In 1991, psychologists employed at the U.S. Penitentiary, Leavenworth, Kansas, the U.S. Disciplinary Barracks, For Leavenworth, Kansas and the Kansas Department of Corrections organized a symposium to discuss issues related to the delivery of mental health services within the correctional setting. The nearly 100 mental health and correctional staff attendees all cited the need for additional training opportunities related to correctional mental health.

Many years later, the Mental Health in Corrections Conference is stronger than ever, with staff support residing at The School of Professional Psychology at Forest. As many members of the Board of Directors have historically been treatment providers, MHCC focuses on consulting and training for governmental and private organizations. More specially, MHCC continues to serve as the only association to provide an international platform and united voice to address the needs and concerns of a critical and rapidly growing professional segment of criminal justice professionals.

MHCC has professional alliances with the American Correctional Association, the National Commission on Correctional Health Care and the American Association for Correctional and Forensic Psychology, and is always seeking other affiliations and strategic alliances that will further the mission and vision of MHCC and its partner