Doctoral psychology internship at Colorado Mental Health Hospital in Fort Logan

A Member of the University of Denver Internship Consortium

APPIC Numbers

1. Civil Psychology Track (2 positions): 117623
2. Forensic Psychology Track (1 position): 117615

The doctoral psychology internship at the Colorado Mental Health Hospital in Fort Logan (CMHHIFL) has been in existence since 1964 and has been accredited by APA (American Psychological Association - www.apa.org) since 1966. As of the 2019-20 internship year, CMHHIFL has become affiliated with the APA-accredited program at the University of Denver Internship Consortium. The Consortium is a "partially affiliated" program that gives preference to doctoral students from the University of Denver's Graduate School of Professional Psychology. However, applications from other doctoral programs are actively encouraged and given full consideration. In recent years, the Consortium has regularly matched with students from various Universities throughout the country.

CMHHIFL has a long history of training exceptional professionals in psychology. Over the years, we have trained interns who have gone on to assume leadership positions in public sector psychology. A few of our local outstanding graduates include Dennis Kleinsasser, former Director of Clinical Services at the Colorado Department of Corrections, Mike Ketchen, former Director of Psychology at CMHI at Pueblo, Richard Onizuka, former Clinical Director of Asian-Pacific Development Center, and Harriet Hall, President and CEO and former Executive Director of Jefferson County Mental Health Center. On a national level, former interns include Patrick DeLeon, former Executive Aide to Sen. Inouye (Hawaii) and editor of the journal Professional Psychology and Jeff Barth, Former President of National Academy of Neuropsychology and Chair of Department of Psychology at VA.

Several interns who have graduated from our program have gone on to become part of our staff, including our current Assistant Director of Internship Training and several team psychologists. Further, a number of recent intern graduates have gone go on to very successful careers at local mental health centers, U.S. Navy, and the West Point Military Academy, to name just a few.

The Training Program

Philosophy/Aims/Core Values

The aim of the Health Service Psychology Internship Program at CMHHIFL is to provide high-quality, experiential clinical opportunities, effective supervision, advanced training, and professional modeling, which will further each intern's development. Our training program is organized around the nine core competencies for psychologists identified by APA.

We value the local clinical scientist model, which recognizes the contributions of science as well as the realities of daily clinical practice. We believe in the value of evidence-based practices and require that interns become familiar with the literature supporting interventions for clients with serious and persistent mental illness (SPMI). We continually strive to offer research-informed care and we encourage interns to engage in research and evaluation projects to expand knowledge in the field.

Our training program provides strong generalist skills and seeks to train practitioners who have additional expertise in working in the public sector with clients who experience SPMI. Graduates of our program are particularly well prepared to work in psychiatric hospitals, state psychiatric facilities, community mental health centers, and Veterans Administration hospitals.

The supervisors adhere to a developmental model of supervision and learning. The program is designed to provide incremental responsibilities in which the intern is encouraged to move towards increasingly independent practice. We strive to create a logical, sequential training program that enables each intern to achieve success. While our program is based on experiential learning, training is first and foremost. We constantly evaluate our program to ensure the right balance of service and training opportunities.

CMHHIFL is proud of its long history of APA accreditation. It is one the oldest accredited programs in Colorado, now upholding accreditation through the University of Denver Consortium partnership. We strictly adhere to the APA Ethical Principles of Psychologists and the Code of Conduct. Additionally, through our affiliation with the University of Denver Internship Consortium, our admission and selection process follows the standards of the Association of Psychology Postdoctoral and Internship Centers (APPIC).

CMHHIFL's Department of Psychology and Internship Program is deeply committed to providing culturally competent care to our service recipients. We seek to display cultural humility and value and respect, multiculturalism including race, religion, ethnicity, gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status, socio-economic background, and national origin. Our program emphasizes these principles throughout our training and supervision and our interns participate in the diversity seminar series at the University of Denver. Additionally, we are committed to recruiting a vibrant and diverse workforce and intern class.

The psychology staff at CMHHIFL are committed to providing a courteous, engaging, and supportive learning environment and treating each intern with dignity and respect. We strive to create a collegial training program that optimizes the interns' experience. We have no tolerance for harassment or discrimination of any kind and we strictly adhere to State of Colorado employment policies and procedures as well as the APA Code of Ethics when violations or misconduct occurs. Additionally, the University of Denver Internship Consortium provides procedures for addressing grievances and due process outlined in the Intern Handbook.

CMHHIFL is accredited by the Joint Commission on the Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations. Additionally, the Consortium is accredited by the APA. As such, our treatment services and internship training program are committed to continuous quality improvement. Our psychologists are open to your feedback and suggestions on how to improve our training program and the internship experience. Our entire psychology staff meets monthly to review intern performance and the quality of our training program. Interns are also invited and encouraged to meet with any of our psychology staff at any time if they have questions, concerns, or suggestions for improving our program.
 

