1

Prison Psychology Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Clinical Psychologist

Wasco, CA ยท On-site

$113K - $156K/yr

Prison provides educational opportunities, vocational training, and substance abuse treatment ... Doctoral Degree in Psychology from a graduate program accredited by the American Psychological ...

Clinical Psychologist

Wasco, CA ยท On-site

$113K - $156K/yr

Prison provides educational opportunities, vocational training, and substance abuse treatment ... Doctoral Degree in Psychology from a graduate program accredited by the American Psychological ...

Showing results 41-60

Prison Psychology information

See salary details

$15

$28

$58

How much do prison psychology jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for prison psychology in the United States is $28.74, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.23 and $35.82 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is prison psychology?

A prison psychology job involves assessing and treating the mental health needs of incarcerated individuals. Prison psychologists provide therapy, conduct psychological evaluations, and help inmates manage issues like trauma, substance abuse, and behavioral disorders. They also assist with rehabilitation programs, crisis intervention, and risk assessments to ensure inmates receive appropriate care. Additionally, they may work with prison staff to improve the overall mental health environment within correctional facilities.

What are some of the unique challenges faced by psychologists working in prison settings?

Psychologists in prison environments often encounter challenges such as managing complex cases with limited resources, maintaining safety and security protocols, and addressing a wide range of mental health conditions among inmates. They work with individuals exhibiting trauma, addiction, and sometimes resistance to treatment, requiring both clinical skill and adaptability. Additionally, prison psychologists must work closely with correctional officers, medical staff, and administrative personnel to coordinate care while operating under strict confidentiality and ethical guidelines. This role requires balancing therapeutic goals with institutional policies, making strong communication and stress-management abilities invaluable. While the environment can be demanding, it also provides opportunities for meaningful impact and professional growth.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in prison psychology, and why are they important?

To thrive in Prison Psychology, you need a master's or doctoral degree in psychology, licensure as a psychologist, and experience in clinical assessment and intervention, especially in correctional settings. Familiarity with risk assessment tools, mental health diagnostics, and secure facility documentation systems like electronic health records (EHR) used in corrections is typically required. Strong interpersonal skills, resilience, cultural sensitivity, and the ability to set professional boundaries are crucial for success. These competencies are essential to effectively support inmate mental health, reduce recidivism, and ensure safety within challenging correctional environments.

Can you work in a prison with a prison psychology degree?

Prison psychologists, who hold a degree in prison psychology or a related mental health field, can work in correctional facilities providing mental health assessments, therapy, and crisis intervention. Licensing or certification as a psychologist is typically required, along with relevant experience and knowledge of the correctional environment.

How much do prison psychologists make?

Prison psychologists typically earn between $60,000 and $85,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and level of education. Salaries can vary based on the facility, certifications, and whether they work in federal or state prisons, with some earning higher with advanced degrees or specialized skills.

How to become a prison psychologist?

To become a prison psychologist, you typically need a master's or doctoral degree in psychology, along with state licensure or certification. Relevant experience in mental health and knowledge of correctional environments are also important for working in prisons.
More about Prison Psychology jobs

What cities are hiring for Prison Psychology jobs?

Cities with the most Prison Psychology job openings:

What states have the most Prison Psychology jobs?

States with the most job openings for Prison Psychology jobs include:

Infographic showing various Prison Psychology job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 72% Full Time, 24% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $59,773 per year, or $28.7 per hour.

PRISON TREATMENT SPECIALIST I

Dauphin County Pennsylvania

Harrisburg, PA โ€ข On-site

$20/hr

Full-time

This job post hasย expired 1 day ago.ย Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description


LOOKING FOR BETTER PAY AND BENEFITS? We've got you covered.
Our starting pay and step increases are already among the best among our peers - and getting even better. But we also want you to build a career with us. That's why we offer the highest career pay rates of similar correctional facilities in our region.
READY TO SERVE? Apply today to be our next Treatment Specialist I.
The Treatment Specialist I provides casework and counseling services to incarcerated individuals at Dauphin County Prison. He/she may work collaboratively with a Treatment Specialist II, whose duties he/she may appropriate or share as necessary or as directed by proper authority, and reports to the Director of Unit Management or Deputy Warden of Treatment. This is a union position. The starting rate for the Treatment Specialist I position is $20.00 per hour.
Never worked in a prison before? We've got you covered. At Dauphin County Prison, we offer education and on-the-job training to ensure you are successful. This includes a 2-week post-employment orientation, including instruction by senior Treatment staff and peers.
THE DETAILS:
Dauphin County Prison is currently accepting applications for the full-time position of Treatment Specialist I. The Treatment Specialist I interviews incarcerated individuals on-block, identifying and recording presenting problems and evident needs (including, but not limited to, physical or mental infirmities, familial or legal concerns, and general adjustment to Prison living) in order to make appropriate referrals. In addition, the Treatment Specialist I completes the initial classification of newly incarcerated individuals and re-classification of currently incarcerated individuals in accordance with established procedures and/or as the Director of Unit Management directs. The Treatment Specialist I completes cell changes daily, in accordance with established procedure; updates population board; prepares/updates Move Lists, as assigned; assists in orientation (including facilitation of orientation groups); coordinates the movement of incarcerated individuals with Shift Commander or designee; ensures incarcerated individuals' and attorneys' mutual access; completes validated risk assessments; documents contact with inmates in Offender Management System; completes referrals for alcohol and drug treatment and coordinates phone contact with partnering agencies.
OUR MISSION & VALUES:
Dauphin County Prison's mission is to professionally and proudly serve to improve our community of staff, inmates and the public. We are committed to upholding our core values: Professionalism, Transparency, Compassion, Excellence and Pride.
READY TO SERVE? APPLY TODAY!
Click the APPLY Button or call us at 717-780-6800 for more information.
DCP-ServeWithUs
Minimum Education, Experience, and Training Requirements
Associates degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in social sciences, psychology, education, or a related field; counseling experience preferred.
Other Requirements
The qualified candidate must be at least 21 years of age by the date of hire. Following hire, successful completion and maintenance of accreditation/certification in First Aid, Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation, and use of automatic external defibrillator (AED). A favorable criminal background check is required.
Dauphin County is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to an inclusive workplace free of discrimination and harassment. Dauphin County prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type and affords equal employment opportunities to all employees and qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, age, national origin, physical or mental disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.