Mental Health In Prison

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In 2020, the National Alliance on Mental Illness revealed that 21% of U.S. adults experience mental illness. However, for those within the confines of our prison system, these rates have soar. According to the American Psychological Association, 64% of jail inmates have reported mental health concerns. These statistics underscore the urgent need to address mental health care within our prisons. I will discuss the need for improving mental health services in prisons, and why we must acknowledge the challenges faced by incarcerated individuals, whose mental illness complicates an already difficult path during reentry into society.

The current state of mental health treatment within prison systems is concerning. Despite increasing awareness of …show more content…
Additionally, there is a pervasive stigma surrounding mental illness in prisons, discouraging inmates from seeking assistance and perpetuating a cycle of neglect and suffering. This stigma also deters many individuals from aiding incarcerated persons, as they believe that those in prison should endure punishment for their actions. However, it’s crucial to recognize that many individuals within the prison system are there for reasons that may not warrant such severe consequences, and some may have committed less serious offenses. While some mental health services are available in prison, such as psychotropic assessment, counseling, education programs, and access to medications when necessary, the availability and quality of these services vary greatly depending on the resources and policies of each facility. Despite the evident need for improved mental health programs in prisons, funding remains a persistent challenge, influenced by societal stigma, political dynamics, and budget constraints. This lack of funding hampers the recruitment of qualified mental health professionals, implementation of evidence-based programs, and provision of …show more content…
Morgan emphasizes the importance of personal responsibility and inner transformation, advocating for programs that promote positive change among incarcerated individuals. While Morgan's perspective highlights the potential for individual growth and redemption, it's essential to recognize that personal transformation alone cannot address the systemic issues plaguing mental health care in prisons. While initiatives like Morgan's may have merit in fostering personal development, they often operate within a limited scope and rely heavily on individual agency. However, systemic challenges such as inadequate resources, staff shortages, and stigma surrounding mental illness require comprehensive institutional reforms to ensure equitable access to quality mental health care for all incarcerated individuals. While personal transformation is undoubtedly valuable, it must be complemented by systemic changes to truly address the complex and pervasive issues within the prison
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