Program Information: Colorado Department of Corrections - Colorado Department of Corrections Clinical Services

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Member Site Information
APPIC Member Number: 1795
Program Type: Internship
Membership Type: Full Membership
Site: Colorado Department of Corrections
Department: Colorado Department of Corrections Clinical Services
Address: Centennial Correctional Facility
P.O. Box 600
Canon City, Colorado 81212
Country: United States
Metro Area: Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Distance from Major City: 45 miles South of Colorado Springs, CO
Phone: 719-269-4865
Fax:
Email: jessica.flermoen@state.co.us
Web Address:
Brochure Website's Address:
Primary Agency Type: Prison or Other Correctional Facility
Additional Agency Types:
  • Prison or Other Correctional Facility
Member of APPIC since:
Accreditation
APA Accreditation Not Accredited
CPA Accreditation Not Accredited
Internship Staff/Faculty Information
Training Director & Lead / Director: Jessica Flermoen
Chief Psychologist: Jill Lampela
Number of Full-Time Licensed Doctoral Psychologists on Staff/Faculty 7
Number of Part-Time Licensed Doctoral Psychologists on Staff/Faculty 0
Position Information
Start Date: 08/01/2023
Funded
Number of Full Time Slots Expected Next Class: 3
Number of Part Time Slots Expected Next Class: 0
Stipend
Full Time Annual Stipend for Next Class: 30000
Part Time Annual Stipend for Next Class: 0
Fringe Benefits: Dental Insurance, Health Insurance, Life Insurance, Professional Development Time, Sick Leave, Vacation
Other Fringe Benefits (not indicated above):
Brief description of the typical work day for an intern at this training site A typical work day for an intern in the Colorado Department of Corrections (CDOC) will vary depending on the assigned rotation. Interns assigned to CCF's Diagnostic Unit will often conduct daily rounds with offenders in the unit, but will spend the majority of their day administering, scoring, and interpreting psychological testing and then writing up integrated reports. Interns at SCCF's Residential Treatment Program will spend more time in group and individual treatment; whereas, those assigned to CCF Sex Offender ITC will participate in sex offender treatment offerings and conduct offense specific evaluations. Interns at CSP will conduct brief therapeutic contacts with high security offenders, conduct occasional psychological testing, and offer crisis intervention. CTCF interns will conduct daily rounds in the infirmary, offer crisis intervention, but will also conduct cognitive testing and neuropsychological screenings to determine program placement for offenders with suspected cognitive deficits. Regardless of facility assignment, it is important to note that the corrections environment is always changing, thus interns that are adaptable tend to be most successful.
Does this site have practicum psychology students on site? Yes
Doctoral Psychology Practicum StudentsYes
Masters Psychology Practicum StudentsYes
Do Psychology Interns/Postdocs Have the Opportunity to Supervise Practicum Students?Yes
Is this program fully affiliated with one or more doctoral programs? No
Is this program partially affiliated with one or more doctoral programs? No
Internship Application Process
Accepting Applicants: Yes
Application Due Date: 02/03/2023 11:59 PM EST
Interviews at this site are:
  • Optional
  • Preferred
  • Virtual
Interview notification date: 12/15/2022
Tentative interview date: 01/09/2022
Interview process description:

Prospective applicants will be notified by email of their interview status. We typically begin scheduling interviews in early to mid-January. We will be offering both on-site and virtual interviews, depending on the status of covid-19 pandemic at that time. For applicants who wish to interview virtually, they will be invited to interview via Zoom, Google Meet, or phone. Interviews typically last for 60-90 minutes. The structured interview questions will be presented by 2-3 members of the training committee. Questions will focus primarily on the applicant’s previous clinical experience. The applicant will then have an opportunity to ask the committee any questions they may have. Applicants that attend an in-person interview will be allowed to tour one of the prison facilities. There may be an opportunity to participate in a virtual open house later in January, which would allow applicants an opportunity to engage with the larger training committee, as well as current interns. Participation in this activity is not mandatory. Details regarding the dates offered for open house will be shared during the interview process. Applicants will be provided contact information for current interns, which will allow them the opportunity to request information regarding their specific training experiences. 

