Correctional Mental Health Services (CMHS) recognizes the unique nature of the correctional setting and is aware of the challenges treatment of the mentally ill present within this setting.

Detention Centers are isolated communities that have their own culture, norms and rules. Security concerns related to custody, contraband and institutional schedules must be balanced with inmate’s rights to treatment and confidentiality. Jails are required to provide care to an increasing population of more severely mentally ill detainees than they have had to in the past. State hospitals are often beyond capacity and have long waiting lists. These necessitate longer-term management within the walls of the jail for those detainees who would otherwise require hospital level care.

Furthermore, overcrowding in detention centers and high intake rates compound the complexity of managing this population and emphasize the need for accurate assessment and rapid stabilization. Correctional officers are often the first line of contact with these individuals and their involvement in any effective Mental Health Service is essential.