Dr. Sharon Coleman is a licensed clinical psychologist and the Deputy Director for Forensic & Justice Services for the Illinois Department of Human Services/Division of Mental Health. She has 20 years of clinical experience and as a forensic evaluator and expert witness for state and federal courts. She has collaborated with state and national stakeholders on justice and mental health issues, developed programs centered on re-entry, reintegration, and diversion, and participated in legislative and policy activities, including prescribing Psychologists, streamlining forensic statutes, and expanding tele-court opportunities. Dr. Coleman is also an associate adjunct professor at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. She has been invited to both train and speak to government agencies, judges, attorneys, community providers, mental health professionals, and consumers on mental health policy, justice & mental health issues, trauma-informed care, and (mental) health and wellness.

Dr. Coleman earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology and her master’s degree in agency counseling from the University of Alabama at Birmingham, and her doctorate in clinical psychology from the Illinois School of Professional Psychology.