Date of Conferral

2023

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Psychology

Advisor

Jay Contrino

Abstract

Mental illnesses in correctional facilities have been an issue for decades and have increased over time. According to recent studies, correctional facilities have become known as mental health institutions without access to treatment. It is unclear why correctional facilities have limited resources, but research indicates that offenders are not receiving the appropriate treatment. This qualitative phenomenological study aimed to explore how five prison-based counselors perceive the quality and quantity of mental health services provided to inmates. The data were analyzed and coded using the Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA). The current study’s findings further added to the base of knowledge that there is a high prevalence of mental illnesses in correctional facilities. New data indicated that programs and resources are readily available; however, the issue is the misuse of the programs and resources or inmates do not want the assistance. The data from this study also confirmed what other researchers presumed to be why inmates are being neglected from receiving the proper treatment for their mental illnesses. The findings from this study can bring about positive social change by creating awareness in the criminal justice and forensic field of inmates in corrections who are not receiving treatment.

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