Date of Conferral

2022

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Psychology

Advisor

Jerrod Brown

Abstract

The perspectives of mental health professionals who work with inmates who have serious and persistent mental illnesses is largely unknown. Prisons, law enforcement, and the courts may all benefit from understanding these perspectives regarding how to treat the mentally ill in the criminal justice system (CJS). Many studies (mostly quantitative) have been conducted to address the increase of mentally ill inmates and have focuses on different areas of this phenomenon. However, to date, no qualitative studies have been located that depict the perceptions of mental health professionals working in prisons and their viewpoints regarding this population’s access to quality and available treatment and therapy. In order to understand the perspectives, interviews were conducted to determine themes involving the professionals’ perspectives. The theoretical framework for this study was based on the deprivation theory and the importation theory. Those providing mental health treatment/therapy in prison have provided their perceptions. The data were analyzed after hand-coding and theming transcripts with the use of Microsoft Excel spreadsheets. This qualitative research involved interviews of nine mental health professionals working in prisons. Results of this study were mixed; some seemed to be protective of their facilities initially, yet as questions continued, they suggested an ability to improve. Conclusions of the study are the best medications are not used due to either abuse or lack of resources. The primary recommendation is a great deal more research should be performed in order to create best practices. The implications for social change are congruent with current movements for criminal justice reform. Diverting mentally ill individuals out of the CJS will be more cost effective and a demonstration of humanity.

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