Applicants must submit 2 psychological testing reports, 3 letters of reference, graduate transcripts and a curriculum vitae. 

 

How to obtain application info: Email the Program
Preferred method of contacting the program: Email the Program
We have matched with interns from these programs: Interns from both forensic and clinical psychology programs have matched with our site. Although our site has a strong forensic/corrections focus, it also allows significant exposure to offenders suffering from a wide range of mental illness.
Internship Applicant Requirements
US Citizenship Required: Yes
If NOT a U.S. Citizen, Authorization to Work or to Engage in Practical Training (CPT or OPT) in the US is Required: No
Canadian Citizenship Required: No
If NOT a Canadian Citizen, Authorization to Work in Canada or to Engage in Practical Training (CPT or OPT) in Canada is Required: No
Masters Degree Required: No
Comprehensive Exams Passed: Yes, by ranking deadline
Dissertation Proposal Approved: Yes, by ranking deadline
Dissertation Defended: Yes, by start of internship
Minimum Number of AAPI Intervention Hours (if applicable): 500
Minimum Number of AAPI Assessment Hours (if applicable): 200
Minimum Number of Combined Intervention and Assessment Hours (if applicable):
Minimum Number of Years of Grad Training Required (if applicable): 2
Accepted / Not-Accepted Program Types
Clinical Psychology Accepted
Counseling Psychology Accepted
School Psychology Not Accepted
APA-Accredited Accepted
CPA-Accredited Accepted
PCSAS-Accredited Accepted
Non-Accredited Accepted
Ph.D Degree Accepted
Psy.D. Degree Accepted
Ed.D. Degree Accepted
This institution, department, internship, or postdoctoral program requires trainees to sign a statement about personal behavior and/or religious beliefs as a condition of admission and/or retention in the program: Yes
How to obtain text of statement: Applicants must pass a thorough background investigation and integrity interview prior to beginning the internship. If you have matched with CDOC, you must be able to pass an integrity interview that will review your criminal background over the last 5 years. If you can't pass the integrity interview, then the internship cannot occur. You will also be required to review and follow CDOC's code of conduct and dress code policy, which largely addresses professionalism. These documents can be found by following this link: https://cdoc.colorado.gov/about/department-policies.
Other Requirements: You must complete and pass a drug test (to include THC), criminal background check, and the Basic Training Academy (approximately 3-4 weeks), before you begin on-site training. Covid-19 vaccination is recommended, but no longer required.
Program Description

The Colorado Department of Corrections (CDOC) internship is a full-time, 2000 hour program which will be completed within a 12 month period. Interns are required to complete a background investigation, pass a drug test, and graduate the CDOC Training Academy (CTA). Interns are offered the opportunity to complete two training rotations during the 12 month assignment. There are 5 rotations available to include:

(1)   Centennial Correctional Facility (CCF) located in Canon City, contains a Residential Treatment Program (RTP). This facility houses offenders suffering from significant personality pathology and/or major mental illness. Interns assigned to this rotation will conduct both group and individual therapy, and conduct crisis assessment/intervention.

(2)   Centennial Correctional Facility (CCF) located in Canon City, contains the Diagnostic Unit. This facility houses offenders suffering from significant personality pathology and/or major mental illness. Interns assigned to this rotation will have a small clinical caseload, but will largely focus on conducting diagnostic assessments.

(3)   Centennial Correctional Facility (CCF) located in Canon City primarily houses medium custody offenders. Assigned interns will function as part of the Sex Offender Treatment and Management Program (SOTMP). Interns assigned to this rotation will shadow sex offender groups, carry a small individual therapy caseload, and conduct Offense Specific Evaluations.

