NCJ Number
129647
Journal
American Jails Volume: 5 Issue: 1 Dated: (March/April 1991) Pages: 70-78
Date Published
1991
Length
9 pages
Annotation
The development of a cost-effective mental health program at a county detention facility which uses doctoral level students in clinical psychology is described.
Abstract
University of Denver's School of Professional Psychology was presented with the opportunity to use the Arapahoe County Detention Facility as a placement site for doctoral level students in clinical psychology. The students were required to spend at least eight hours a week at the detention center in treatment related activities and could set their own schedules. These students conducted psychological evaluations and testing of inmates with emotional problems and gave referrals for treatment and individual or group therapy. In exchange for these services, the detention center provided on-site supervision by a psychotherapist for one hour a week for each student. From a pool of applicants, three students were selected on the basis of their skills, interest, and maturity. The primary goal of the program is to provide cost-effective comprehensive mental health services and to develop a program that would thrive. Based on these experiences, suggestions are provided for developing a similar system. 2 photographs