Advocating for Mental Health in Correctional Facilities: The Role of Quality Correctional Healthcare
Mental health issues are alarmingly prevalent within the U.S. prison system, with incarcerated individuals experiencing rates of mental illness significantly higher than the general population. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, approximately 37% of those in state and federal prisons have a history of mental illness, double the national average. Working with these statistics in mind, RHS understands the urgent need for compassionate, comprehensive, correctional healthcare services.
The Impact of Mental Illness on Incarceration and Recidivism
The connection between mental health and the criminal justice system runs deep—and often painfully so. In the United States, nearly four in ten people behind bars live with a mental illness (U.S. Department of Justice, Bureau of Justice Statistics, 2017). Many enter the system without steady access to care, and too often, they leave it without meaningful support. The result is a revolving door—people who need treatment instead find themselves caught in cycles of arrest, incarceration, and release.
Research shows that individuals with both mental health and substance use challenges face the highest risk of reoffending once they return to their communities (Zgoba K.M., Reeves R., Tamburello A., & Debilio L., Journal of the American Academy of Psychiatry and the Law, 2020). A study of over 9,000 formerly incarcerated individuals revealed that substance use disorder, rather than mental illness alone, is the primary predictor of re-arrest within three years of release. When mental health services are disorganized or inconsistent, the risk of relapse and re-incarceration increases significantly. The issue isn’t that treatment is ineffective, but that access to it typically ceases immediately after they leave prison.
Inside correctional facilities, conditions can make recovery even harder. Extended confinement, overcrowding, and exposure to violence can worsen symptoms of depression, anxiety, and psychosis (National Alliance on Mental Illness, 2023). Without continuous, compassionate care—both in custody and after release—mental health declines, fueling the very behaviors that lead people back to jail. Breaking this cycle requires more than punishment; it requires connection, continuity, and care that follows people home (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, “Behavioral Health and Criminal Justice,” 2022).
The Role of Correctional Healthcare Providers
Quality correctional healthcare providers play a pivotal role in addressing the mental health crisis within prisons. Comprehensive mental health services, including screening, diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation, are the paving stones on the road to supporting inmates' mental health.
Compassionate care is at the heart of effective correctional health services. Programs that emphasize empathy, respect, and individualized treatment plans foster trust and cooperation among inmates, leading to better health outcomes. One instance is cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and mindfulness-based therapies that have shown modest effectiveness in treating depression and anxiety symptoms among prisoners.
The Importance of Prison Mental Health Units
Specialized prison mental health units in correctional settings can make a significant difference by providing targeted care for inmates with severe psychological conditions. These units are equipped with trained mental health professionals and resources tailored to address the unique needs of this population. By offering a therapeutic environment, these units help stabilize inmates' conditions, reducing incidents of self-harm and violence, and preparing them for successful reintegration into society.
The Benefits of Addressing Mental Health in Prisons
Investing in mental health care within prisons yields significant benefits, not only for the individuals incarcerated but also for society at large. Effective treatment reduces recidivism rates, as individuals with their mental health needs addressed are less likely to reoffend. This eventually impacts the surrounding communities, as well. When you provide inmates with the tools to manage their mental health, they have more tools to successfully reenter their communities, leading to lower crime rates and improved public safety.
Roadrunner Health Services: A Commitment to Compassionate Care
At Roadrunner Health Services, we recognize the profound impact of mental health on the well-being of incarcerated individuals. Our approach to correctional healthcare is rooted in compassion, respect, and a commitment to individualized care. By prioritizing mental health services, we aim to break the cycle of recidivism and support the successful reintegration of individuals into society.
Through comprehensive mental health programs, RHS addresses the underlying issues contributing to criminal behavior, fostering an environment conducive to healing and rehabilitation. Our dedicated team works collaboratively with correctional facilities to ensure that inmates receive the care they need, paving the way for a healthier, safer community.
Superior Correctional Healthcare in New Mexico and Beyond
Advocating for mental health in prisons is not merely a matter of providing treatment; it is about recognizing the humanity of incarcerated individuals and offering them the opportunity for recovery and reintegration. By supporting quality correctional healthcare services, we invest in the well-being of individuals and the safety of our communities across the Southwest. At RHS, we are proud to be at the forefront of this vital work, championing compassionate care that makes a lasting difference.