(4)   Colorado Territorial Correctional Facility (CTCF) located in Canon City, is a Medium Security facility. Within this facility there are several program specific units, including the Positive Development Program (PDP) and the Infirmary. Interns will learn crisis assessment and intervention by working with offenders in the infirmary who are typically experiencing significant emotional/behavioral dysregulation or severe psychosis. The intern will also conduct cognitive testing and neuropsychological screening to determine if the offenders are in need of services within the PDP program. They will also maintain a large caseload, which focuses on brief, solution-focused intervention. Group facilitation may also be an expectation.  

(5)   San Carlos Correctional Facility (SCCF) located in Pueblo, is an RTP like CCF, but serves those offenders with more severe mental illness and also those with cognitive deficits (PDP or Dementia). Interns assigned to this facility will be offering group and individual therapy to offenders experiencing varying degrees of psychosis or mood symptoms. Interns will be educated regarding the Token Economy used with offenders that suffer from both major mental illness and cognitive deficits. Additionally, they will participate in crisis assessment and diagnostic testing as needed.  

All of these facility rotations offer a range of mental health services, such as diagnostic testing, individual therapy, sex offender treatment, crisis assessment, and group treatment to offenders that vary in security level and mental health needs. Interns will also participate in weekly group supervision and didactic seminars covering topics ranging from ethics and diagnostic decision-making to those more focused on working within a correctional/forensic environment. Interns will also participate in two different quarterly seminars, one focused on topics related to assessment and another focused on diversity. The internship training committee also facilitates a monthly journal club for the internship cohort. Tours of different correctional and clinical facilities will also be conducted, allowing interns the opportunity to explore treatment offerings in various settings. 

Internship Training Opportunities

Populations

Children:
Adolescents:
Adults: Yes
Family:
Older Adults: Yes
Inpatients: Yes
Outpatients: Yes
Gay/lesbian/bisexual/transgender: Yes
Ethnic minorities: Yes
Spanish-speaking: Yes
French-speaking:
Deaf/Hearing-impaired: Yes
Students:
International Students:
Rural: Yes
Urban: Yes
Low income: Yes
Homelessness: Yes
Other:

Treatment Modalities

Assessment: Major Area of Study (50% or Greater)
Individual Therapy: Major Area of Study (50% or Greater)
Couples Therapy:
Family Therapy:
Group Therapy: EMPHASIS (31% to 49%)
Community Intervention: EXPOSURE (1% to 20%)
Consultation/Liaison: EXPERIENCE (21% to 30%)
Crisis Intervention: EXPERIENCE (21% to 30%)
Brief Psychotherapy: EXPERIENCE (21% to 30%)
Long-term Psychotherapy: EXPERIENCE (21% to 30%)
Cognitive Rehabilitation: EXPERIENCE (21% to 30%)
Primary Care: EXPOSURE (1% to 20%)
Evidenced Based Practice: Major Area of Study (50% or Greater)
Evidence Based Research: EXPOSURE (1% to 20%)
Supervision of Practicum students : EXPOSURE (1% to 20%)
Other:

