The intern will be expected to develop care plans for psychiatrically unstable individuals housed in the DRDC infirmary. Assessment of the need for long term inpatient treatment and referral to appropriate facilities will be made. A Special Needs Unit for women with significant mental disorders is scheduled to open in 2001, which will include inpatient treatment as well as step-down planning and reintegration into the general population. The psychology staff works in a number of different modalities. The ability to problem solve, negotiate, communicate clearly, and de-escalate difficult situations with, at times, unpredictable offenders are necessary skills to be developed.
Theory is important but so is practical, timely, problem solving.
Individuals referred to the Mental Health Department are all sentenced as adults, but may be as young as 14, who preent with a question of a diagnosis of a major mental illness or developmental disability. Department of Corrections serves individuals of all ethnic, racial, economic, educational, gender identities, and intellectual levels. Offenders come from rural and urban settings throughout Colorado. A significant percentage of the population has an additional diagnosis of substance abuse disorders. The intern will receive supervision for all clinical activities, including psychological assessment, triage, psychotherapy, and consultation with correctional staff.