Originally the U.S. Narcotics Farm, Federal Medical Center- Lexington was activated in 1998 and is now a 1,100‑bed administrative medical facility for males of all security levels, and a 300‑bed minimum‑security satellite camp for females. One of the institution’s primary missions is to provide intensive chronic medical, surgical, and psychological care to adult individuals in custody (AICs). Psychology interns are essential members of our respected department and receive high‑quality training rooted in a generalist model.

All interns complete a six‑month General Population rotation, gaining experience in assessment, crisis intervention, individual and group therapy, case conceptualization, de‑escalation, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Interns serve male and female AICs in general population, inpatient areas, secure medical units, and the Special Housing Unit. Rotations last six months and are selected collaboratively based on intern preference, supervisory availability, and clinical fit. Preferences may be expressed in the cover letter, at the start of internship, or midway through the training year. We try to accomodate interns first preference for electives. Several rotations may host more than one intern.

Elective Rotations:

The Dual Diagnosis Residential Drug Abuse Program (DD‑RDAP) is a residential modified therapeutic community (MTC) serving male AICs with co‑occurring severe mental illness and chronic substance use disorders. FMC Lexington hosts the FBOP’s only active all‑male DD‑RDAP. Because participants often present with significant acuity, groups are smaller and individual therapy and crisis management occur more frequently. Interns collaborate closely with medical and correctional staff in support of integrated treatment.

The Residential Drug Abuse Program (RDAP), nationally recognized across the FBOP, originated at FMC Lexington as the pilot model for the systemwide MTC approach. RDAP emphasizes Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy and includes a required Yalom‑inspired process‑oriented group. Interns become essential members of the inpatient treatment team and gain experience in group psychotherapy, motivational interviewing, assessing stages of change, diagnostic interviewing, psychosocial assessment, reentry planning, conflict resolution, and long‑term substance use conceptualization. RDAP interns also conduct trauma, substance, and mental health diagnostic assessments for women at the satellite camp.

Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) was created in response to the opioid crisis and combines pharmacological and psychological interventions for opioid and alcohol use disorders. Treatment emphasizes relapse prevention, harm reduction, distress tolerance, and release planning. While primarily group based, individual therapy is provided as needed. Interns collaborate extensively with medical staff, strengthen diagnostic skills related to opioid and alcohol use, and train at the FMC and female camp.

Nonresidential Drug Abuse Programming (NRDAP) provides outpatient, group‑based treatment for males and females in general population and often functions as an informal precursor to RDAP. Interns participate in screenings, psychosocial assessments, structured group sessions, and measurable treatment planning. NRDAP often provides flexibility for split‑rotation training experiences that expand clinical breadth.

The Serious Mental Illness (SMI) program is an evidence‑based, semi‑structured treatment program serving male AICs with persistent and severe mental illness requiring weekly psychological and psychiatric interventions. Interns learn advanced case conceptualization, treatment planning, crisis intervention, and co‑train the suicide‑watch cadre. Participants typically live near one another and clinician offices to support continuity of care.

The Resolve Program, housed at the female camp, provides intensive outpatient trauma‑focused individual therapy, group therapy, crisis contacts, and standardized assessment. The camp may be closed for future training opportunities but remains open at this time. Resolve may or may not be offered with male AICs in the future.

The Forensics rotation is a highly competitive program which provides supervised training in competency and criminal responsibility evaluations for pre‑trial federal defendants. Interns gain experience in forensic interviewing, psychological testing, diagnostics, collateral communication with legal partners, report writing, and observing or assisting in expert witness testimony.

Across all experiences, interns receive training in individual therapy, group therapy, assessment, crisis intervention, de‑escalation, and forensic psychology. Additional opportunities include mock trials, observing courtroom testimony, supervising practicum students, and contributing to public health initiatives. FMC Lexington’s internship prepares ethical, generalist psychologists emphasizing evidence‑based practice and collaborative care.