Postdoctoral Fellow

BHN, Inc is now accepting applications for its Forensic Psychology Postdoctoral Training Program!

Are you a recent clinical Psychology PhD or PsyD graduate interested in training to become a forensic psychologist and living in beautiful western Massachusetts?

BHN’s Postdoctorate Training Program in Forensic Psychology is approved by the Massachusetts Department of Mental Health and offered through BHN’s Adult Court Clinic, which conducts court ordered forensic evaluations for the District and Superior Courts in the four counties of western MA.

The fellowship position is located primarily within the courts in Berkshire county - Massachusetts' westernmost region. Berkshire county is well known for its natural beauty, four-season outdoor recreation, and world-renowned arts and cultural institutions. There will also be opportunities for the fellow to conduct evaluations in the three other western Massachusetts counties as well.

Who we are and what we do:

BHN’s Adult Court Clinic consists of highly skilled and experienced forensic psychologists and social workers. Team members are credentialed by the MA Department of Mental Health to conduct court-ordered evaluations of competence to stand trial, criminal responsibility, aid in sentencing, and need for involuntary substance abuse treatment, among others. In this postdoctoral training program, Court Clinic team members will provide the postdoctoral fellow with high-quality training and supervision in forensic assessment and public sector forensic work. We hope to invest in our workforce by engaging new psychology doctorates in this unique work setting and inviting them to join our approachable, collaborative, down to earth, and supportive team.

The Adult Court Clinic’s population includes adults of all ages. The population served spans the continuum of clinical and neurocognitive disorders, from mild psychological disorders and learning disabilities to severe mental illness and intellectual disabilities or brain injuries/illnesses.

The postdoctoral fellow will:

• Have the opportunity to work in court clinic settings, apply psychological principles and knowledge to the legal system, and provide consultation regarding psycho-legal questions to judges, attorneys, probation, and other criminal court personnel.


• Be trained to conduct evaluations of competence to stand trial, criminal responsibility, and other court-ordered evaluations, such as aid-in-sentencing, prisoner-in-need of treatment, and evaluations for civil commitment in Massachusetts related to substance abuse and mental illness.


• Learn to communicate opinions regarding psycho-legal questions via testimony and in written form for the courts, and to make appropriate recommendations for interventions with defendants and respondents.


• Develop thorough knowledge of mental health law related to forensic evaluations of adults, especially in Massachusetts.


• Develop an understanding of the public sector forensic system in Massachusetts, its various divisions, treatment facilities, and allied services, and the ways in which these components interface with the court clinics.


• Remotely attend the same didactic training offered to post-doctorate fellows in forensic psychology at the Bridgewater State Hospital (training is offered via teleconferencing).


• Receive the training and didactic experience necessary to earn the credential of Designated Forensic Psychologist in Massachusetts.

This program is funded through BHN, Inc.’s contract with DMH to provide forensic mental health services to the District and Superior Courts in the western Massachusetts region. 

What are we looking for in a Post-Doctorate Fellow:

• The ideal candidate is invested in joining our team in the Northampton District Court and becoming credentialed as a Designated Forensic Psychologist following completion of the fellowship year and MA psychology licensure.


• Ph.D. or Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology (required).


• Completion of requirements to sit for EPPP exam.


• Strong assessment and writing skills.


• Genuine desire to be a team player.

PAY: $90,000 for fellowship year

How do I apply?

If you are interested in this opportunity, please click “Apply for Job” below or visit our website at www.bhnworks.org and click on “Browse All Jobs” to apply!  You can also email your resume to Elisa Auker at [email protected].

BHN is committed to social justice and diversity and strongly encourages diverse candidates to apply. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.