“A Hidden Issue”

Prairie Doc Perspective Week of July 21st, 2024
“A Hidden Issue”
By Leah Hendrickson, MSW, LCSW, QMHP


Mental health treatment within the criminal justice system plays a pivotal yet often overlooked role in both the well-being and rehabilitation of incarcerated individuals. This is often overlooked by the general population due to attitudes against the incarcerated and the lack of overall media attention. It is my belief that change needs to take place. 


Firstly, while many in society have negative outlooks on incarcerated or previously incarcerated individuals, most fail to realize that approximately 45% of Americans have had an immediate family member incarcerated. These individuals are not unknown strangers, they are, have been, and will be your own family members. Furthermore, the vast majority of incarcerated individuals will be released from their correctional facilities at some point in time. This is where the importance of rehabilitation needs to be stressed in order to prevent a revolving door back into the criminal justice system and to promote safer communities. One way this can be done is through consistent and quality mental health treatment for incarcerated individuals.


Access to mental health services can profoundly affect not only an individual's experience behind bars but it can also reduce the likelihood of recidivism (reoffending). Many incarcerated individuals grapple with various mental health issues, including depression, anxiety, substance use disorders, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). These mental health issues are often exacerbated or even created by the stresses of incarceration itself. Providing quality and consistent treatment can alleviate suffering and enhance coping mechanisms, thus fostering a safer and more humane environment within correctional facilities and beyond. The research is clear, untreated mental health issues increase the risk of reoffending. Access to mental health treatment aids in equipping individuals with tools to not only effectively manage their conditions within the walls but also reintegrate into society upon release. 


How can we increase access to mental health treatment to incarcerated persons? Firstly, we need to acknowledge the issue. Secondly, we need to recognize and take on the systemic barriers that hinder the delivery of mental health treatment within correctional facilities. These barriers include but are not limited to the attitudes surrounding incarcerated peoples, attitudes surrounding the criminal justice system itself, overcrowding, lack of staff, and insufficient funding resources. While we also need to focus on the implementation of quality education in terms of mental health, interpersonal skills, and coping skills within our homes and our educational facilities to aid in the prevention of incarceration, we also need to support incarcerated individuals following their release from correctional facilities. This requires a multifaceted approach, including investment in community mental health resources, diversion programs, and reentry support.


In conclusion, the prioritization of mental health treatment within the criminal justice system is essential for the promotion of individual well-being, rehabilitation, and successful reintegration of incarcerated individuals into society. This approach is not “soft on crime,” it instead embodies the ability of empathy and accountability to co-exist. The road to a safer and happier community takes all of us. We must not forget about those out of sight. 


Leah Hendrickson specializes in treating individuals who are currently or formerly incarcerated. She also provides outpatient counseling services for adolescents and adults struggling with anxiety, depression, abuse, stress management, cultural diversity, interpersonal issues, and trauma related to sexual violence. Her eclectic therapeutic style incorporates cognitive behavioral therapy, strength based therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy skills, solution focused therapy, and mindfulness techniques. She currently works at Avera in Brookings, SD and can be contacted by phone at 605-692-2790. Follow The Prairie Doc® at www.prairiedoc.org and on Facebook and instagram featuring On Call with the Prairie Doc® a medical Q&A show celebrating its 22nd season of health information based on science, built on trust,  on SDPB and streaming live on Facebook most Thursdays at 7 p.m. central.