About the Report of the Re-Entry Council

11: Mental Health Care

Facilitate community-based mental health care providers' access to prisons and jails and promote delivery of services consistent with community standards and the need to maintain public mental health.

Overview

The following recommendations call for investment in appropriate formularies and technology such as telemedicine to improve efficiency and effectiveness of treatment within correctional facilities. Further, this policy statement addresses the large number of individuals who have substance abuse issues in addition to mental illness. Those with such co-occurring disorders need individualized treatment that addresses both substance abuse and mental health needs.

Research Highlights

Recommendations

  1. Engage the community-based mental health care system in providing pre- and postrelease services to inmates with mental health needs.
  2. Ensure that prison and jail formularies provide access to the most appropriate medications.
  3. Provide appropriate psychosocial supports and services.
  4. Employ telecommunications technology to deliver effective and cost-effective services.
  5. Establish protocols to address co-occurring substance abuse and mental health disorders.

Related Policy Statements

 Our Publications

How and Why Medicaid Matters for People with Serious Mental Illness Released from Jail

Hundreds of thousands of people with mental illness are released from jail each year. Without continuity of care, they are likely to be reincarcerated. Enrollment in Medicaid increases access to treatment for people with mental illness released from jail, who typically lack other means to pay for those services.

Related Information

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