Training Opportunities

Overview

The internship at CMHHIFL provides interns with the opportunity to engage in a wide variety of clinical activities with a diverse population of individuals admitted to our hospital. Most clients treated at CMHHIFL have a significant history of mental health issues and have been diagnosed with a serious and persistent mental illness. Many have also experienced significant trauma and may also struggle with comorbid substance abuse. Clients come from throughout Colorado and represent all racial, ethnic, religious, and socioeconomic groups. CMHHIFL treats individuals from various cultural and ethnic backgrounds, the LGBTQ+ population, international clients, and those who don't speak English fluently and may require an interpreter.

Interns at CMHHIFL have the opportunity to be valued members of multidisciplinary treatment teams and will engage in a variety of activities. For most professional interventions, interns will first observe their supervisor, then participate with their supervisor as an observer, and finally, as comfort level and confidence increases, intervene independently with supervision. An intern will never be asked to perform an activity independently unless their supervisor has first observed and feels confident that they have the skills to do so. If an intern is ever asked to engage in something beyond their capabilities, this should be discussed with the direct supervisor or the program’s leadership.

CMHHIFL offers both civil and forensic rotations as we serve those civilly committed, as well as those who are court-ordered to receive an initial evaluation of competence to stand trial and restoration treatment. One of the great strengths of our program is the opportunity for interns to participate and contribute to multidisciplinary teams. Our treatment teams include professionals from nearly every healthcare discipline. Our multidisciplinary treatment planning process involves a wide range of professionals and allows for great learning opportunities. Interns will play an active role in the formal treatment planning process. While training and experiential activities may vary somewhat between rotations, all of the activities below will likely be available at some point during your training year:

• Individual Therapy: Interns carry a small caseload of clients admitted to one of the treatment teams. Interns will have the opportunity to develop ongoing therapeutic relationships with clients and employ a variety of evidence-based interventions that have been shown to be effective in treating SPMI.
• Group Therapy: Interns may conduct several therapy groups per week on treatment teams, either alone or with a supervisor or other trainee. Such groups may be more therapy-oriented or psychoeducational, based on research-informed protocols that have demonstrated evidence of effectiveness.
• Psychological Testing: Interns will have the opportunity to conduct integrated psychological assessment batteries throughout the year. They will also have the opportunity to consult with our neuropsychologist and observe and potentially administer neuropsychological assessments, as appropriate.
• Civil Commitment Process and Certification: Interns who select the Civil Psychology track will observe and participate in the assessment of individuals hospitalized as a result of the civil commitment process. This will involve evaluation of clients, thorough chart review and team consultation, drafting of court documents submitted to various jurisdictions throughout Colorado, and review of legal paperwork with clients. This process, along with the opportunity to observe psychologists' or psychiatrists' testimonies in court proceedings, will allow interns to gain insight into ethical and legal issues that affect our mental health system in Colorado.
• Forensic Evaluation: Interns who select the Forensic Psychology track will have the opportunity to participate and observe activities in our Forensic Services Division, which is responsible for providing court-ordered evaluation and treatment to a forensic population. This includes evaluation of competence to stand trial, evaluation of one's mental condition and/or sanity, competency restoration treatment (inpatient and outpatient), and the care of the Not Guilty by Reason of Insanity (NGRI) population. 
• Competency Restoration Treatment: Interns who select the Forensic Psychology track and those who may opt for a rotation placement on one of our forensic units will have the opportunity to participate in treatment activities on the restoration units, specifically cognitive/psychological assessment, individual and group competency restoration, and learning about/navigating the impact of the competency crisis on our population served.
• Participation in Clinical Administration Activities: CMHHIFL has a variety of clinical management committees such as Cultural Competency Committee, Quality Council, Seclusion and Restraint Review, Elopement Committee, etc. Interns with the time and interest to gain experience in clinical administrative activities may request to be invited to participate in such meetings.
• Supervision: In addition to receiving four hours of supervision per week (two hours of group and two hours of individual), interns will learn throughout the year to become competent supervisors in their own right. Through a model of tiered supervision, each intern will be paired with a psychology practicum student (extern) at some point during the year and gradually work into the role of primary supervisor with the help of his/her direct supervisor.
• Research: As noted, our treatment program is based on science and evidence-based treatments. Interns are encouraged to develop their own research or evaluation project if interested. **Please note, this option is contingent upon the availability of the Internal Review Board (IRB).

The Facility

Our Facility

The Colorado Mental Health Hospital in Fort Logan (CMHHIFL) is a state run inpatient acute care psychiatric facility that values being a training hospital. Training programs within Fort Logan include psychology, psychiatry, registered nurses, recreation therapists, social work, occupational therapists, and music therapists. 

