About Thin Line Psychology
Meet Dr. Childs, and learn more about our approach to Public Safety Psychology.
Every colored line represents those who serve their community and put others first. Thin Line Psychology proudly serves those who serve others.
Craig D. Childs, PhD
Owner, Licensed Police & Public Safety Psychologist
Dr. Childs serves as the owner and managing partner of this firm. Dr. Childs is a subject matter expert related to Police and Public Safety Psychology and has personally conducted psychological evaluations and counseling sessions for over 150 public safety agencies throughout the United States during his 17-year career. He is approved to practice interjurisdictional telepsychology (APIT) through the PSYPACT Commission and is able to work with departments and individual clients virtually in 42 of the 50 states (https://psypact.gov/page/psypactmap).
Dr. Childs currently serves as a volunteer member of the multi-jurisdictional Suburban Critical Incident Team (SCIT – mental health advisor to the hostage negotiation team). He is an active member of several national, professional organizations such as the International Association of Chiefs of Police’s Police Psychological Services Section (IACP-PPSS) and the American Psychological Association (APA). Dr. Childs has also served as a member of an IACP taskforce responsible for writing the IACP-PPSS’s national Fitness For Duty Evaluation Guidelines. He has presented numerous times regarding public safety psychology matters for the WI State Fire Chiefs Association, WI Chiefs of Police Association, the WI Police Executive Group, and other organizations. He holds a doctorate in Counseling Psychology through the University of Georgia, a master’s degree in Counseling through Michigan State University, and a bachelor’s degree in Psychology through Taylor University.
Dr. Childs is a lifelong Detroit Lions fan, we all have our faults. He enjoys time with his family, long cooking sessions with his smoker, and will happily talk with you about which LEGO set he is working on if asked (or even if not asked).
Dr. Childs serves as the owner and managing partner of this firm. Dr. Childs is a subject matter expert related to Police and Public Safety Psychology and has personally conducted psychological evaluations and counseling sessions for over 150 public safety agencies throughout the United States during his 17-year career. He is approved to practice interjurisdictional telepsychology (APIT) through the PSYPACT Commission and is able to work with departments and individual clients virtually in 42 of the 50 states (https://psypact.gov/page/psypactmap).
Dr. Childs currently serves as a volunteer member of the multi-jurisdictional Suburban Critical Incident Team (SCIT – mental health advisor to the hostage negotiation team). He is an active member of several national, professional organizations such as the International Association of Chiefs of Police’s Police Psychological Services Section (IACP-PPSS) and the American Psychological Association (APA). Dr. Childs has also served as a member of an IACP taskforce responsible for writing the IACP-PPSS’s national Fitness For Duty Evaluation Guidelines. He has presented numerous times regarding public safety psychology matters for the WI State Fire Chiefs Association, WI Chiefs of Police Association, the WI Police Executive Group, and other organizations. He holds a doctorate in Counseling Psychology through the University of Georgia, a master’s degree in Counseling through Michigan State University, and a bachelor’s degree in Psychology through Taylor University.
Dr. Childs is a lifelong Detroit Lions fan, we all have our faults. He enjoys time with his family, long cooking sessions with his smoker, and will happily talk with you about which LEGO set he is working on if asked (or even if not asked).
Dr. Rachael Goldmann, PsyD, LPC (Licensed Psychologist, Licensed Professional Counselor) is a Marine Corps Veteran and was trained as a Combat Photographer. She honorably discharged in 2007 after repetitive injuries from training to deploy in support of the ongoing wars left her unable to deploy. After her discharge, she dedicated her professional and personal life to serving those who serve. Dr. Goldmann completed her postdoctoral training experience with Dr. Craig Childs, PhD., at Thin Line Psychological Services. Dr. Goldmann has extensive experience working with first responders (Law Enforcement, Fire, EMS, Corrections, Fish and Wildlife, Dispatch), Veterans, and Active Duty Military; she has also worked with spouses and couples. She specializes in treating and educating about Moral Injury, trauma/PTSD, and the myriad of complex issues that can manifest from serving as a first responder/current or prior military. As part of Thin Line, Dr. Goldmann has embedded with SCIT’s Crisis Negotiation Team, training, educating, and consulting with the team and its members for during their training days and is “on-call” if a negotiation situation arises.
