NYMC Faculty Publications

Correctional Mental Health in the USA

Author Type(s)

Faculty

DOI

10.1108/IJPH-06-2013-0028

Journal Title

International Journal of Prisoner Health

First Page

3

Last Page

26

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

1-1-2014

Department

Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences

Keywords

Humans, Mental Disorders, Mental Health, Mental Health Services, Prisons, Public Health, United States, Violence, Suicide Prevention

Disciplines

Medicine and Health Sciences

Abstract

PURPOSE: The purpose of this paper is to discuss five domains impacted by the transformation of correctional mental health care in the USA: public health, public safety, legal obligations, fiscal responsibility and ethical standards, as well as critical issues such as administrative segregation, suicide prevention and reentry planning.

DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH: In the last four decades, the USA has seen a sizable growth in its criminal justice system and corrections population. It has also seen reductions in civil and community-based mental health care. Persons with mental disabilities have come to represent a highly disproportional segment of the corrections population. The paper discusses the implications and underlying causes of these developments as well as recent responses to them.

FINDINGS: This set of circumstances is starting to change the mission of correctional health services from crisis intervention and suicide prevention to include preparation for the inmate's almost inevitable return to the community.

ORIGINALITY/VALUE: Such changes have led to further developments in correctional mental health care, in particular, policy designed to treat mental illness, reduce its destructive outcomes such as suicide, and facilitate successful reentry into the community in attempts to reduce recidivism and improve clinical outcomes. Mental health care professionals working within corrections have likewise faced ethical challenges in effectuating treatment.

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