APA Annual Meeting 2022 On-Demand Package-Stop the Revolving Door: How Psychiatrists Can Reclaim Individuals With Mental illness from the Criminal Justice System

Stop the Revolving Door: How Psychiatrists Can Reclaim Individuals With Mental illness from the Criminal Justice System

Video Transcription

Video Summary

The video featured a panel discussion on how psychiatrists can assist individuals with mental illness in the criminal justice system. The panel discussed the importance of community involvement, trust, and including people with lived experience in decision-making processes. They mentioned various initiatives to improve mental health care in the system and break the cycle of recidivism. The role of psychiatrists in educating courts on trauma and advocating for community-based alternatives to incarceration was highlighted. The need for case management, assertive community treatment, and peer support workers was emphasized. The impact of incarceration on individuals and communities, cultural sensitivity, and the effects of mass incarceration were also discussed. The panel found solitary confinement detrimental to mental health. Challenges included inappropriate care for a schizophrenic patient, which was addressed by suggesting a letter to the judge and considering Assertive Community Treatment. Collaboration with judges and community support were seen as vital in mental health initiatives. The opioid epidemic and lack of resources for addiction treatment were highlighted, along with the success of peer support groups in prison. Support for individuals transitioning from prison and trauma-informed approaches were emphasized. The need for more exposure to the criminal justice system during psychiatric training and the barriers faced by psychiatrists in getting involved were discussed. The panel provided valuable insights on reclaiming individuals with mental illness from the criminal justice system through a holistic and community-oriented approach.<br /><br />No specific credits were mentioned in the summary.

Keywords

psychiatrists

mental illness

criminal justice system

community involvement

recidivism

trauma

incarceration

case management

peer support workers

solitary confinement

opioid epidemic

transitioning from prison