In 2022, CMHHIFL expanded the clinical services offered on campus to now include 138 adult beds, treating both civil and forensic populations. We now have six adult treatment units, including four civil units and two competency restoration units. CMHHIFL works alongside the Forensic Services Division within the Office of Civil and Forensic Mental Health. The Forensic Services Division consists of six departments responsible for serving the forensic population within Colorado. This includes all court-ordered forensic evaluations (Court Services), jail in-reach and judicial liaisoning (Forensic Support Team), inpatient jail based and private hospital restoration programs (JBR), community based restoration services (Outpatient Restoration), case management for the Not Guilty by Reason of Insanity acquittee population (Forensic Community Based Services), and a quality assurance department. This Division partners closely with Fort Logan and serves the entire state of Colorado, providing the aforementioned services with primary office locations in Denver and Pueblo.

CMHHIFL is located in Denver, Colorado at an elevation of 5,280 feet above sea level between the plains to the East and the Rocky Mountains to the West. Denver is a cosmopolitan city with many educational, cultural, and recreational opportunities. Year- round outdoor sports and recreation in the mountains are a close drive. Some staff even elect to live in the mountains (“foothills'') and commute into the city. Most of our interns have lived within Denver proper, where a wide variety of housing options are available, some within walking or cycling distance to the hospital. If you match with Fort Logan, we are more than happy to assist you in determining the best fit for your housing and location needs.

Training Faculty

CMHHIFL Training Faculty

Bradley McMillan, Ph.D. | Chief Clinical Officer
1999, University of Rhode Island, Clinical Community Psychology

I've been licensed in Colorado since 2001, and I joined Ft. Logan as Chief Clinical Officer (CCO) in November 0f 2024. As CCO, I am responsible for the oversight and management of the psychology, social work, and therapeutic activities departments. Together we design, implement, and provide individual and group treatment through a variety of specialized clinical degrees including as psychologists, neuropsychologists, social workers, addiction specialists, occupational therapists, recreation therapists, and creative arts therapists. Besides my work as CCO at Ft. Logan, I've maintained a private practice in Denver since 2001, and I have a regular supervision group for psychology graduate students from the University of Denver. I specialize in trauma-related disorders, and I'm trained in EMDR (level II certification), CISM/CISD and many other therapeutic techniques. I'm a member of APA, APA's Division 29, and EMDRIA, and I have a background in community and organizational psychology. Prior to my work at Ft. Logan, I worked for several years at Denver Health and with the Denver Sheriff Department as a staff psychologist and lead psychologist. Outside of psychology, I enjoy getting together with friends, watching movies, eating out, skiing, and just being creative. 

---

Diana Luckman, Ph.D. | Assistant Director of Internship Training
2014, University of Northern Colorado, Counseling Psychology

I serve as both the Assistant Director of Internship Training/DU Site Liaison, as well as the psychologist supervisor over the civil side of the hospital. My duties at the Colorado Mental Health Hospital at Fort Logan (CMHHIFL) include, but are not limited to: supervising team psychologists, overseeing the internship and externship programs, resolving mental health holds and completing re-certifications, conducting psychological assessments, participating in interdisciplinary treatment planning meetings, developing behavioral plans, and conducting group and individual psychotherapy. My approach to supervision is definitely collaborative. I take a developmental perspective, meeting the supervisee where (s)he is, while emphasizing strengths and the development of autonomy. Generally, I take a humanistic (existential) approach to case conceptualization and treatment, while also integrating techniques from Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). I am also trained in a variety of trauma treatments and always try to view clients from a trauma-informed lens. I completed my Master's degree in Clinical Psychology at the University of Colorado at Denver in 2010 and then completed my Doctoral degree in Counseling Psychology at the University of Northern Colorado in 2014. I completed my predoctoral internship here at Colorado Mental Health Hospital at Fort Logan (CMHHIFL) and then received my postdoctoral experience treating clients with chronic eating disorders. In my personal life outside of the Fort, I enjoy yoga, hiking, traveling, seeing live music, dining at delicious restaurants, and spending time with my family, friends, and cats.

---

Angela R. Gutjahr, Psy.D. | Team Psychologist
2007, Spalding University, Clinical Psychology

I am the team-based psychologist for Team 3. One of my primary duties includes completing evaluations for certifications for involuntary mental health treatment. As a member of the interdisciplinary team, I provide group and individual therapy, participate in treatment planning sessions, and develop special or alternative treatment programs. I moved to Colorado from Indiana in 2012 where I worked for 24 years for a large community mental health center, in various roles as I progressed through my formal education in psychology. My training was heavily influenced by existential, interpersonal and cognitive behavior approaches to understanding human behavior and mental illness. I have a special interest in working with individuals who struggle with chronic suicidality and self-harm behavior. I have received training in DBT and used it extensively for more than 12 years while working in community mental health. I have a passion for helping individuals with severe and persistent mental illness recover to the best of their abilities. In my free time I enjoy gardening, bird watching, baking and reading. I am married with two adolescent boys.

