What services does Dr. Prison offer?

Dr. Prison provides federal prison consulting, compassionate release advocacy, reentry planning, and family support services. Founded by Dr. Patrick Fisher, PhD, LPC, NCC, we help incarcerated individuals and their families navigate the Bureau of Prisons system, sentence reduction options, and the transition back to community life.

What is compassionate release?

Compassionate release allows federal inmates to petition for early release due to extraordinary and compelling circumstances — such as terminal illness, debilitating medical conditions, advanced age, or family emergencies. The First Step Act of 2018 expanded access by allowing inmates to petition courts directly after exhausting BOP administrative remedies.

Can you help with sentence reduction?

We provide consulting and advocacy for sentence reduction options including compassionate release, the First Step Act earned time credits, Rule 35 motions, and clemency petitions. Each case is evaluated individually based on the specific circumstances, charges, and institutional record.

Do you work with families of inmates?

Yes. We provide guidance for families navigating visitation, communication, financial support, legal advocacy, and reentry planning. The incarceration experience affects the entire family, and we believe informed families make better advocates.

Is Dr. Prison a law firm?

No. Dr. Prison is a consulting and advocacy service, not a law firm. We do not provide legal representation. We work alongside attorneys, provide research and documentation support, prepare compassionate release petitions, and help families understand the federal system. For legal representation, we recommend consulting a federal criminal defense attorney.

What services does Dr. Prison offer?

Dr. Prison provides federal prison consulting, compassionate release advocacy, reentry planning, and family support services. Founded by Dr. Patrick Fisher, PhD, LPC, NCC, we help incarcerated individuals and their families navigate the Bureau of Prisons system, sentence reduction options, and the transition back to community life.

What is compassionate release?

Compassionate release allows federal inmates to petition for early release due to extraordinary and compelling circumstances — such as terminal illness, debilitating medical conditions, advanced age, or family emergencies. The First Step Act of 2018 expanded access by allowing inmates to petition courts directly after exhausting BOP administrative remedies.

Can you help with sentence reduction?

We provide consulting and advocacy for sentence reduction options including compassionate release, the First Step Act earned time credits, Rule 35 motions, and clemency petitions. Each case is evaluated individually based on the specific circumstances, charges, and institutional record.

Do you work with families of inmates?

Yes. We provide guidance for families navigating visitation, communication, financial support, legal advocacy, and reentry planning. The incarceration experience affects the entire family, and we believe informed families make better advocates.

Is Dr. Prison a law firm?

No. Dr. Prison is a consulting and advocacy service, not a law firm. We do not provide legal representation. We work alongside attorneys, provide research and documentation support, prepare compassionate release petitions, and help families understand the federal system. For legal representation, we recommend consulting a federal criminal defense attorney.

Transparency | Full Disclosure

Who We Are

Dr. Patrick Fisher, PhD, LPC, NCC — Founder

Dr. Patrick Fisher is a Licensed Professional Counselor with over 20 years of clinical experience, practicing in Washington, DC and Baltimore, MD. He founded Dr. Prison to bring clinical rigor and professional counseling expertise to federal prison consulting. Dr. Fisher is also the founder of TheraPetic® Healthcare Provider Group, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Dr. Fisher has not been incarcerated.

Ken Gaughan, PhD — Lived Experience Consultant & Author

Ken Gaughan is our lived experience consultant. Before his federal case, he spent over 15 years as Director of Counseling Services overseeing mental health support across 95 schools. He holds a Ph.D. in Educational Psychology. Ken is the author of Navigating the Federal Prison System: What I Wish I Knew Before Prison — From Cuffs to Freedom, available on Amazon and Apple Books. His personal website is kengaughan.com.

Our Credentials

Dr. Patrick Fisher:

Ph.D. Educational Psychology, Walden University, 2021
M.S. Psychology & Counseling, Walden University, 2007
B.S. Psychology, John Carroll University, 2001
Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)
National Certified Counselor (NCC)

Ken Gaughan:

Ph.D. Educational Psychology
15+ years Director of Counseling Services (95 schools)
DOL Certified Electrician (6,000+ hours, earned during incarceration)
Author, Navigating the Federal Prison System

Ken Gaughan's Federal Experience

Ken Gaughan was convicted of a federal offense and served the following:

55 months pre-sentence supervision
35 months incarceration in BOP custody (including SHU time)
12 months home confinement with GPS monitoring
102 months total in the federal system

This lived experience is the foundation of our consulting practice. Ken knows the system because he experienced every phase of it firsthand. Dr. Fisher brings the clinical framework that makes that experience actionable for our clients.

What We Are NOT

It is critical that you understand the following:

We are NOT a law firm. We cannot provide legal advice, represent you in legal proceedings, or substitute for qualified legal counsel. For legal matters, work with a licensed federal defense attorney.
We are NOT providing therapy or clinical services. While our team holds advanced degrees in psychology and Dr. Fisher is a licensed counselor, Dr. Prison's services are consulting and coaching only.
We are NOT BOP employees or contractors. We have no official connection to the Bureau of Prisons, no inside access, and no ability to influence BOP decisions.
We cannot guarantee outcomes. The federal system is unpredictable. Anyone who promises specific results (designation, release dates, favorable rulings) is not being honest with you.

What We DO Offer

Consulting that combines clinical expertise with lived experience in the federal BOP system
Practical guidance for navigating before, during, and after incarceration
Support for families of incarcerated individuals
Honest, realistic expectations about what lies ahead
Published, transparent pricing with no hidden fees

Confidentiality Notice

Communications with us are NOT protected by attorney-client privilege. We are not attorneys. While we treat all communications as confidential to the extent legally possible, you should be aware that conversations could potentially be subject to subpoena or other legal process.

For communications requiring legal protection, consult a licensed attorney.

Questions?

If you have questions about our backgrounds, credentials, or services, please contact us. We believe in complete transparency and are happy to discuss any concerns.