The training program has four full-time intern positions. The training year is divided into two six-month rotations and one six-month concentration. The two six-month rotations are Forensic/Clinical-Inpatient (Units 3C and 3D) and Forensic Outpatient Services. Interns gain experience with dually diagnosed mentally ill persons, severely and persistently mentally ill persons, and cognitively disabled persons, all of whom are involved with the legal system.
On Units 3C and 3D, interns participate in the Competency Restoration Treatment Program/Track System by conducting individual and group therapy as well as competency education services. They perform standardized assessments of patients’ progress and adjust treatment interventions to target specific areas. Interns also spend six-months during their Forensic/Clinical-Inpatient rotation developing and refining clinical skills in Illness Management Recovery (IMR).
In Outpatient Forensic Services, interns perform court-ordered evaluations of adjudicative competency and complete written reports. Interns may participate in risk assessments, criminal responsibility assessments, and sexually violent predator evaluations. Interns are encouraged to attend court and observe supervisors provide expert testimony. Additionally, Interns provide clinical services to individuals on the Permanently Incompetent to Stand Trial (PIST) unit.
Center for Behavioral Medicine has implemented the practices recommended by the CDC, outlined below. Where we could, our training program has implemented recommendations from APPIC; however, there are some limitations to the recommendations. Those limitations are as follows:
- We will not be able to provide telehealth services.
- Interns are essential employees and are therefore required to present to work for their full 40 hour work week.
- Working from home is not an option for essential employees.
CBM has implemented the following practices for all employees:
- All staff are required to wear surgical masks while in the building. These masks are provided by CBM.
- All staff enter through one door, where they are screened for symptoms, including daily temperature readings.
- Social distancing is being practiced among staff by having meetings via teleconference whenever possible.
- New admissions to our facility enter a mandatory quarantine for a period of 2 weeks, where they are observed for symptoms prior to being admitted to the patient units.
- Regular facility-wide sanitizing and cleaning following CDC guidelines.
- Employees are being instructed to frequently wash and sanitize hands.
The following protective measures are currently being implemented specifically for our psychology interns:
- Only one unit is allowed to be off-unit at any given time, so as to decrease exposure between patients from different units.
- Groups are taking place in large rooms so as to allow for social distancing.
- All didactics and meetings have been moved to teleconference or large rooms to allow for social distancing.
- Interns desk assignments allow for social distancing.
Applicants: Individuals who match with our program must pass a background check as well as a drug test in order to be hired as an Intern. Because CBM is a state facility, testing postive for ANY illicit substance is grounds for immediate termination. Please reveiw the following for more specific information: https://dmh.mo.gov/about/human-resources