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Site Name: Colorado Department of Corrections

Department: Colorado Department of Corrections Clinical Services

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Department : 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: CDOC Headquarters
1250 Academy Park Loop
Colorado Springs, Colorado 80910
Country: United States
Metro Area: Not Applicable
Denver-Aurora-Broomfield, CO
Distance from Major City: 45 miles South of Colorado Springs, CO
Phone: 719-458-0535
Fax:
Training Director Email: jessica.flermoen@state.co.us
Co-Training Director Email:
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: 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 2
Position Information
Start Date: 08/01/2025
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: 38000
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): There is some flexibility with the weekly schedule. Interns may have the opportunity to work five 8hr days or four 10hr days, per week.
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. 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. Each intern will complete two 6 month training rotations, so as to ensure a well-rounded learning experience. The primary learning activities for each rotation are listed below: 1. Diagnostic Unit Rotation (Centennial Correctional Facility [CCF]; Cañon City, CO) – The primary learning activity for this rotation is psychological testing and integrated report writing. A typical referral question would be a request for diagnostic clarification and appropriate treatment recommendations. Interns will also carry a small individual therapy caseload from the CCF RTP and participate in crisis assessment/intervention. 2. Sex Offender Treatment and Management Program (SOTMP) Rotation (Centennial Correctional Facility [CCF]; Cañon City, CO) – The primary learning activities involve co-facilitating/shadowing sex offender specific treatment groups and conducting Offense Specific Evaluations (OSE). The OSEs typically include sexual interest testing (i.e. AASI-3) and risk assessment measures (i.e. STABLE, Static-99), in which assigned interns will be trained at the outset of this rotation. Interns assigned to this rotation may travel to other facilities in the state to complete OSEs, as needed. 3. Residential Treatment Program (RTP) Rotation (San Carlos Correctional Facility [SCCF]; Pueblo, CO) – The primary learning activity for this rotation is intervention. Interns will conduct individual therapy and facilitate group therapy with individuals suffering from severe and persistent mental illness. Interns will also participate in crisis assessment and intervention. Psychological testing and report writing may be worked into this training experience as well. In addition to housing residents with severe and persistent mental illness, SCCF also houses a Positive Development Program (PDP) for individuals with cognitive deficits and a Dementia Unit; therefore, interns will also have opportunities to intervene with those populations. 4. Residential Treatment Program (RTP) Rotation (Centennial Correctional Facility [CCF]; Cañon City, CO) – The primary learning activity for this rotation is intervention. Interns will have an individual therapy caseload and will conduct regular group treatment. Interns will most often be assigned to the Advanced Treatment Unit (ATU) within the RTP, where the focus will be on delivery of Dialectical Behavior Therapy to individuals with significant personality pathology, although they may have the opportunity to work in other units, if preferred. Crisis assessment and intervention are also a focus of this rotation. 5. Intake and Infirmary Rotation (Denver Reception & Diagnostic Center [DRDC]; Denver, CO) – The primary learning activities for this rotation include crisis assessment and intervention, as well as intake screenings and referrals to specialty treatment programs. Assigned interns will also carry a small caseload of medically ill residents requiring supportive counseling. This rotation may allow for some psychological testing. 6. Residential Treatment Program (RTP) Rotation (Denver Women’s Correctional Facility [DWCF]; Denver, CO) – The primary learning activity for this rotation is intervention. Interns will conduct individual and group therapy with female residents, who suffer from severe and persistent mental illness and/or significant personality pathology. Interns will also participate in crisis assessment and intervention. Psychological testing and report writing may be worked into this training experience as well. 7. Pueblo Complex Assessment Rotation (San Carlos Correctional Facility [SCCF]; Pueblo, CO) – This rotation will be assessment heavy and will involve travel between a few facilities based on need. Specifically, interns will be asked to complete diagnostic evaluations, cognitive testing, and/or neuropsychological screenings for a diverse population of offenders. This would include conducting psychological evaluations with juveniles and young adults in the Youthful Offender System (YOS) to determine diagnosis, treatment recommendations, and whether or not they can withstand the rigors of their programming. Interns may also be asked to complete cognitive and/or neuropsychological testing for individuals assigned to the Positive Development Program (PDP) or Dementia Unit at SCCF, as well as for individuals referred for these programs. Additionally, assigned interns would have the opportunity to complete full testing batteries with females living at La Vista Correctional Facility (LVCF). Lastly, interns may also have the opportunity to maintain a small therapy caseload at either YOS or SCCF.
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: 04/01/2025 11:59 PM EST
Interview notification date: 04/02/2025
Tentative interview date: 04/04/2025
Interview process description:

