The Demand for Mental Health Services in Prisons is Growing

Key Takeaways

• 75% of the inmates in Massachusetts county jails require addiction and mental health services.

• Incarceration can lead to mental health issues, and services can help prepare inmates for successful re-entry into their communities.

• Oppression can lead to unfair policing and incarceration. Therefore, inmates deserve the necessary support in state custody.

The Vice-President of Massachusetts Sheriffs Associations estimates that 75% of inmates incarcerated in county jails require addiction and mental health services. Incarceration can negatively affect mental health, necessitating support while in state custody.

According to the Prison Policy Initiative, 37% of inmates in state and federal prisons and 44% of individuals in locally-run jails have a mental illness. However, 66% of people in federal prisons report no mental health care provision.

This situation is complex with no easy solution, yet it's crucial to raise awareness and promote advocacy for mental healthcare in prisons. Considering that CBT and mindfulness-based approaches effectively treat depression and anxiety in prison, care should be promoted.

Mental Health Care During Incarceration

Imparting mental health treatment can be challenging due to the punitive culture of carceral settings. Prison administration often prioritizes security, while healthcare providers strive for quality of life. Balancing these concerns can be challenging.

Despite these challenges, a 2021 study in North Carolina found that Therapeutic Diversion Units were associated with better outcomes regarding infractions, mental health, and self-harm.

Mental Illness Is Often Criminalized

Neuroscientist and clinical social worker Renetta Weaver, LCSW-C, says, “Inmates face increased risks for mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)."

Weaver explains that inmates endure disconnecting conditions like social isolation, constant noise, and lack of control, which can worsen mental health. While these conditions are usually treated with empathy, Weaver notes that incarcerated individuals are often dehumanized.

Weaver compares the conditions inmates face to those that cause trauma and PTSD in people who are at war. "Inmates are being discharged from prison back into society with a loss of hope, learned helplessness, and feelings of despair."

Weaver highlights that suicidality among inmates is higher than the non-incarcerated population. "The prison system was originally designed to segregate and punish deviants who broke the law."

Renetta Weaver, LCSW-C, CEAP

"Can we hold inmates accountable for their behavior and simultaneously give them access to mental health and substance abuse treatment?" — Renetta Weaver, LCSW-C, CEAP

Weaver found it challenging to recommend incarceration while working as a juvenile probation officer. Recognizing this, she transitioned to social work after developing treatment plans to support clients in the community.

Weaver emphasizes that many inmates struggle with untreated mental illness and substance abuse disorders. These issues can lead to behaviors that are perceived as resistant or aggressive, potentially leading to arrest.

Weaver questions whether we can hold inmates accountable while providing them with mental health and substance abuse treatment. She also points out that funding preventative programs can be less costly than incarceration.

Corrections At Odds with Rehabilitation

Matt Glowiak, PhD, LCPC, says, "Some symptoms of mental health and addictive disorders align with what society views as antisocial or criminal."

Glowiak explains that individuals with mental health disorders may act impulsively, harm others, or engage in self-serving behaviors. This can ultimately lead to incarceration.

Glowiak states that corrections, which merely punish individuals, are distinct from rehabilitation, which involves working with individuals to overcome challenges.

Many prisoners develop mental health issues due to the unnatural and mentally taxing environment of prison. Glowiak notes that existing conditions can worsen and new conditions can develop.

Matt Glowiak, PhD, LCPC

"There are numerous individuals in prison who suffer from mental health and addiction issues. Many estimates conclude that this is more so the case than the exception." — Matt Glowiak, PhD, LCPC

Glowiak emphasizes that case management often takes precedence over clinical mental health treatment, leading to unresolved issues. Inmates may lack coping skills and essential life skills, increasing the risk of recidivism.

Glowiak criticizes the system, stating that inmates are often blamed instead of the system itself for their mental health issues and subsequent behavior.