---

Lindsey Bupp, Ph.D. | Neuropsychologist
2018, Wichita State University, Clinical Community Psychology

I am a licensed psychologist and serve as the neuropsychologist for the hospital. My primary duties include completing neuropsychological assessments, providing individual and group therapy as well as cognitive rehabilitation to patients, attending interdisciplinary treatment team meetings, developing behavioral/ incentive plans, and supervising interns and externs. I tend to work through rehabilitation and positive psychology lenses and integrate techniques from evidence-based modalities such as ACT, CBT, and DBT. I earned my master’s degree from Villanova University and my doctoral degree in Clinical Community Psychology at Wichita State University. I completed my predoctoral internship at VA Illiana Healthcare System and my postdoctoral residency and fellowship in neuropsychology and rehabilitation psychology at the Rehabilitation Institute of Michigan, both of which abide by Houston Conference guidelines for training in neuropsychology. Throughout my education and career, I have worked in a variety of settings (e.g., community mental health, inpatient psychiatric facility, academic medical center, physical medicine and rehabilitation, prison/corrections, and Veteran’s Affairs Hospital) with a focus on underserved communities. My areas of specialization include neuropsychological evaluation and consultation, rehabilitation psychology, neurodegenerative disorders, traumatic brain injury and other neurological conditions.

---

Jessica Maura, Ph.D. | Team Psychologist
2019, University of Miami, Clinical Psychology

I am a licensed clinical psychologist and the team psychologist on Adult Team 2. My primary duties include resolving mental health holds and managing involuntary commitments, conducting group and individual therapy, conducting and/or supervising comprehensive psychodiagnostic assessments, supervising interns/externs, and participating in treatment planning meetings as a member of the multidisciplinary treatment team. My area of specialty is psychosis and I largely operate from a cognitive-behavioral framework. I earned my doctoral degree in Adult Clinical Psychology from the University of Miami. I completed my predoctoral internship at the Colorado Mental Health Hospital in Fort Logan and my postdoctoral fellowship in Psychosis Treatment and Recovery at the University of Washington School of Medicine. As a researcher, my work has focused primarily on the impact that culture and other psychosocial factors have on the diagnosis and treatment of schizophrenia spectrum disorders, as well as examining the efficacy of culturally adapted interventions for schizophrenia. Areas of clinical interest also include implementation of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for psychosis (CBTp) in inpatient and outpatient settings, complex differential diagnostic assessment and trauma treatment. In my free time I enjoy hiking with my golden retriever Forrest, stand-up comedy and traveling.

---

Alessandra Solberg, Psy.D. | Team Psychologist
2021, William James College, Clinical Psychology

I serve as the psychologist on Team 6 Adult Forensic Unit at CMHHFL. I am a licensed clinical psychologist with a specialty in forensics and have been involved in creating programming for both forensic units. I work through a humanistic lens and am Jungian at heart. I earned my Bachelor’s degree from Penn State University in 2016, and completed my doctoral degree at William James College in 2021. I then completed my predoctoral internship here at CMHHIFL and underwent a formal forensic postdoctoral fellowship through Court Services of the Forensic Services Division within Colorado’s Office of Civil and Forensic Mental Health. My areas of specialization include competency evaluations, sanity and mental condition evaluations, violence risk assessment, and expert testimony. I am passionate about systemic issues and legislative action, working with underserved communities and individuals with severe and pervasive mental illness, and the processes underlying psychosis.

---

Vera Bublitz, Psy.D. | Float Psychologist 
2021, University of Denver Graduate School of Professional Psychology, Clinical Psychology

I am a licensed clinical psychologist and serve as the float psychologist at CMHHIFL. I completed my predoctoral internship at CMHHIFL and my postdoctoral fellowship at EDCare in their partial hospitalization program for eating disorders. I am very excited to have returned to CMHHIFL as a psychologist. I am passionate about working with individuals who have experienced trauma and I have sought additional training opportunities such as EMDR to be able to support these individuals. Additionally, I have a passion for working with individuals with severe and persistent mental illness, as well as working with underserved populations. I use a compassionate, strengths-based, and integrative approach to therapy, often drawing from DBT and CBT. In my free time, I love to hike, camp, fly fish, and play with my pup.

---

Bethany Perez, Psy.D. | Team Psychologist (Candidate)
2023, Georgia Southern University, Clinical Psychology

I am a pre-licensed psychologist on Team 4 (coed forensic unit). Throughout my predoctoral and postdoctoral training, I have primarily worked with individuals with severe and persistent mental illness, co-occurring disorders, and those opined incompetent to proceed. I particularly enjoy working with underserved and under-resourced individuals in forensic and correctional settings due to my passion for individual and systemic advocacy. In individual therapeutic work, I often utilize an integrative, strengths-based approach, frequently drawing from CBT and DBT to meet the individual needs of my patient. Outside of psychology, my hobbies include traveling, camping, snowboarding, and spending quality time with my (four!) furbabies. 