Prospective applicants will be notified by email of their interview status. This year we will begin scheduling interviews in early April. Interviews will be conducted virtually via Google Meet or Zoom. Interviews last approximately 60-90 minutes. Structured interview questions will be presented by 2-3 members of the internship training committee. Questions will focus primarily on the applicant’s previous clinical experience and goals for their internship training year. The applicant will then have an opportunity to ask the committee any questions they may have. 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 1 psychological testing report, 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 for significant exposure to individuals 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: No
Minimum Number of AAPI Intervention Hours (if applicable): 300
Minimum Number of AAPI Assessment Hours (if applicable): 75
Minimum Number of Combined Intervention and Assessment Hours (if applicable):
Does your program require applicants to submit supplemental materials (i.e., an assessment report and/or a case/treatment summary): Yes
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 Not 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. If you cannot 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, 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. Recent changes have been made that allow Colorado State Employees to use Cannabis, as long as they are not using/intoxicated/impaired while at work.
Program Description

The Colorado Department of Corrections (CDOC) internship is a full-time, 2000-hour training program which is completed within a 12-month time period. Interns are required to pass a background investigation and drug test, as well as successfully graduate the CDOC Training Academy (CTA). The first 2-4 weeks of internship are spent completing Basic Training at the CTA and New Employee Orientation, which prepares individuals to work within a correctional environment. Each intern is able to select two rotations offered as part of the CDOC internship program. Rotations last approximately five and a half months, given the first month of internship is comprised of Basic Training. The clinical training rotations run consecutively to one another, with the transition occurring March 1st each year. A total of seven distinct clinical rotations are available as part of the CDOC internship, which are assigned to four different prison facilities. The facilities are located across the state of Colorado; two in Denver, one in Cañon City, and one in Pueblo. Multiple interns can select the same rotations, which means more than one intern can be assigned to a particular rotation at any given time.