Dr. Goldmann graduated from UW-Milwaukee with her Bachelor’s in Communication, minoring in Health Care Administration (2010). She attained her first Master’s degree in Marriage and Family from Edgewood College (2014) where her Master’s thesis assessed and investigated the impacts of PTSD on family members of veterans. She then attended the Wisconsin School of Professional Psychology, earning a second Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology (2018) and completed her Doctorate in Psychology (2023). Her dissertation research investigated the prevalence and symptom presentation and impact of Moral Injury on police officers; it remains the only quantitative study assessing the specific symptoms of moral injury in officers. Dr. Goldmann completed EMDR Basic in 2024. She also frequently works with and alongside peer support teams in the state. She completed CISM training in February of 2025. She is approved to practice interjurisdictional telepsychology (APIT) through the PSYPACT Commission and is able to work with departments and individual clients virtually in 42 of the 50 states (https://psypact.gov/page/psypactmap).
Dr. Goldmann was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. When she is not working, she enjoys spending time with her family (her partner is a Correctional Officer for the State of Wisconsin), avidly watching and supporting Wisconsin sports teams (when her daughter allows her to), cooking and baking, as well as trying new restaurants.
Dr. Rachael Goldmann, PsyD
Licensed Psychologist
Dr. Rachael Goldmann, PsyD, LPC (Licensed Psychologist, Licensed Professional Counselor) is a Marine Corps Veteran and was trained as a Combat Photographer. She honorably discharged in 2007 after repetitive injuries from training to deploy in support of the ongoing wars left her unable to deploy. After her discharge, she dedicated her professional and personal life to serving those who serve. Dr. Goldmann completed her postdoctoral training experience with Dr. Craig Childs, PhD., at Thin Line Psychological Services. Dr. Goldmann has extensive experience working with first responders (Law Enforcement, Fire, EMS, Corrections, Fish and Wildlife, Dispatch), Veterans, and Active Duty Military; she has also worked with spouses and couples. She specializes in treating and educating about Moral Injury, trauma/PTSD, and the myriad of complex issues that can manifest from serving as a first responder/current or prior military. As part of Thin Line, Dr. Goldmann has embedded with SCIT’s Crisis Negotiation Team, training, educating, and consulting with the team and its members for during their training days and is “on-call” if a negotiation situation arises.
Dr. Goldmann graduated from UW-Milwaukee with her Bachelor’s in Communication, minoring in Health Care Administration (2010). She attained her first Master’s degree in Marriage and Family from Edgewood College (2014) where her Master’s thesis assessed and investigated the impacts of PTSD on family members of veterans. She then attended the Wisconsin School of Professional Psychology, earning a second Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology (2018) and completed her Doctorate in Psychology (2023). Her dissertation research investigated the prevalence and symptom presentation and impact of Moral Injury on police officers; it remains the only quantitative study assessing the specific symptoms of moral injury in officers. Dr. Goldmann completed EMDR Basic in 2024. She also frequently works with and alongside peer support teams in the state. She completed CISM training in February of 2025. She is approved to practice interjurisdictional telepsychology (APIT) through the PSYPACT Commission and is able to work with departments and individual clients virtually in 42 of the 50 states (https://psypact.gov/page/psypactmap).
Dr. Goldmann was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. When she is not working, she enjoys spending time with her family (her partner is a Correctional Officer for the State of Wisconsin), avidly watching and supporting Wisconsin sports teams (when her daughter allows her to), cooking and baking, as well as trying new restaurants.
