Rotations
Forensic Evaluation
Six Month Rotation
Forensic Treatment
Six Month Rotation
The three unit, 65-bed inpatient competency restoration units serve patients committed to the Missouri Department of Mental Health as Incompetent to Stand Trial. Based on their pretrial diagnoses, symptomatology, and treatment needs, patients’ progress through an individualized treatment track involving psychopharmacological, psychosocial, and/or educational components. Under supervision of a licensed psychologist, interns gain experience identifying, implementing, and evaluating treatment approaches based on case conceptualization, psychological assessment, and collaboration with the unit’s multidisciplinary team. Interns gain knowledge of statutory and psycho-legal issues related to the treatment and evaluation of forensic patients committed as Incompetent to Stand Trial.
On the Forensic Evaluation rotation, interns acquire a working knowledge of Criminal-Forensic Psychology, particularly as it applies to the issues of competency to stand trial and criminal responsibility. This training experience focuses on conducting and writing pretrial court-ordered evaluations under the provisions of the Revised Statutes of Missouri. Initially, interns observe supervisors and gradually move toward performing evaluations under supervision. Interns also learn to write concise reports for courts. Interns may have the opportunity to testify as an expert. Finally, interns gain knowledge about psycho-legal issues.
For their Forensic Treatment rotation, interns are members of CBM's inpatient treatment program, Recovery and Restoration Academy, developing clinical competencies and refining skills. Interns gain experience with dually diagnosed mentally ill persons, severely and persistently mentally ill persons, and cognitively disabled persons, all of whom are involved with the legal system. In addition to IMR (see below for more details), interns may request or be requested to participate in other Recovery and Restoration Academy groups, such as DBT, ACT, anger management, substance use, etc.
Illness Management and Recovery (IMR)
Six Month Experience
The IMR program is designed for individuals diagnosed with serious and persistent mental illnesses (Bipolar or Schizophrenia spectrum disorders), and offers therapy to assist patients to better understand the causes and symptoms of their mental illness and to find effective coping mechanisms for managing their symptoms. As a member of the IMR team, an intern will facilitate IMR groups, provide individual services for one or two patients, participate in weekly committee team meetings, and consult with treatment teams.
Treatment Experiences
See brochure for more details.
Professional Development
In addition to the clinical/forensic training experiences, each intern participates in research reviews, case conferences, supervision experience, and weekly didactic experiences. There are a variety of didactic courses offered each year based upon faculty availability and training needs. See internship brochure for more details.