Expert: Jean M Mahan - 3/10/2011

Question
QUESTION: I am working towards my Masters Degree in Forensic Psychology and need to interview someone who worked in a correctional setting and is also a forensic psychologist. I read your bio and would very much like to email you my questions if I can and would appreciate a response. I did not know how to email directly but can be reached at my email jmhpanda47@yahoo.com.
Thanks so much.

ANSWER: Sorry, I answer questions only through this website.

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QUESTION: Not sure if your still working at a correctional facility but if you are or did how long have you been working here?
What is the composition of the population with whom you work? (For example, gender, age range, type of offenses, length of incarceration, diagnosis, and so on.)
How many inmates who are receiving mental health services do you have on the unit?
What is the composition of the staff on the unit? (For example, psychiatrist, psychologist, nurse, master’s level mental health professional, mental health technician, correctional officer, and so on.)
What type of activities do you perform on the unit?
Would you please describe a typical day on the unit?
What type of therapy is provided to the inmates? (For example, pharmacotherapy, group therapy, individual therapy, and so on.)
Is there any particular theoretical orientation used on the unit?
In our course, we are learning about the complex risk factors that lead to criminal behavior, such as genetics, family situations, and environmental factors. What would you identify as the single most important cause of criminal behavior among the inmates that you work with?
Do you have any ideas or opinions regarding potential prevention programs?
What type of educational background is necessary to obtain a position such as yours?
What would you estimate the staring salary to be for a recent graduate with a master’s degree in forensic psychology?
On a scale of one to ten, with ten being the highest, how would you rate your job satisfaction?
What advice would you offer a person pursuing a position in your field?

ANSWER: Have been retired for ten years. Worked there 11 years. Have no idea of the exact demographics, don't think anyone/administration ever took it. Most of the inmates were never diagnosed, but 2/3's of inmates were black, 2/3's were in prison on a drug related offense, ave age prob around 35.. "Bout 5% were sex offenders. Didn't have a unit specific for inmates receiving MH services. Facility houses 1200 inmates, turnover time approx. 6 months.

Had a part time psychiatrist, 2x month for 4 hours. No other psychs or MH professionals. 6 counselors for 1200 inmates, each counselor responsible for 2 units. Counselors not MH counselors, mainly dealt with parole issues, good time and release issues. No nurse specifically assigned to MH. Each inmate housing unit had 2 officers per shift.

For entire facility  I did crisis intervention, referral to Psychiatrist, evaluated segregation inmates, trained guards and counselors in MH issues/referrals, trained MH team (consisted of guards, gym staff, and counselors) on crisis intervention and referrals to me. Presented overview of services to incoming inmates, group counseling for sex offenders & physical abusers& inmates who were sex abuse victims, did relaxation training for general pop. (total of 4 groups per week) Had 2 crisis cells for extreme problems i.e. psychotics, suicidal inmates, grief stricken, and inmates with coping problems. Bout 1/2 of which were transferred to inpatient facility in other prisons. Did individual therapy daily, had about 40 ind. on caseload. Checked monthly on inmates receiving psych meds. Did what I called a "walk-about" couple times a week throughout housing units, GED school, college school, dietary, and vocational schools to judge problems that were developing and check general atmosphere of prison.

Single most important cause of criminal behavior was the desire for revenge (societies or personal affront reactions) and of course the horrible ghetto/poverty situations in large cities only big money earners they saw were drug dealers. Hopelessness was rampant.
Low self esteem seemed to be universal. The more hope or personal esteem I could inject the greater the recovery and recidivism rate was lowered. Empathy is a HUGE necessity to stop crime. Another HUGE program that drastically reduced recidivism was education, almost NONE who received GED, college or vocational training returned to prison.Almost NONE who received relaxation/meditation on weekly basis returned.

Prevention programs I started and then trained counselors to take over were big successes with long waiting lists, i.e. prisoners voluntarily attended. Lifestyle redirection was a 12 week course, 4 hours per day, that was modeled after my violence prevention program. Parenting was another big prevention program. Inmates who were US Veterans also had a group started by me and then run by a counselor.

Most prisons require a PHD or equivalent, I was an equivalent (tested). Starting salary in my state was about 35,000 with 3.5% raise per year for first 10 years please 3.5% cost of living every year. I ended up at $67,000 after 11 years. Was in union. Other psychs not in union did not get those guaranteed raises.

Satisfaction absolute 10. But then I did a good job, most psychs didn't. Schooling doesn't prepare a person to do therapy.

Theoretical orientation is reality therapy, they are not rocket scientists.



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QUESTION: May I ask what State Correctional Facility you were at?

Answer
Taylorville, Il. State Correctional Center

Oh, a clarification to my previous answer, When I said empathy was a huge factor, I meant to say that for inmates to LEARN empathy was a huge factor in lessening recidivism. They tend to dehumanize their victims.