---

Brooke Davis, Psy.D. | Team Psychologist (Candidate)
2023, University of Denver Graduate School of Professional Psychology, Clinical Psychology

I serve as the Team 1 psychologist candidate at CMHHIFL. I earned both my master’s degree in Forensic Psychology and my doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology at the University of Denver, Graduate School of Professional Psychology. Recently, I completed my predoctoral internship here at CMHHIFL and returned a few months later as a psychologist candidate currently working toward licensure. I maintain a variety of duties at CMHHIFL, including managing involuntary commitments, conducting individual and group therapy, conducting assessments, participating in interdisciplinary treatment plan meetings, and developing support and behavior plans. While my brain enjoys conceptualizing from an intersubjective perspective, I practice from an evidence-based approach utilizing primarily CBT, DBT, and ACT. I am passionate about working with severe and persistent mental illness and have a special interest in the treatment of psychosis. I enjoy meeting clients where they are at while helping them progress to where they would like to be. In my free time I enjoy attending live music events, traveling, taking long walks with my pup, and spending time with my family.

---

Forensic Services Training Faculty

Ashley Gunterman, Psy.D. | Deputy Director, Forensic Services Department
2015, University of Denver, Graduate School of Professional Psychology Clinical Psychology, with a specialization in Assessment

I am a licensed psychologist in the State of Colorado and the Deputy Director for the Forensic Services Division. As the Deputy, I am responsible for the oversight and management of five of our departments including Court Services, the Forensic Support Team, Jail Based Evaluation and Restoration, Outpatient Restoration, and the Forensic Community Based Services department. These departments consist of administrative and clinical staff with varying educational backgrounds and degrees. Together, we offer statewide forensic services to those committed to the department. Prior to joining the Forensic Services Division, I served as the Chief Clinical Officer at Fort Logan, the Director of Jail Based Evaluation and Restoration, and have worked within jails and inpatient hospitals. I received my doctorate from the University of Denver and focused my training and clinical practice in the field of forensic psychology and psychological assessment. I received specialized training at Saint Elizabeths Hospital in Washington D.C. and then began practicing. My areas of interest include program development, program evaluation,  competency evaluation, competency restoration,  and violence risk assessment in high-security forensic settings.

Given the size of our Division and the various training opportunities offered within the Forensic Track, I serve as the primary administrative contact for this program. Supervisors from each department will vary across training years. Typically, the student is provided one primary supervisor from one of our departments who must be a licensed psychologist. 

Training Program: Logistics & Rotations

Logistics

As a Joint Commission accredited facility, all interns are expected to complete an extensive and rigorous New Employee Orientation (NEO). Interns will learn about a wide range of topics including CPR, seclusion and restraint policies and techniques, trauma-informed care, recovery oriented treatment, crisis prevention, and verbal de-escalation techniques. By the time NEO is completed, interns should feel more comfortable working on the teams.

During and following NEO, interns will spend additional time with program leadership, as well as the rest of the psychology staff, to learn more about training opportunities, rotations, expectations from each supervisor, and their styles/theoretical orientations. The internship at CMHHIFL offers a civil track and a forensic track.The civil track typically includes three, four-month rotations; however, the plan is flexible to accommodate training interests. The forensic track includes a treatment rotation and an evaluation rotation with our Forensic Services Division. Interns are encouraged to think about professional goals and career plans when selecting preferred rotations. If interested, the Assistant Training Director can help you get in touch with recent graduates to ask more specific questions about their training experiences as well.

Once interns have learned about the rotations and completed NEO, they will meet as a group with program leadership to coordinate rotation selections. In the past, this has worked out to be a cooperative, supportive effort, where interns have generally been able to obtain their preferred rotations/training goals. Rotation selections are not written in stone. Supervisors are willing to work with interns to modify rotation plans in the event of institutional or personal training plan changes, or if substantive changes in the staff or treatment teams occur. In any particular training year, certain rotations may not always be available. Although we strive to assign interns to their primary selection, this cannot always be guaranteed.

Rotation Descriptions

Civil Track Rotations

Interns typically rotate across three treatment teams throughout the year. One of the main goals for interns on a team rotation is to learn to perform the roles of the Team Psychologist. A primary task for team psychologists is resolving 72-hour mental health holds, initiating or maintaining clients' certifications, signing clients into the hospital voluntarily, or determining that the client does not require inpatient treatment. This role is unique to CMHHIFL, as typically psychiatrists are responsible for certifications. Because of psychologists' role in the certification process, interns gain exposure to the legal aspects of mental health treatment and gain proficiency in assessing clients on grounds for certification, writing court statements, and understanding CRS 27-65 standards. Additionally, interns will have the opportunity to attend certification hearings with the team psychologist and observe their testimony. In some cases, the team psychologist may ask the intern to assist them in preparing notes for court.