“Our agency has worked with Dr. Childs for over a decade, and we rely on his expertise and experience to hire the best candidates for our profession. As we face the challenges of a changing workforce, we have found his insight to be invaluable. Our department has had great success over the years in hiring and retaining top quality public service professionals and that is a direct result of his exhaustive and detailed pre-employment psychological assessments. I highly recommend Dr. Childs and his staff at Thin Line Psychological Services for any organization interested in improving and refining its hiring process.”South Milwaukee Police Department, Chief William Jessup
“Dr. Childs has been a trusted resource for the Whitewater Police Department for over a decade. Craig always takes the time to provide expert context whether it’s discussing a specific testing result, or the implementation of an agency-wide mental health program. He is truly second to none.”Chief Daniel Meyer, Whitewater PD
“The City of Delavan Police Department has been using Dr. Child's company for at least 20 years. Every review is fair, balanced, and accurate. When I say "accurate", I urge you to pay attention to the strengths and weaknesses outlined. The weaknesses will show as the training or time passes. The evaluation you are given will provide the insight needed to determine if you want to invest in the candidate.”Chief James Hansen, Delevan PD
“I cannot speak highly enough of Dr. Childs and his team at Thin Line Psychological Services. As a Police Chief, one of my greatest responsibilities is hiring people with the utmost integrity and ability to work in the Policing Profession. My trust in Dr. Childs and his staff is invaluable, as they exude the utmost professionalism in their procedure, communications, and thoroughness in psychological evaluations of Police Officer candidates. Our department and community depend on and appreciate Dr. Childs for his high standards and dedicated professional efforts informing these significant decisions.”Chief Matt Rokus, Eau Claire Police Department
“The West Allis Police Department has partnered with Dr. Childs for years to conduct pre-employment and fitness for duty testing, in addition to annual wellness visits. Dr. Childs is a proven professional who has helped us to evaluate potential new officers and to assist the department in navigating through delicate personnel matters. Department members who attend annual wellness visits speak highly of Dr. Childs. Dr. Childs has always treated his patients and clients with compassion and integrity. I would highly encourage partnering with Dr. Childs.”Chief Patrick Mitchell, West Allis PD
“Having worked closely with Thin Line Psychology for the duration of my employment, I have relied upon their expertise in the hiring and maintaining of our organizations Firefighters and Police Officers. I have witnessed firsthand their exceptional capabilities, professionalism and commitment to excellence. They are always responsive to my requests and deliver outstanding results. Thank you Thin Line for being the best at what you do!”Amy Frandsen, Human Resources Director, Onalaska PD,
“Our department has used Dr. Craig Childs and Thin Line Psychology for the past eight years and can’t be more satisfied. The pre-employment evaluation has been a game changer for us in determining our new employees. Dr Childs and Natalie are so accommodating and flexible and very easy to work with. When it comes to scheduling, I can’t be more impressed with their ability to work with our department for a date and time that works for us with our future employees.”Capt. Brad Timm, City of Oconomowoc PD
“Thin Line Psychology’s services have been a proven pre-employment and promotional partner for the Oak Creek Police Department. The information provided is backed by years of research, relevant to law enforcement, while providing excellent unbiased information to aid us in both employment and promotional processes. Dr. Childs and his staff are very knowledgeable while remaining available to discuss any questions that may arise. Having this established long-term relationship is paramount when unplanned situations arise, and we need to utilize their other services.”Chief David Stecker, Oak Creek PD
“The City of Appleton Police Department has had a long-time relationship with Thin Line Psychology and Dr. Childs. Dr. Childs has demonstrated his commitment and dedication to fostering a positive relationship built on trust. He has spent time gaining a deeper understanding of the unique needs of the department to provide relevant feedback. Dr. Childs has a demeanor and approach which quickly puts people at ease. He can effectively assess candidates and employees without causing undue stress and anxiety. I highly recommend placing your confidence and trust in Thin Line Psychology.”Chief Polly Olson, Appleton PD
