Training Opportunities for Corrections Practice: A National Survey of Doctoral Psychology Programs

Few empirical studies have examined how doctoral psychology training programs introduce corrections as an area of study or a venue for practice, making it difficult to understand the link between academic programs and a psychology services workforce in corrections. A representative group of directors of American Psychological Association accredited doctoral programs in clinical and counseling psychology (N = 170) were surveyed for information on corrections coursework, faculty interest, and practicum opportunities. More than half the programs offered exposure to clinical practice in corrections; largely practicum and rarely specific coursework. Faculty considerations were the most frequently nominated factors that limited correctional training in doctoral programs. The discussion focuses on implications for policy and practice in the training of the corrections workforce and in developing corrections-competent faculty.