Biography

Dr. Gerald Koocher earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Boston University. He went on to earn a Master of Arts and a PhD in Clinical Psychology from the University of Missouri. His areas of expertise include pediatric and forensic psychology, as well as bioethics. Dr. Koocher holds four active psychology licenses (IL, MA, MN and NH) and five certifications from the American Board of Professional Psychology (clinical, child/adolescent, couple/family, health and forensic psychology). He has profoundly shaped modern mental health ethics and professional standards and is considered a leading national voice in how the medical community treats children facing life-threatening and chronic illnesses.

Real-world challenges

• Addressing medical non-adherence
• Helping patients cope with chronic illness and bereavement
• Highlighting ethical issues in clinical and research settings

Current professional practice

• Part-time forensic consultant (State of New Mexico, Social Security Administration)

Academic and professional distinctions

• Psychology (BA)
• Psychology (MA)
• Clinical and Developmental Psychology (PhD)
• Licensed psychologist (IL, MA, MN, NH)
• Board certified in Clinical Psychology
• Board certified in Health Psychology
• Board certified in Forensic Psychology
• Board certified in Child and Adolescent Psychology
• Board certified in Couple and Family Psychology

Research and thought leadership

Focus areas

• Medical adherence and chronic illness
• Bereavement and family coping
• Professional ethics and research integrity

Scholarly contributions and industry impact

• 350-plus published works
• Principal investigator on seven grants
• Best-selling textbook on mental health ethics
• 18 books including The Parents’ Guide to Psychological First Aid

Teaching philosophy

Dr. Koocher brings extensive real-world experience into the classroom and draws heavily on his abundant clinical and policy work. He emphasizes applied ethics and decision-making. His ongoing participation in conferences, ethics and regulatory discussions, and review of academic journals help him stay current on industry trends and practices.

What students can expect

Psychology coursework at Capella leverages real clinical cases to illustrate complex concepts. Theory is connected to real-world patient care and policy decisions. Students explore case studies and ethical issues.

Build skills

• Clinical reasoning and applied decision-making
• Ethical judgment in complex situations
• Systems thinking across healthcare environments

Get support

• Case-based, discussion-driven learning
• Emphasis on translating knowledge into practice

Dr. Koocher’s eye on the future

Increasing ethical complexity in research and practice will impact the field of psychology. Growing challenges in chronic illness and healthcare systems, and the need for interdisciplinary collaboration will be critical to practitioners at all levels.

Key skills for future success include strong ethical judgment, the ability to navigate complex systems and applied clinical reasoning.