Psychological Treatment in Correctional Settings

This week's reading assignments include chapters relating to the provision of psychological treatments in correctional settings. Chapter 12 discusses the findings of Boothby & Clements (2000) survey of psychologists working in state and federal correctional facilities across the U.S. Increasingly, the prison populations reflect a high number of inmates suffering from identified mental illnesses.

This presents issues for corrections personnel who are responsible for the safety of prisoners as well as the safety of staff. The goals of the correctional psychological service providers may not be consistent with the overall goals of the institution.

The mental health status of offenders impacts staffing considerations, both in number and in skills, of incarceration facilities. Large populations of inmates with mental health issues can impact the stress levels of staff, which can influence their job performance as well as their interpersonal relationships.