Michelle Burlin, JD, MA, LPC

Where behavioral health and the law meet, Michelle Burlin has found her calling.

Some careers follow a straight path. Michelle Burlin’s has been shaped by a desire to understand both the human experience and the systems designed to protect it. That pursuit led her to build a career where behavioral health and the law work hand in hand—a unique perspective she now brings to clients, colleagues, and the broader mental health profession.

After spending 15 years in forensic counseling, Michelle entered law school with plans to practice criminal or family law. While she valued the legal profession, she realized she missed the ongoing relationships and personalized care that counseling provides. That realization inspired her to create Veritas Consulting and Counseling Services, where she blends her backgrounds in counseling and law through forensic evaluations, therapy, expert witness services, and professional training and consultation. Her practice focuses on forensic mental health, trauma-informed care, sexual behavior issues, and risk assessment, allowing her to bridge the clinical and legal worlds in meaningful ways.

Michelle recently added “author” to her list of accomplishments with the publication of A Clinician’s Guide to Mandated Reporting: Desk Reference for All 50 States Including the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

The inspiration for the book came after Michelle presented a training on Alaska’s mandated reporting standards earlier this year. During the session, she realized there was a growing need for a single, practical resource for clinicians licensed—or soon to be licensed—to practice across multiple states through interstate licensure compacts. With Alaska’s recent adoption of both the Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact (PSYPACT) and the Social Work Licensure Compact, behavioral health professionals have new opportunities to practice across state lines. Michelle recognized that expanded opportunity also brings new legal and ethical responsibilities, inspiring her to create a timely reference that helps clinicians confidently navigate mandated reporting requirements across jurisdictions.

She envisioned an easy-to-use guide that brings together mandated reporting statutes from every U.S. state and territory while helping clinicians navigate often-complex statutory language. To make the reference even more practical, she highlights each jurisdiction’s mandated reporting standards and includes an introduction designed to clarify legal terminology and support sound clinical decision-making.

“My hope is that clinicians will have the legal and ethical knowledge they need right at their fingertips,” Michelle says. “Ultimately, I hope this guide helps professionals confidently fulfill their reporting obligations while serving as a valuable risk management tool to help protect their licenses.”

Writing the book proved to be a learning experience in itself. While researching and writing the content was expected, Michelle was surprised by the extensive work involved in the publishing process—from editing to designing the cover and spine. The finished guide reflects her commitment to making a complex legal topic more accessible for behavioral health professionals across the country.

When asked what has sustained her throughout her career, Michelle points to the people around her.

“I think resiliency comes from having strength from your family and friends to guide and support you. I value my relationships to generate strength and confidence in my personal and professional life.”

Know a Member We Should Spotlight?

AK-PA Member Spotlight will become a regular feature celebrating the people, passions, and professional journeys of Alaska Psychological Association members. We welcome stories from psychologists, psychological associates, counselors, social workers, marriage and family therapists, researchers, educators, students, and other behavioral health professionals who are part of the AK-PA community.

Every member has a story. Whether you’ve published a book, pioneered a new program, conducted research, mentored future professionals, advocated for behavioral health, or simply have a unique journey to share, we’d love to hear from you.

To nominate yourself or a colleague for a future Member Spotlight, contact the AK-PA Executive Director at executivedirector@ak-pa.org.