Mental Health in Prison Psychology Essay Research Paper (Essay Sample)

Responding to Mental Health Issues in Prison
Mental disorders are prevalent in prison population in all countries of the world. According to Mental Health America (2015), between 300,000 to 400,000 people in the U.S are diagnosed with mental illnesses, confined in jails and prisons. This relatively high population is related to some factors: the misconception that people diagnosed with mental disorders are harm to public; the negligence to provide treatment, care and rehabilitation; and the lack of access to mental health services. Prison makes a prisoner's mental health worse because of overcrowding, isolation, insecurities, and lack of health services which increases the risk of suicide. Instead of being treated, they continue to be unnoticed, undiagnosed and untreated. Early identification and effective intervention through the help of law enforcement, correctional groups, and medical professionals can improve outcomes and ensure that prisoners suffering from mental disorders lead to recovery.