Dr. Jameca CooperForensic Psychology Consultant, Emergence Psychological Services · Board Certified Counseling Psychologist and Forensic Psychology Consultant

How I Protect My Mental Health #mentalhealth #criminalpsychology #expertwitness

19 Jul 2025 · 1 min

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In this video, Dr. Jameca Cooper, a Black psychologist working in criminal and forensic contexts, shares how she safeguards her mental health while navigating the challenges of expert witness work. She emphasizes maintaining a positive outlook, viewing each case as part of a larger advocacy and social‑justice mission, and finding purpose in representation—bringing a trauma‑informed, culturally competent voice into the courtroom. Even when outcomes for individual clients are unfavorable, she frames her presence as a win for broader systemic change, which sustains her resilience and motivation.

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That's a very good question. I protect my mental health by keeping a really positive outlook. I understand that my work, while significant, is just a part of the bigger picture regarding advocacy and social justice. Even if my client doesn't end up with a better sentence or no jail time at all, I realize that me just being there helps. Representation matters. Because I've exposed the jury, the judge, everyone in the courtroom to a Black psychologist that is competent in marginalized groups and demographics and understands trauma in those populations. So even if I don't win for my individual client, I think I win in the bigger picture, and that's what keeps me going.