NCJ Number
150256
Date Published
Unknown
Length
67 pages
Annotation
This report examines the issues surrounding the provision of mental health services to crime victims to assist victim compensation programs to develop their own strategies for effectively evaluating victims' claims for counseling services.
Abstract
Issues concern psychological victimization effects, the diagnosis of post-traumatic stress disorder and other mental trauma, the treatment of mental trauma, crime-related injury and preexisting conditions, and other topics. The basic statutory requirements of crime-relatedness and reasonableness of cost, as well as the basic concerns of compensation programs relating to the conservation of funds, apply to all categories of expenses, not just mental health. related specifically to mental health services the need for treatment, its relationship to crime-caused conditions, its duration and cost, and the qualifications of providers. Post-traumatic stress disorder is a frequently used diagnosis applied following criminal victimization, although victim compensation programs should also consider coverage for the many highly distressed victims who may not display symptoms that indicate a recognized disorder. Treatment techniques include crisis intervention, individual therapy, group and family therapy, play therapy for children, hospitalization, and medication. No enforceable standards exist within the mental health profession regarding what types of treatment to provide, but many therapists use substantially similar techniques. Other issues requiring consideration include preexisting and unrelated conditions, the duration of treatment, confidentiality, the use of licensed professionals only in states where licensing is required, and the approaches to be used in evaluating counseling claims. Recommendations, chapter notes, and appended forms, treatment plans, and related materials