Treating Justice Involved Persons with Mental Illness: Preliminary Evaluation of a Comprehensive Treatment Program

Robert D. Morgan, Daryl G. Kroner, Jeremy F. Mills, Rebecca L. Bauer, Catherine Serna

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

28 Scopus citations

Abstract

In this article, we present the results of a preliminary evaluation of a comprehensive treatment program specifically designed to treat co-occurring issues of mental illness and criminal risk in persons with mental illness (PMI) that are criminal justice involved. Participants include 47 incarcerated male PMI in a secure psychiatric prison or a residential treatment facility. Of the 47 participants, 31 (66%) completed the program, attended 94% of all sessions, completed 83% of assigned homework, and actively participated in treatment sessions as evidenced by participation ratings. Change was examined using a four-tiered assessment strategy, including pre-post significance testing, magnitude of effect sizes, clinical cutoffs, and reliable change indices. Results showed evidence of strong therapeutic alliance and treatment program satisfaction, as well as symptom reduction and some evidence for reduced criminal thinking. Program modifications and implications for enhancing service delivery to justice involved PMI are discussed.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)902-916
Number of pages15
JournalCriminal Justice and Behavior
Volume41
Issue number7
DOIs
StatePublished - Jul 2014

Keywords

  • criminal thinking
  • mental health
  • offender treatment
  • severe mental illness

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