On a team rotation, interns are expected to carry an individual caseload of (approximately) three to four clients and facilitate a minimum of at least one group per week. Interns may facilitate a group of their choosing or may be asked to help fill a group based on the team and clients’ needs at that time. Interns also have the opportunity to engage in intake evaluations, psychological assessment batteries, and potentially collaborate with the neuropsychologist on other testing/activities as well. The number of assessments required on a team rotation varies depending on the team and availability. However, the general expectation is for interns to complete between one and two assessments per rotation, with a total of at least four for the training year.

Interns and psychologists may be responsible for creating behavioral interventions through support plans and formal behavioral plans, which are individualized programs that utilize evidence-based and are geared toward positive reinforcement and shaping replacement behaviors. These programs are often requested by the treatment team when a client is struggling with maintaining safe and appropriate behaviors on the unit. Interns and psychologists consult with the team about specific aspects of the plan, and then review the plan with the client when it is completed. Psychologists are responsible for assessing the plans effectiveness and whether or not to extend, modify, or discontinue the plan.

All teams offer clinical services with a strong recovery-oriented, trauma-informed focus. All teams have experienced multidisciplinary staff. On each team, the team psychologist serves on the management group and provides clinical leadership. All teams offer consistent clinical programs, groups, and treatment planning meetings. Interns on team rotations attend weekly treatment plan review (TPR) meetings as part of the multidisciplinary care team. Interns are given the opportunity to contribute to clients' individual treatment plans and are encouraged to provide client updates and treatment ideas in the meetings. When placed on a team rotation, interns are expected to attend Morning Reports (every day at 8am) and team meetings. In many cases, interns have the opportunity to join other team members in family meetings, intakes, and consultations with outside agencies.

Forensic Track Rotations

Competency Restoration Treatment

CMHHIFL recently opened two competency restoration units. Providers on these teams deliver individualized treatment services to a forensic population of individuals who have been found Incompetent to Proceed (ITP) by the courts and ordered to inpatient competency restoration. The team operates in a fast-paced environment and utilizes up-to-date research driven interventions regarding restoration and stabilization. Training opportunities for doctoral interns may include observing and contributing to a forensic multidisciplinary treatment team; participating in treatment planning; shadowing and completing competency screening assessments; co-facilitating competency and/or treatment groups; providing individual competency restoration; and report writing. There may also be the opportunity to observe expert witness testimony when available. 

Forensic Services

This rotation focuses on competency evaluations and treatment designed to restore an individual's competency so that they might stand trial for alleged offenses. Interns will be assigned readings in forensic psychology, including Colorado statutes, case law, and articles from experts in the field. Training will include observing competency and performing competence to stand trial evaluations and the possible opportunity to attend, observe, and offer testimony. In addition, the intern may have opportunities to observe and participate in mental condition, sanity, risk, and release evaluations. There may be the opportunity to tour the jail-based restoration programs, hold a small outpatient restoration caseload, and engage in fieldwork with the Forensic Support and Forensic Community Based Services teams. The rotation may include opportunities for minor research projects, when interested.

Completion of these rotations does not constitute sufficient training for independent practice in forensic psychology. These rotations provide exposure to forensic psychology and should be considered introductory training in preparation for continued postdoctoral training and supervision in forensic and other clinical settings. Interns will be expected to demonstrate forensic-specific interviewing skills, solid understanding of specific diagnostic issues, the production of a clearly written report following the accepted outline, and a greater understanding of best practices in this area. Interns will also gain knowledge of relevant case law, including the Colorado Revised Statutes, as well as the Colorado court system. 

Neuropsychology Department

This department serves all clients and teams at CMHHIFL. Typical referrals involve requests for diagnostic consultation, treatment recommendations, and recommendation for placement and aftercare services. Many clients have cognitive impairment, history of traumatic brain injury, and history of substance use. Flexible yet comprehensive neuropsychological batteries are administered. All evaluations are completed on the individual inpatient units. The Neuropsychology service also provides consultation to treatment teams, family members, and community agencies. Additionally, the Neuropsychology service provides a cognitive remediation group intervention for clients, known at Strong Minds. Interns may have opportunities to participate in neuropsychological assessment and groups as needs arise.

Please note that the training is not designed to meet American Psychological Association Division 40 and Houston Conference guidelines for training in clinical neuropsychology.

Other Rotation Options & Opportunities

Administration/Leadership
Participation in Clinical Administration Activities: CMHHIFL has a variety of clinical management committees such as Cultural Competency Committee, Quality Council, Seclusion and Restraint Review, Elopement Committee, etc. Interns with the time and interest to gain experience in clinical administrative activities may request to be invited to participate in such meetings. *Please note, this rotation is offered as available based upon the Chief Clinical Officer and Director of Psychology’s ability.

