|
Previous: Child and Adolescent Psychology Track
It is the philosophy of the NYU-Bellevue Clinical Psychology Internship Program that sound clinical knowledge and skills are the basis of competent forensic psychology as it applies to the psychiatrically impaired population. Consequently, this track maintains a dual focus on both general clinical psychology and specialized training in forensic psychology. Through the two main rotations of this track (the Forensic Inpatient Psychiatry Unit at Bellevue Hospital and the Kirby Forensic Psychiatric Center), the three interns in the Forensic Psychology Track are exposed to both acute-care and long-term forensic patients who are at various stages of involvement with the legal system. Each of these rotations is required of interns in the Forensic Track. The third rotation is chosen in consultation with the internship director.
On the Forensic Inpatient Psychiatry Unit, interns work with incarcerated patients who may be pre-arraignment, awaiting trial or post-conviction. Responsibilities include intake interviews, individual and group psychotherapy and psychological assessments. Interns also serve as the primary clinician for one patient at any given time, and have the opportunity to observe evaluations of competency to stand trial. Participation in treatment team meetings and the preparation of discharge summaries are also required components of this rotation.
The Kirby Forensic Psychiatric Center is a 164-bed maximum-security hospital located on Wards Island that provides intermediate and long-term evaluation and treatment of forensic patients. Most patients at Kirby have been deemed unfit to proceed with trial or not guilty by reason of mental disease or defect. While on this rotation, interns conduct individual and group psychotherapy as well as a weekly fitness-to-stand-trial group. Interns are also involved in numerous forms of forensic evaluations, including evaluations of competency to stand trial, violence risk assessments, and evaluations of dangerousness.
At both of the forensic rotation sites, interns are active members of multidisciplinary treatment teams comprised of psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, activity therapists, nursing staff and other advanced trainees. Participation in these teams provides the interns with numerous opportunities to experience the challenges of balancing legal needs and clinical requirements while also integrating treatment and security considerations. Interns completing the Forensic Track acquire greater knowledge of and sensitivity to the needs of forensic patients, also gaining experience in managing the many legal, clinical and organizational issues that affect these individuals.
Next: Training Goals
|
