Dr. Darlene Perry, Program Manager - Holistic Mental Health Program

Dr. Perry is a clinical and forensic psychologist. She is licensed to practice in the states of New York and Illinois. While in New York, she held administrative roles in community mental health and social justice settings overseeing pre and post-release programming and advocating on behalf of youth and young adults in the criminal justice system. She also provided court ordered forensic evaluations through the New York City Health and Hospital Corporation for the boroughs of New York City.

Additionally, she was part of a group practice at New York Center for Neuropsychology and Forensic Behavioral Science. She conducted evaluations and provided treatment to victims of trauma, families in dispute, individuals with chronic mental illness and was part of a team that provided clinical services to adults under the federal parole system for a wide range of offenses that included fraud, violence, drug violations, and sex crimes.

As part of her professional trajectory, Dr. Perry began to expand her work close to 15 years ago and committed to being an agent of change and a steward for social justice. She provided consultation, training, and facilitation across different settings and groups to address barriers, value clashes, and other challenges that create inequities and the lack of inclusion.

Dr. Perry relocated to Chicago, Illinois in 2007 to help form The Chicago School Forensic Center at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology (TCSPP). Dr. Perry served as the Executive Director of the Forensic Center for ten years. Under her tenure, the Center provided no cost to low cost specialized services to marginalized children, families, and adults involved in court systems, and trained graduate level students to be civically engaged clinicians. She was also an Associate Professor in the Department of Forensic Psychology at TCSPP. Presently, Dr. Perry works in private practice. She continues to provide a wide range of clinical and forensic oriented services, as well as consultation, training, and facilitation within systems and community-based organizations aimed at system change for marginalized and underserved communities of promise.

Dr. Perry is a vital contributor to the development of LAJ's Mental Health Pilot Program. She designed a curriculum to educate and train psychologists, counselors, and social workers on the nuances of wrongful convictions and effective treatment approaches for those impacted. Currently serving as LAJ's Mental Health Consultant and Program Manager, Dr. Perry plays a multifaceted role. Dr. Perry trains and advises providers, ensures effective candidate selection, and fosters team collaboration. Dr. Perry's expertise and leadership enhance the program's impact and support the well-being of participants.