This story was originally published in The Tower – Volume 1, 2025.
With a career that has spanned academia, private practice and forensic psychology, Jameca Cooper, PhD, ABPP has established a multifaceted presence in the world of mental health. Based in St. Louis, Dr. Cooper teaches psychology courses for Logan University’s Bachelor of Science in Human Biology program and maintains a private practice as a board-certified counseling psychologist.
Dr. Cooper currently teaches two important psychology courses at Logan: Abnormal Psychology and Psychology of Aging. They provide undergraduate students with in-depth knowledge of mental health disorders and the unique challenges that accompany aging.
“These courses offer students a glimpse into what goes on in people’s minds, which can help them understand mental illness,” she said.
In addition to teaching, Dr. Cooper holds the prestigious role of president of the Missouri Psychological Association, the state association for psychologists. One of only three people of color to ever hold this position, she leads initiatives to expand the organization’s influence, collaborate with other groups, and create new programs for Missouri’s psychology community.
Dr. Cooper has also used her skills and knowledge to become a consultant and expert featured in several TV shows. During the COVID-19 pandemic, her career took an unexpected turn. Focused on geriatric psychology in her private practice, she became concerned about the dangers the disease posed to older adults. This led to frequent TV appearances where she discussed the mental health impact of the pandemic on this vulnerable population.
Dr. Cooper’s media presence expanded over time. She began consulting with attorneys regarding cases involving trauma and became a sought-after expert in forensic psychology. She is regularly on television offering insights into the psychological aspects of criminal behavior. Discovery Channel’s “Caught!”—a show that explores the mindset behind criminals and why they make the choices they do—featured Dr. Cooper as an expert. She also provides commentary on other crime-related programs, including a recent documentary on Fox Nation titled “The Amazon Review Killer,” which delves into the case of serial killer Todd Kohlhepp.
“The documentary sheds light on how seemingly ‘normal’ individuals can lead double lives as serial killers, which is a concept I find fascinating and vital for the public to understand,” she said. “It’s striking how dangerous individuals just blend into society.”
For students aspiring to work in psychology, Dr. Cooper offers realistic and practical advice.
“Anyone who wants to be a clinician and see people in therapy should pursue a master’s degree followed by a PhD and then obtain licensure to practice,” she said.
However, for those drawn to the forensic side of psychology, Dr. Cooper clarifies that it is not as simple as getting a degree. She emphasizes the importance of hands-on experience and specialized training for those looking to break into fields like criminology, cybersecurity or government roles with agencies like the FBI or CIA.
“A lot of people want to be a profiler like on ‘CSI,’ but it takes much more training and experience,” she said.