The Colorado Office of Civil and Forensic Mental Health’s Postdoctoral Fellowship in Forensic Psychology is now accepting applications! The program engages fellows in a broad range of forensic practice, with particular emphasis on criminal forensic evaluation. Our program has been recognized by the American Board of Forensic Psychology (ABFP) as meeting their criteria for waiver of the experience requirement in applying for board certification through the ABFP. In addition, when successful in completing board certification, graduates of our program will also be eligible to apply for the American Academy of Forensic Psychology’s Early Career Scholarship Program.
The program is affiliated with the Forensic Psychiatry Fellowship of the University of Colorado at Denver’s School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry; and with the University of Denver’s Postdoctoral Fellowship.
The deadline to apply is Jan. 1, 2024, at 11:59pm MST.
- How to apply
All application information should be sent in pdf format via email to Loandra Torres, PsyD, ABPP, Director of Training: loandra.torres@state.co.us. This data set should include:
- A letter of interest indicating, among other things, the applicant’s interest in the program, what they would hope to achieve by participating in the fellowship, and how this might contribute to their future goals; and
- One de-identified assessment report (preferably not addressing a forensic issue).
- An updated copy of the applicant’s curriculum vitae.
In addition, applicants should arrange for the following information to be sent to Dr. Torres at the
email address listed above:- A letter to Dr. Torres from the Director of Training at the school where the applicant is enrolled via email indicating that the applicant is anticipated to complete all degree requirements prior to 08/31/2024;
- Letters of reference from three persons knowledgeable of the applicant, preferably psychologists, to be sent to Dr. Torres via email; and
- Transcripts from each school the applicant has attended. (Unofficial copies of transcripts will suffice, and can be sent by the applicant).
Application deadline: Jan. 1, 2024 at 11:59pm MST
Notification of invitation for interview: Jan. 8, 2024
Interview dates: January 22, 2024; January 29, 2024 and February 5, 2024.- The interviews typically take up the full morning and into the early-/mid-afternoon (depending on the time zone where the applicant is located). Every effort will be made to honor first preferences.
- Interviews will be conducted by videoconferencing. Any applicant is welcome to visit in- person if they wish; arrangements can be made individually by contacting Dr. Torres. Nothing deriving from an in-person visit will be considered in ranking candidates, however.
- The Forensic Services Postdoctoral Fellowship in Forensic Psychology-Court Services Department-Colorado Department of Human Services is participating in the Uniform Acceptance Date (UAD; referred to by APPIC as the Common Hold Date, or CHD) process for forensic fellowships. The UAD this year is February 26, 2024. We anticipate extending offers for the 2024-25 Fellowship Year on or near February 6, 2024; however, no one will be required to accept an offer prior to the UAD. (Please see the guidelines for this process.)
Program details
- Fellows work primarily at the Colorado Mental Health Hospital in Pueblo (CMHHIP)
- The Fellowship takes place from Aug. 31, 2024 - Aug. 30, 2025
- Fellows are state employees, and receive a monthly salary (approximately $4,100), as well as eligibility for state benefits, including medical and dental insurance, leave time, and a retirement account. Learn more about state benefits.
Training activities
The program provides specialized forensic training through the following types of weekly activities:
- Applied forensic clinical experience
- Weekly seminars
- Expert witness testimony
- Supervision and consultation
Topics covered
Didactic training sessions cover a wide range of pertinent forensic issues and are designed to familiarize and prepare fellows for board certification in forensic psychology. Topics include, but are not limited to, the following areas:
- Case Law Reviews
- Forensic Report Writing
- Ethics and Ethical Obligations
- Competency to Stand Trial
- Other Criminal Competencies
- Juvenile Competency
- Sanity/Mental Condition/Criminal Responsibility Assessments
- Correctional Institutions and Mental Health
- Assessment of Malingering
- Violence Risk and Threat Assessment
- Juvenile Sentencing
- Death Penalty
- Disability and ADA Evaluations
- Testamentary Capacity and Guardianship
- End of Life Decision-Making
- Civil Commitment, Right to Refuse Treatment, and Involuntary Medications
- Supervision and consultation
Supervision is provided throughout the duration of the Fellowship. Much of this is done with the program’s Director of Training, who is board certified by the American Board of Forensic Psychology (ABFP), and the Associate Director; other qualified professionals within the Court Services Department assist as appropriate.
Sufficient individual and group supervision is provided to meet licensure requirements in the State of Colorado (and most other states, as well) and requirements
established by the ABFP.For further information, please contact the Director of Training:
Loandra Torres, Psy.D., ABPP
Director of Training, Court Services Dept.
Colorado Office of Civil and Forensic Mental Health
Email: loandra.torres@state.co.us
(719) 568-2565
- Location
The Colorado Mental Health Hospital in Pueblo (CMHHIP) is a 516-bed acute care psychiatric hospital that provides inpatient behavioral health services for adults, adolescents and geriatric patients. CMHHIP serves civil patients and individuals with pending criminal charges who require evaluations of competency, individuals who have been found to be incompetent to proceed (restoration treatment) and individuals found to be not guilty by reason of insanity by Colorado's criminal courts.
Location - Pueblo/Colorado Springs
Pueblo is located approximately 50 miles south of Colorado Springs, and is on the front range of the Rocky Mountains. It has a population of some 150,000 people. Pueblo is sometimes referred to as the “Steel City” because of its history as a major producer of steel. The city is renowned for its hot and spicy foods, especially its green chile.
Situated at the base of scenic Pikes Peak, Colorado Springs is a larger community, almost 500,000, and offers adventure, history, and majestic views as well as a wide range of shopping, dining, and recreational opportunities. Higher than a mile above sea level, the elevation of Colorado Springs is 6,035’ making it one of the tallest cities in the United States. The climate is enjoyable year round and happens to be one of the sunniest places in the country. Outdoor activities are available for every season. Located amongst rivers and mountains, the area also offers visitors and residents spectacular scenic beauty.