behavioral Healthcare Conference.

The annual conference will be held June 20-22, 2012 in Yakima, Wa.

“It is now common for behavioral health professionals, particularly those who work in state or public agencies and community mental health centers, to have a significant number of people on their caseloads that have active or past involvement with the criminal justice system,” says Stephens. “Prisoner re-entry to appropriate mental health and co-occurring disorders treatment is critically important to a successful and productive return to the community.” 

Stephens joined University of the Rockies as dean of its School of Professional Psychology in 2011. Previously, he served as the regional director of mental health for Correctional Healthcare Management. He also served as the chief of Behavioral Health Services for the Colorado Department of Corrections. 

About University of the Rockies

University of the Rockies is an advanced graduate institution for tomorrow’s thought leaders. The University provides an intimate and dynamic learning environment, offering highly specialized master’s and doctoral degree programs in the social and behavioral sciences, access to industry experts, campus clinical programs for practical experience, and research and publishing opportunities. University of the Rockies is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and a member of the North Central Association (www.ncahlc.org). Small by design, University of the Rockies classes are presented in a progressive online format and at its Colorado Springs, Colorado, campus. For more information, please visit www.rockies.edu or call Shari Rodriguez, associate vice president of Public Relations, at 866.621.0124 x2513.