Dr. Aalsma is a trained pediatric psychologist and focuses his research with vulnerable populations, including youth in the mental health and juvenile justice systems. His current research agenda includes exploring system-wide and individual efforts to improve the utilization of mental and physical health care for children and adolescents. He has been involved in research and public efforts to improve the health of children, adolescents and adults through public health care collaboration and transformation in the public sector, including criminal justice, mental health, and public policy.
Dr. Aalsma's current research projects include research focused on the utilization of medical and mental health care upon community reentry for detained youth and a national evaluation of a comprehensive sexuality curriculum within junior high church groups (Co-PI Ott).
Dr. Aalsma focuses on research with vulnerable populations, including youth in the mental health and juvenile justice systems. His current research agenda includes exploring system-wide and individual efforts to improve the utilization of mental and physical health care for children and adolescents.
Mental health care of delinquent youth. Currently, Dr. Aalsma leads a forensic evaluation team that conducts psychological evaluations with youth at various points in the juvenile justice system.