Independent Development
There may also be opportunities to develop a rotation that is individualized to an intern's specific training interest. In the past, we have had interns create full-time or part-time rotations in Research and Administration. These rotations require some independence and are typically developed as the final rotation after an intern has completed a team rotation. Interns on the specialty rotations will still have a team home-base and will attend morning reports and treatment plan reviews on those teams. Interns are welcome to propose ideas for rotations and efforts will be made to accommodate these interests, though they can't be guaranteed.

Didactic Training Series 

​​​​​​Didactic Training Series

Interns at CMHHIFL participate in the Friday didactic training series offered by the University of Denver Internship Consortium. These sessions are held weekly on the campus of the University of Denver, a 20 minute drive from CMHHIFL.

The Consortium seminar series covers topics on Diversity, Assessment, and Research. Further details can be found on the Consortium website.

In addition to seminars offered by the Consortium, the staff and faculty of CMHHIFL and the Forensic Services Division offer an extensive, two-week New Employee Orientation (NEO) program, ongoing educational opportunities, and periodic seminars related to the specific population served here.

Sample Work Schedule

Below is a hypothetical schedule to give you an idea of how an intern may spend his or her time. This isn't an actual schedule or template.
Those on the Forensic Track have a similar schedule when participating in their treatment rotation; however, schedules vary widely during the forensic evaluation track due to location of evaluations, court orders, court hearings, and field work. 

	MON	TUES	WED	THUR	FRI
8 am	Morning Report	Morning Report	Morning Report	Morning Report	DU Seminar
9 am	Professional Issues Group Supervision	Certification review	Individual Supervision	Clinical Consultation/Sup of Sup	DU Seminar
10 am	Individual Therapy	Certification write up	Individual Therapy	Report Writing	DU Seminar
11 am	Individual Supervision	Complete Certification	Family Meeting	Report Writing	DU Seminar
12 pm	Lunch		Lunch	Lunch	Lunch
1 pm	Group Therapy	Treatment Plan Meeting	Team Consultation	Treatment Plan Meeting	DU Seminar
2 pm	Individual Therapy	Treatment Plan Meeting	Group Therapy	Treatment Plan Meeting	DU Seminar
3 pm	Individual Supervision	Psych Testing	Family Meeting	Supervision with Extern	Research time
4 pm	Charting	Charting	Charting	Individual Supervision	Research time

Admissions and Applications

Intern Recruitment and Selection Criteria

The University of Denver Internship Consortium and CMHHIFL only accept applications from individuals enrolled in Clinical or Counseling Psychology doctoral programs that are accredited by the American Psychological Association. We especially encourage applications from people with diverse backgrounds. Our internship strictly adheres to the admission processes outlined by the Association of Psychology Postdoctoral and Internship Centers (APPIC) and all applicants must apply through the APPI online application system.

Complete information about the Consortium application and admission process can be found here.
 

DEADLINE FOR APPLICATION CONSIDERATION IS: Mon Nov 4, 2024 (@ 11:59PM)

In order to apply, please download the following:
Internship Training Handbook
Please also utilize the Resources link on the left side of your screen.
 

Complete applications require the following documents:

• Completion of the APPIC Application for Psychology Internship (AAPI)
• De-identified psychological assessment reports
  • 1 report for those applying to the civil track
  • 2 reports for those applying to the forensic track
• Three (3) letters of recommendation

Required Prior Experience

CMHHIFL internship has three rigid application requirements. Applicants must come from APA-accredited doctoral programs, have completed a minimum of three years of full-time doctoral training in Clinical or Counseling Psychology, and obtain a letter of approval from the director of training at their graduate school to certify that they have met their institution's criteria for internship readiness.

As noted above, CMHHIFL does have a strong preference for candidates who have demonstrated interest and/or experience in working with clients who have been diagnosed with serious and persistent mental illness (SPMI). Further, for those applying to the forensic track, we also require some experience with justice involved populations.

Applicants with at least 400 hours of therapy experience and 100 hours of assessment experience are preferred. Candidates without this experience may still be considered in the applicant pool but may receive lower rankings in the final process.

Application Ratings

All applications received are reviewed by a team of psychologists. Each reviewer rates an application on a 1-5 scale, 5 being the highest rating. The categories rated are:

• Clinical experience
• Assessment experience
• Assessment summary
• Academic, research, and professional activities
• Diversity
• Goals and objectives
• Professional characteristics

Interview Ratings

From the pool of applicants, CMHHIFL typically invites up to 25 candidates for interviews. We now offer all interviews virtually. 

Candidates generally have two separate interviews with different members of the psychology staff and are rated on a 5-point scale on the following dimensions:

• General preparation for the interview
• Interpersonal skills
• Clinical knowledge and experience
• Fit

Following the interview process, the entire psychology staff ranks the candidates for the APPIC match.