Experience

Health Psychology: EXPOSURE (1% to 20%)
Women's Health: EXPOSURE (1% to 20%)
HIV/AIDS: EXPOSURE (1% to 20%)
Eating Disorders: EXPOSURE (1% to 20%)
Sexual Disorders: EXPERIENCE (21% to 30%)
Sports Psychology:
Rehabilitation Psychology: EXPOSURE (1% to 20%)
Physical Disabilities: EXPOSURE (1% to 20%)
Learning Disabilities: EXPERIENCE (21% to 30%)
Developmental Disabilities: EXPERIENCE (21% to 30%)
Assessment: Major Area of Study (50% or Greater)
Neuropsychology-Adult: EMPHASIS (31% to 49%)
Neuropsychology-Child:
Serious Mental Illness: Major Area of Study (50% or Greater)
Anxiety Disorders: EMPHASIS (31% to 49%)
Trauma/PTSD: EMPHASIS (31% to 49%)
Sexual Abuse: EXPERIENCE (21% to 30%)
Substance Use Disorders: EXPERIENCE (21% to 30%)
Forensics/Corrections: Major Area of Study (50% or Greater)
Sexual Offenders: EXPERIENCE (21% to 30%)
Geropsychology: EXPERIENCE (21% to 30%)
Pediatrics:
School:
Counseling: EMPHASIS (31% to 49%)
Vocational/Career Development: EXPOSURE (1% to 20%)
Multicultural Therapy: EXPERIENCE (21% to 30%)
Feminist Therapy: EXPOSURE (1% to 20%)
Religion/Spirituality: EXPOSURE (1% to 20%)
Empirically-Supported Treatments: EMPHASIS (31% to 49%)
Public Policy/Advocacy: EXPOSURE (1% to 20%)
Program Development/Evaluation: EXPOSURE (1% to 20%)
Supervision: EXPOSURE (1% to 20%)
Research:
Administration: EXPOSURE (1% to 20%)
Integrated health care - primary:
Integrated health care - specialty:
Other:

Additional information about training opportunities: Not all rotations or training experiences may be available as described in the APPIC Directory. Please consult the program's application materials or their website at: for a complete description of the training opportunities available at this training site. IF the site has not updated their information by August 1, feel free to contact the Training Director for additional information.

Summary of the Characteristics of the Specified Internship Class
2017-2018 2018-2019 2019-2020 2020-2021 2021-2022 2022-2023
Number of Completed Applications: 26 7 7 14 13
Number of applicants invited for interviews: 22 7 7 14 13
Total number of interns: 2 1 2 2 3 2
Total number of interns from APA/CPA accredited programs: 0 1 1 1
Total number of interns from Ph.D. programs: 1 0 0 0
Total number of interns from Psy.D. programs: 1 1 2 3 2
Total number of interns from Ed.D. programs: 0 0 0 0
Number of interns that come from a Clinical Psychology program 0 1 2 3 2
Number of interns that come from a Counseling Psychology program 0 0 0 0
Number of interns that come from a School Psychology program 0 0 0 0
Range of integrated assessment reports: lowest number of reports written 12 0 6 4
Range of integrated assessment reports: highest number of reports written 39 25 29 8
Summary of Post Internship Employment Settings of Each Internship Class (1st Placement)
2016-2017 2017-2018 2018-2019 2019-2020 2020-2021 2021-2022
Working on dissertation/Student: 1 0 0 1 1 0
Postdoctoral Fellow: 0 0 0 0 0 0
Community Mental Health Center: 0 0 0 0 0 0
Health Maintenance Organization: 0 0 0 0 0 0
Veteran's Affairs Medical Center: 0 0 0 0 0 0
Military Medical Center: 0 0 0 0 0 0
Private General Hospital: 0 0 0 0 0 0
General Hospital: 0 0 0 0 0 0
Other Medical Center: 0 0 0 0 0 0
Private Psychiatric Hospital: 0 0 0 0 0 0
State/County/Other Public Hospital: 2 0 0 0 0 0
Correctional Facility: 1 1 1 1 0 2
School District/System: 0 0 0 0 0 0
University Counseling Center: 0 0 0 0 0 0
University Teaching Faculty: 0 0 0 0 0 0
2 or 4 year Undergraduate Teaching Position: 0 0 0 0 0 0
Medical School: 0 0 0 0 0 0
Academic Non-Teaching Position: 0 0 0 0 0 0
Research Position: 0 0 0 0 0 0
Independent Practice: 0 1 0 0 1 1
Other (e.g. consulting): 0 0 0 0 0 0
Not Currently Employed: 0 0 0 0 1 0
Changed to Other Career Field: 0 0 0 0 0 0
Unknown: 2 0 0 0 0 0