Christopher Cruz

FMHC Candidate

Chris is a Mental Health Counseling Extern completing advanced clinical training through John Jay College of Criminal Justice, where he is in his last year of the Forensic Mental Health Counseling program. He brings over twenty years of experience in law enforcement, where he developed deep expertise in crisis response, genuine engagement, and supporting individuals in high‑pressure, high‑stakes environments.

Having spent his career immersed in the culture, demands, and unspoken expectations of first‑responder life, Chris understands the unique stressors faced by law enforcement officers, firefighters, EMTs, corrections personnel, military members, and their families. He is committed to providing a safe, grounded, and confidential space where clients can work toward emotional wellness. His clinical approach integrates cognitive‑behavioral, psychodynamic, and mindfulness‑based modalities to support recovery from occupational stress injuries and the cumulative impact of repeated exposure to critical incidents.

Chris places a strong emphasis on building trust and is dedicated to helping clients strengthen their resilience, develop insight, and move toward meaningful personal growth, honoring the strength and humanity behind every uniform. He brings a calm, steady presence to his work, shaped by years of supporting individuals during their most vulnerable moments and navigating the emotional complexities of public safety work.

Supervisor: Mandy Ruckman, LCSW
Director of CSP Internship Programs
“Those who spend their lives protecting others deserve a calm place to anchor, reflect, and heal.”