IMPORTANT NOTE REGARDING APPLICANT EXCLUSIONS: CMHHIFL is a state-operated facility requires a national criminal background check and drug screening. All candidates who match will still need to clear both processes before beginning internship. According to State policy, any individual convicted of a criminal offense involving violence, domestic violence, sexual behavior, child abuse, third degree assault, or assault on a client by a psychotherapist will be excluded from employment. Further, any individual who screens positive for marijuana, THC, cocaine, amphetamines, PCP, and/or opiates without a valid prescription will be excluded from employment. Additionally, CMHHIFL has a mandatory flu vaccine policy. Interns who match with us are required to have a flu vaccine. The only exception is for individuals who have a verified medical exemption or a religious exemption that is reviewed by the CDHS Center for Equal Opportunity and Risk Management. PLEASE NOTE: Although recreational marijuana is legal in Colorado, it is still illegal under federal law. As such, applicants who test positive for marijuana, with or without a prescription, will be ineligible for employment and won't be able to begin the internship.

Internship Admissions, Support and Initial Placement Data

Criteria Used to Screen Applicants at Time of Application

• Must be from an APA-accredited program (in Clinical or Counseling Psychology)
• Must be a US Citizen
• Must have provided a complete application, with accompanying documents
• Must have (close to) the desired number of minimum hours:
  • Civil track - 400 intervention hours; 100 assessment hours
  • Forensic track - 400 intervention hours; 100 assessment hours (higher assessment hours preferred)

Financial and Other Benefit Support for Upcoming Training Year

For more information specific to the University of Denver Consortium, please visit their webpage.

Initial Post-Internship Positions

• Veteran Affairs (VA) medical centers
• Psychiatric hospitals (including other state hospitals)
• Community mental health centers
• Correctional facilities
• Independent (private) practices
• Academic universities

Frequently Asked Questions About Our Program

What are the strengths of your program?

Our strength lies in the ability of the intern to select between two tracks, civil and forensic, as well as the opportunity to work within inpatient and incarcerated settings with a diverse population. Additionally, interns get close supervision and work side-by-side with highly experienced psychologists who know the clients well. Interns can observe their supervisor's work, while supervisors will also provide direct observations and feedback of interns' work.

What is the difference between the civil and forensic population? 

In short, there is very little difference between these individuals. Most are experiencing severe and persistent mental illness and in need of treatment. The primary difference is the legal mechanism with which they are ordered to our care. Civil patients are admitted to our hospital and receive care via the civil commitment statute in Colorado; whereas, the forensic population is court ordered to our services via an open criminal case. Their treatment is largely similar; however, our forensic population may receive additional doses of restoration treatment. 

What are the weaknesses of your program?

While many of the clients we serve are able to benefit from services, many may not present as "high functioning" clients with high levels of insight. Thus, many treatment interventions may need to be drastically tailored to meet clients where they are and may look quite different than traditional interventions one is used to. 

How much testing does an intern do at Fort Logan?

Interns are expected to complete four integrated psychological assessments throughout the course of the internship. The nature and complexity of such batteries can vary significantly. Such batteries may be supervised by any team psychologist or the neuro-rehab psychologist as appropriate.

How many therapy clients would I have?

Interns typically maintain approximately three to four individual therapy clients and conduct at least one group at any given time, either alone or in co-therapy with a supervisor or other trainee. Interns interested in more individual therapy or group experience can negotiate this with his or her supervisor when developing a rotation training plan.

How are rotation assignments determined?

During the first couples weeks of internship, interns meet with all primary supervisors and learn about each team and rotation. Then, the interns meet as a group with the Assistant Director of Training to choose first rotations. Typically, interns will have the opportunity to be assigned their preferences, though the order may vary. In some rare circumstances, interns may get a second choice if multiple interns want the same rotation at the same time.

What are you looking for in an intern applicant?

We consider all of the material you submit: past experience, grades, references, work samples, etc. We think it is important to select an intern whose interests and career goals are consistent with the mission of CMHHIFL and the training experiences we have to offer. of the "match" between the applicant's desires, future goals, and what we have to offer.

I am not from Colorado. What kind of housing is available near Fort Logan?

There is a wide variety of housing available in the city, the suburbs, and the mountain areas. Ask our current interns for more details when you interview, and let us know if you need help securing housing.

What kinds of jobs do people get after they complete a Fort Logan internship?

Our intern graduates typically seek and find work in public sector mental health including hospitals, mental health centers, corrections, or other agencies. Some of our interns go on to do formal postdoctoral fellowships. Quite a few of our graduates have also gone onto private practice settings.

What is the job market in Colorado like?

Many of our past interns who have wanted to stay in Colorado have been able to find jobs here, although they may not have found their ideal job immediately. Since this is a desirable area for young professionals, there is a good deal of competition for desired jobs. Formal postdoctoral residencies are limited in Colorado but we do have several fellow positions within the Forensic Services Division’s Court Services Department.

Contact

For more information, please contact:

Diana Luckman, Ph.D., Assistant Director of Internship Training
E diana.luckman@state.co.us | P 303.866.7751