The Mental Health Crisis Grows On: A Descriptive Analysis of DOC Systems in America

Abstract

Research has established that a large portion of prisoners have diagnosed mental health problems. Although the importance of providing mental health treatment for prisoners has been recognized, it is not clear what services state prison systems offer. The current study uses data obtained from content analyses, mail surveys, and phone interviews of mental health chief administrators of state prison systems to describe the norm in terms of mental health care and related services provided to state prison inmates. Findings indicate that most systems have dedicated and competent mental health staff working in their systems and that state systems are committed to providing needed services to inmates with mental illnesses. There are, however, also several obstacles, such as a lack of adequate staffing and resources, limited housing and bed space for prisoners with mental illnesses, and a lack of postrelease services.

KEYWORDS:

• co-occurring disorders
• correctional programming
• correctional treatment
• mental health
• offender rehabilitation