Alumna Profile: Alexis Hahn, PsyD ‘20

Dr. Alexis Hahn, a 2020 Chatham PsyD graduate, managed to turn her doctoral internship at a federal men’s prison into a full-time job post-graduation. She also recently published a paper that emerged from her doctoral dissertation in American Psychologist. We caught up with Alexis to learn more about how her time in Chatham’s PsyD program impacted her career, what her day-to-day work looks like, and what it takes to become a compassionate clinician—

Tell us a little bit about what led you to Chatham’s PsyD program.

Dr. Alexis Hahn

Alexis Hahn: One of the first things that drew me into Chatham’s PsyD program was their focus on clients’ strengths. Prior to starting the PsyD program, I worked in community mental health and saw firsthand how mental illness is stereotyped in society. Often times, people with mental illness are stigmatized and ostracized due to their diagnosis. Chatham’s program chose to focus on clients’ strengths rather than their deficits as society has, which really drew me in. During interview day, I also had the opportunity to meet the staff of the program. Everyone was warm and inviting and made me feel comfortable. At that point, I just knew that Chatham was the place for me.

What does your current day-to-day work look like?

AH: I am a Staff Psychologist at FCC Petersburg, a medium security federal men’s prison. As a Staff Psychologist, my role consists of carrying a caseload of individual and group therapy inmates with a range of mental health disorders and treatment needs. I also conduct intake screenings to assess for adjustment to incarceration-related issues upon an inmate’s arrival to the institution. I respond to crises that arise, which can range from completing suicide risk assessments, assisting with disruptive behaviors, or assisting with inmates who are currently under the influence of substances. I also have the opportunity to train current doctoral level interns. Working in a prison also allows me to participate in correctional support activities such as shaking down inmate’s cells searching for contraband.

What so far has been the highlight of working in your current role?

AH: Two things come to mind. First, I am passionate about training others. I completed my internship at FCC Petersburg and had great supervisors that prepared me for my role as a Staff Psychologist. Without them, I would not be where I am today. Thus, I love giving back and training new interns and new staff to help them grow in their skills and professional development. Second, I absolutely love crisis work and working with individuals with severe mental illness. Something is always happening in the prison, whether that be an inmate who just engaged in self-harming behavior, is reporting suicidality, or is currently experiencing auditory hallucinations. These situations keep me on-the-go and help me refine and enhance my clinical skills daily. I also get the opportunity to work with numerous disciplines (i.e., medical, education, correctional services) to provide better care and treatment to inmates.

Could you tell us a little bit about the paper you recent published in American Psychologist and what type of research you were doing?

AH: The paper that was recently published was based off my dissertation that I completed during my time in the PsyD program. Group therapy is a widely used treatment modality across settings, populations, and diagnoses. However, no formal standards or competencies of training exist for group therapy across APA-accredited programs. Thus, “expert group therapists,” who were nominated by their peers as being experts, were interviewed about how they learned the skills to become masters of group therapy. Based off these interviews, essential components of their training were found. The article also identified competencies these expert groups therapists look at to determine if a trainee is effective in providing group treatment, and competencies they look to to determine their own level of effectiveness.

How did Chatham’s PsyD program prepare you for your current role?

AH: Chatham’s program gave me the foundational skills of being a psychologist. We had numerous classes that helped refine my clinical skills which allowed me to grow in my confidence as a clinician. We had ample opportunities to practice our skills and receive feedback from our professors. Chatham also provided a wide array of practicum placement opportunities in the surrounding Pittsburgh area which further enhanced my skills. Additionally, my relationship with my advisor, Dr. Jill Paquin, was imperative. She provided me with constant support while challenging me along the way. It was actually she who suggested I apply to prison sites for internship. So, without her support and guidance, I never would be where I am today. 

Do you have any advice for students who are considering going into your field?

AH: Psychology is an ever-evolving field which affects each and every one of us. We can all probably name a close friend or family member who has been affected by mental illness, substance use, or suicidality. By being a therapist, counselor, or psychologist, we have the opportunity to help people overcome their darkest days and deepest struggles. My advice would be to be yourself and always try to see the good in people. People who are struggling with mental illness are already aware of their flaws and things they are not doing well in life because their loved ones and society point that out to them daily. By being yourself, being genuine, and focusing on their strengths, you can really help people move to a better place in their life if they are willing and able.

Special thanks to Alexis for sharing her story with us. You can learn more about Chatham’s graduate psychology programs, Doctor of Counseling Psychology and Master of Counseling Psychology, via the Chatham website.