NCJ Number
137162
Journal
Journal of Prison and Jail Health Volume: 10 Issue: 2 Dated: (Winter 1991) Pages: 77-89
Date Published
1991
Length
13 pages
Annotation
This description of the mental health and substance abuse program of the Henrico County Jail (Virginia) includes a discussion of practical issues such as the development of specific treatment groups, psychotropic medications, and treatment strategies to use with manipulative inmates; philosophical issues of treatment goals and interdisciplinary relationships are also considered.
Abstract
The mental health team of the Henrico County Jail consists of a full-time licensed clinical psychologist (supervisor), a full-time mental health clinician (Masters in Social Work), a full-time substance abuse clinician (Masters of Science), and a part-time graduate student intern. The mental health services include the evaluation of all inmates who have a previous psychiatric history, crisis assessment and intervention, individual and group psychotherapy, consultation with medical and correctional staff, and training for medical and correctional staff. The Substance Abuse Program is voluntary and offers assessment, educational group treatment, therapy group treatment, individual counseling, and referral to outside resources. All therapy groups are voluntary, and there are no external incentives for participation. The article's section on therapeutic issues in a punishment setting discusses safety and security, the development of trust between staff and patients, conservative medicating versus chemical restraints, and treatment amenability. The article concludes with recommendations for those who plan to establish mental health and substance abuse services in a jail. 14 references