Overcoming Barriers to Effective Treatment for Inmates with a Serious Mental Illness
Abstract
Ever since the deinstitutionalization movement occurred, behavioral health staff at correctional facilities have been overwhelmed by the number of inmates with a serious mental illness. The less-than-ideal psychiatrist to inmate ratio has prevented inmates from receiving optimal mental health care. Since hiring additional psychiatrists is not a plausible solution, other alternatives must be considered to overcome the barriers that prevent mentally ill inmates from receiving quality treatment. Physician assistants are providers that can successfully fill the gaps in behavioral health staff at correctional facilities.
Overcoming Barriers to Effective Treatment for Inmates with a Serious Mental Illness
Ever since the deinstitutionalization movement occurred, behavioral health staff at correctional facilities have been overwhelmed by the number of inmates with a serious mental illness. The less-than-ideal psychiatrist to inmate ratio has prevented inmates from receiving optimal mental health care. Since hiring additional psychiatrists is not a plausible solution, other alternatives must be considered to overcome the barriers that prevent mentally ill inmates from receiving quality treatment. Physician assistants are providers that can successfully fill the gaps in behavioral health staff at correctional facilities.