What Happens When Your Patient with SMI Gets Arrested?-View Presentation Slides

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The webinar, hosted by the American Psychiatric Association, discusses the intricacies of handling situations where individuals with serious mental illness (SMI) get arrested. It aims to educate mental health professionals on the arrest-to-release cycle and the judicial and correctional processes following an arrest. The learning objectives include understanding the journey of individuals with SMI through the criminal justice system, which often involves minor misdemeanors or, less frequently, serious felonies.<br /><br />Debra A. Pinals, M.D., a Clinical Professor of Psychiatry, leads the session, highlighting the importance for mental health professionals to understand the arrest process to better support patients, families, and facilitate treatment continuity. Various aspects influencing police decisions on whether an individual with SMI should be arrested or diverted to a crisis center are covered, emphasizing police training, discretionary powers, and community mental health resources.<br /><br />Following an arrest, the webinar outlines steps such as court arraignment, bail, and the potential need for a competency evaluation to determine if an individual can stand trial. For those found incompetent, the focus shifts to forensic systems' role in competency restoration, usually in state hospitals, with newer community-based models emerging.<br /><br />The webinar specifies pathways post-arrest, such as Mental Health Courts, which offer problem-solving approaches for defendants with mental health issues, and traditional sentencing options. Emphasis is also placed on reentry services for those with SMI post-incarceration, highlighting the importance of continuity and coordination of care.<br /><br />Additionally, the presentation covers practical guidelines for families and clinicians during arrest and post-incarceration scenarios, including maintaining medication access and managing systemic challenges. Participants are encouraged to engage with resources like the SMI Adviser to further their understanding and support of affected individuals. The session concludes with a reminder of the importance of addressing the stigma associated with criminal justice involvement in treatment settings.

Keywords

American Psychiatric Association

serious mental illness

criminal justice system

arrest-to-release cycle

Debra A. Pinals

police discretion

competency evaluation

Mental Health Courts

reentry services

SMI Adviser