Date of Conferral
10-2-2026
Date of Award
October 2026
Degree
Doctor of Human Services (D.H.S.)
School
Human Services
Advisor
Barbara Benoliel
Abstract
There is a gap in understanding the low rate of utilization of mental health support services among adult men and women with criminal sex offense histories, which worsened mental health challenges for this population. The purpose of this qualitative action research study was to explore human services professionals’ perceptions and recommendations about access and utilization of mental health counseling for formerly incarcerated adults with sexual offense histories. Grounded in the good lives model of offender rehabilitation, the research question was: How do human services professionals perceive access to and utilization of mental health, holistic, and wellness counseling for formerly incarcerated adults with sexual offense histories? Narrative data were collected from online questionnaires with a purposive-criteria sample of human services professionals. Data were analyzed thematically using open and axial coding to identify patterns, generate recommendations, and themes. The analysis revealed that pervasive stigma and a lack of skilled providers were the two central themes that professionals identified continue to challenge them in practice. This study contributes to social impact by generating new insights that may inform policy development, enhance professional practices, and promote more access and utilization of mental health counseling with sex offenders.
Recommended Citation
Jones Jr., Darrell Antonio, "Access and Utilization of Counseling for People with Sexual Offense Histories" (2026). Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies. 20849.
https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations/20849