“I have been working with Dr. Craig Childs for over 10 years in leadership roles at two different police agencies. Over that time, I have exclusively used Dr. Childs for our pre-employment psychological testing. He is professional but also friendly and down to earth. He provides a great written evaluation, and he is available to chat about his evaluation if questions or concerns arise. In addition to the pre-employment testing, I recently called upon Dr. Childs to conduct a leadership assessment for candidates for a Deputy Chief promotional process. His evaluation was extremely helpful in selecting the individual for promotion. Dr. Childs is also well connected in the law enforcement community, which helps him to better understand the unique needs and perspectives of policing. Lastly, Dr. Childs recently re-branded his practice as Thin Line Psychological Services. In doing so, he has brought on new staff. I will say that Natalie is extremely responsive and friendly, and she adds tremendous value to an already great practice. I have only kind words and accolades for Thin Line Psychological Services."Chief Christopher Botsch, Caledonia PD
“We have worked with Dr. Childs in conducting post-offer psychological evaluations for our Sheriff’s Deputies, Corrections Officers, 911 Dispatchers & Medical Examiner’s office for the last 4 years, during which time he has consistently demonstrated a thorough understanding of occupational psychology and the unique demands of public sector positions. Dr. Childs’ evaluations are comprehensive, objective, and aligned with industry standards and regulatory requirements. Dr. Childs’ expertise helps ensure that candidates meet the psychological suitability criteria necessary for roles that require sound judgment, emotional resilience, and high-stress management. Dr. Childs is known for his professionalism, timely reporting, and clear communication of evaluation results. These qualities have made Dr. Childs a trusted partner in our hiring process, providing insights that contribute to informed and fair employment decisions. I highly recommend Dr. Childs to any organization seeking expert post-offer psychological evaluation services.”Trista Murphy Human Resources, Marathon County
“I have worked with Dr. Childs for several years and he is a trusted part of our application process. Recruitment in law enforcement is one of the constant challenges Chief’s face, but ensuring that the candidates we hire possess the desired traits to meet the psychological demands of the profession helps to increase the success and retention of the officers. Knowing that we are sending individuals with the mental fitness and competencies to perform in law enforcement is invaluable and ensures we are doing all we can to provide our community with the best public servants possible. Dr. Childs is committed to the best practices in pre-employment evaluations and has always been willing to adapt to meet our department’s unique needs.”Chief Patrick Patton, Kenosha PD
Our Philosophy:
Thin Line Psychology has spent over 35 years becoming the best Psychological partner for your department. Our practice operates based on two basic principles:
Trust is our guiding principle. Our primary goal is to perform our services with integrity and do the job the right way.
We believe that officer & employee mental health and wellness is too important to be handled by just any provider.
You see, many states, including our brick and mortar location Wisconsin, have little to no standards dictating who can work in this highly specialized area of practice, an area of practice which has grown very popular in the last few years. This means that mental health providers in Wisconsin can refer to themselves as a “Police Psychologist” or a “First Responder Therapist” without any actual training or experience to support this claim. Unfortunately, this means that the onus is on individual departments to do their due diligence when vetting providers to ensure that they are trusting bona fide experts to work with their employees in the most sensitive of areas – mental health and wellness.
Ultimately, the field of Police and Public Safety Psychology requires specialized knowledge above and beyond that which is taught in a general graduate school curriculum. Very few professionals know relevant research literature, follow national best practice guidelines, and have a working knowledge of relevant legal cases in addition to Federal and State regulations related to Police and Public Safety Psychology.
Our Providers are subject matter experts in this highly specialized area of practice who will not only provide high level services, but will do it the right way.
The Time is Now
Contact us to discover how Thin Line Psychology can partner with your agency to serve your team.
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[…] Through his findatopdoc profile, https://www.findatopdoc.com/doctor/1208442-Craig-Childs-Psychologist or through Thin Line Psychological Services, https://thinlinepsychology.com/about-us/. […]