Date of Conferral

3-18-2026

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Psychology

Advisor

Dr. Jessica Hart

Abstract

Adults with mental illnesses have been disproportionately represented in the criminal justice system, often due to limited access to timely mental health treatment and fragmented community-based support. When continuity of care was inadequate, justice involvement frequently replaced coordinated interventions designed to promote stabilization and recovery. This qualitative study was guided by the sequential intercept model and the risk-need-responsivity model to examine how multidisciplinary treatment teams influenced rehabilitation and reoffending outcomes among formerly incarcerated adults diagnosed with mental illness. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews with justice-involved adults who described their experiences with multidisciplinary support during their reentry process and analyzed using thematic analysis. Findings indicated that consistent engagement, provider accountability, and trauma-informed collaboration supported improved mental health stabilization and reduced recidivism risk, while weak system coordination, disrupted transitions, and limited access to stable environments hindered sustained recovery. Supportive therapeutic relationships, clear interagency communication, and access to community-based resources supported reintegration. The findings supported positive social change by informing policies and practices that strengthen cross-system collaboration and continuity of care and expand integrated, community-based diversion models. Multidisciplinary approaches emphasizing engagement, accountability, and environmental stability were associated with reduced justice involvement and more equitable reentry outcomes for adults living with mental illness.

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