Supporting Justice-Involved Individuals with SMI: From Arrest to Recovery-View Presentation

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Video Summary

The webinar presented by Dr. Deb Pinals, hosted by Dr. Amy Cohen, discusses supporting individuals with Serious Mental Illness (SMI) involved in the criminal justice system, from arrest to recovery. Dr. Pinals, a Clinical Professor of Psychiatry, outlines the Sequential Intercept Model, emphasizing community-based support as an alternative to incarceration. The presentation highlights the importance of continuity of care—the consistent delivery of care—and the role of criminogenic risk factors in criminal recidivism.<br /><br />Dr. Pinals points out the risk factors for recidivism, such as antisocial behavior and substance use, and stresses that while SMI isn't directly linked to criminal recidivism, individuals with SMI often face poor continuity of care. Strategies like diversion programs, specialty courts, and models such as forensic assertive community treatment seek to address these challenges by creating safer, community-oriented pathways for treatment.<br /><br />The webinar covers legal mandates influencing mental health care for justice-involved individuals, like the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Olmstead decision, which prioritize community-based service settings. Finally, promising reforms like enhanced Medicaid policies and innovative integrated care models are highlighted, aiming to ease transitions back into the community and improve treatment accessibility and retention.

Keywords

Serious Mental Illness

criminal justice system

Sequential Intercept Model

community-based support

continuity of care

recidivism risk factors

diversion programs

forensic assertive community treatment

integrated care models