I am a PhD student in a clinical psychology program. I want to one day work in a state or federal prison doing assessments, therapy, etc with the inmates. Does anyone have any knowledge about this career path? It would be much appreciated as well as any resources that you know of. Thanks!
2007-10-24 14:08:23 · 3 answers · asked by Anonymous in Social Science ➔ Psychology
I retired from Corrections, we need people like you, there are plenty of job openings. I worked for the Federal Prison System for 15 years, The pay is good, and there is a federal prison in just about every state and you can move around if you want. The feds have a lot of programs, but remember most are voilent offenders, and they come from backgrounds that the normal person has no idea about. I know they talk alot about suicide to the inmates and staff. They deal alot with the sexual abuse problems that is in the prisons. Alot of drug addiction type programs are going now. I know that you will have a lot of say about how the inmates are treated in the prisons, you will be called upon a lot for your opinion on inmate behavior, sometimes inmates fake problems to get meds or something and they need professional opinions on whether an inmate is telling the truth or not, its a big job, but if you are up to the challenge and you want to help people that is a good place to be.
2007-10-26 10:13:33 · answer #1 · answered by victor 7707 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Opportunities are expanding for psychologists in the prison system. Managed care is becoming a major factor (particularly in Texas) in correctional systems. In an article I read recently, psychologists employed in prison systems, interestingly, rated "job safety" very highly. They are considered correctional officers FIRST, and then mental health professionals. It is possible to be called upon to help with cell searches, for example.
If you are seriously considering future employment in this sector, I encourage you to review the APA accredited internship sites which offer experience in a prison setting. Use http://www.appic.org to run a quick search.
Best of luck to you in your future vocational endeavors,
~M~
2007-10-24 21:17:04 · answer #2 · answered by michele 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The California Department of Corrections always seems to be looking for clinical psychologists ... for a salary of about $100 thousand a year. (I just saw a want ad yesterday.) You should look into that. Maybe someone there can fill you in on what the duties are and what kind of preparation they generally look for.
2007-10-24 23:40:34 · answer #3 · answered by Paul P 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