Sharon Coleman

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 experience in forensic and mental health services with both adult and juvenile populations. Prior to joining the Illinois Department of Human Services, she worked as a forensic evaluator and expert witness for the Cook County Criminal courts, and has testified in Probate, Immigration, Domestic Relations and Federal courts. She has collaborated with many national, statewide and community stakeholders on issues related to adults and juveniles with mental illness who are justice involved, 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 adjunct faculty member at The Chicago School, providing instruction in clinical counseling, trauma treatment, family, and individual therapy. 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.