  1. Diagnostic Unit Rotation (Cañon City, CO) – The primary learning activity for this rotation is psychological testing and integrated report writing. Interns will also carry a small individual therapy caseload from the CCF RTP and participate in crisis assessment/intervention.
  2. Sex Offender Treatment and Management Program (SOTMP) Rotation (Cañon City, CO) – The primary learning activities involve co-facilitating/shadowing sex offender specific treatment groups and conducting Offense Specific Evaluations (OSE). Interns assigned to this rotation may travel to other facilities in the state to complete OSEs, as needed.
  3. SCCF Residential Treatment Program (RTP) Rotation (Pueblo, CO) – The primary learning activity for this rotation is intervention. Interns will conduct individual therapy and facilitate group therapy with individuals suffering from severe and persistent mental illness. Interns will also participate in crisis assessment and intervention. In addition to housing residents with severe and persistent mental illness, SCCF also houses a Positive Development Program (PDP) for individuals with cognitive deficits and a Dementia Unit; therefore, interns will also have opportunities to intervene with those populations.
  4. CCF RTP Rotation (Cañon City, CO) – The primary learning activity for this rotation is intervention. Interns will have an individual therapy caseload and will conduct regular group treatment. Interns will most often be assigned to the Advanced Treatment Unit (ATU) within the RTP, where the focus will be on delivery of Dialectical Behavior Therapy to individuals with significant personality pathology, although they may have the opportunity to work in other units, if preferred. Crisis assessment and intervention are also a focus of this rotation.
  5. Intake & Infirmary Rotation (Denver, CO) – The primary learning activities for this rotation include crisis assessment and intervention, as well as intake screenings and referrals to specialty treatment programs. Assigned interns will also carry a small caseload of medically ill residents requiring supportive counseling. This rotation may allow for some psychological testing.
  6. DWCF RTP Rotation (Denver, CO) – The primary learning activity for this rotation is intervention. Interns will conduct individual and group therapy with female residents, who suffer from severe and persistent mental illness and/or significant personality pathology. Interns will also participate in crisis assessment and intervention. Psychological testing and report writing may be worked into this training experience as well.
  7. Pueblo Complex Assessment Rotation (Pueblo, CO) – This rotation will be assessment heavy and will involve travel between a few facilities based on need. Specifically, interns will be asked to complete diagnostic evaluations, cognitive testing, and/or neuropsychological screenings for a diverse population of offenders. This would include conducting psychological evaluations with juveniles and young adults in the Youthful Offender System (YOS) to determine diagnosis, treatment recommendations, and whether or not they can withstand the rigors of their programming. Interns may also be asked to complete cognitive and/or neuropsychological testing for individuals assigned to the Positive Development Program (PDP) or Dementia Unit at SCCF, as well as for individuals referred for these programs. Interns may also have the opportunity to maintain a small therapy caseload at either YOS or SCCF.

Regardless of rotation assignment, interns will participate in weekly didactic training, group supervision, and quarterly seminars geared towards enhancing their learning throughout their training year. 

Internship Training Opportunities

Populations
Infants:
Toddlers:
Children:
Adolescents: Yes
Adults: Yes
Family:
Older Adults: Yes
Inpatients: Yes
Outpatients: Yes
LGBTQ+: Yes
Ethnic minorities: Yes
Spanish-speaking: Yes
French-speaking:
Deaf/Hearing-impaired: Yes
Students:
International Students:
Rural: Yes
Urban: Yes
Low income: Yes
People without housing: Yes
Other:

(training opportunities continued)

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: Emphasis (31% to 49%)
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:

(training opportunities continued)

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: Emphasis (31% to 49%)
Assessment: Major Area of Study (50% or Greater)
Neuropsychology-Adult: Emphasis (31% to 49%)
Neuropsychology-Child: Exposure (1% to 20%)
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: Experience (21% to 30%)
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 2023-2024 2024-2025
Number of Completed Applications: 26 7 7 14 13 9 8
Number of applicants invited for interviews: 22 7 7 14 13 9 8
Total number of interns: 2 1 2 2 3 2 2 3
Total number of interns from APA/CPA accredited programs: 0 1 1 1 1 0
Total number of interns from Ph.D. programs: 1 0 0 0 0 0
Total number of interns from Psy.D. programs: 1 1 2 3 2 2 3
Total number of interns from Ed.D. programs: 0 0 0 0 0 0
Number of interns that come from a Clinical Psychology program 0 1 2 3 2 2 3
Number of interns that come from a Counseling Psychology program 0 0 0 0 0 0
Number of interns that come from a School Psychology program 0 0 0 0 0 0
Range of integrated assessment reports: lowest number of reports written 12 0 6 4 5 6
Range of integrated assessment reports: highest number of reports written 39 25 29 8 21 16
Summary of Post Internship Employment Settings of Each Internship Class (1st Placement)
2022-2023 2023-2024
Academic teaching: 0 0
Community mental health center: 0 0
Consortium: 0 0
University Counseling Center: 0 0
Hospital/Medical Center: 0 0
Veterans Affairs Health Care System: 0 0
Psychiatric facility: 0 0
Correctional facility: 2 2
Health Maintenance Organization: 0 0
School district/system: 0 0
Independent practice setting: 0 0
Other (Academic Psychology Department): 0 0
Link to Program's Trainee Admissions, Support, and Outcome Data:
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