Individuals with severe mental illness (SMI) are at greatly increased risk for trauma exposure and for the development of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This study reports findings from a large, comprehensive screening of trauma and PTSD symptoms among public mental health clients in a statewide community mental health system. In 851 individuals with SMI and probable PTSD, childhood sexual abuse was the most commonly endorsed “index” trauma, followed closely by the sudden death of a loved one. Participants had typically experienced an average of 7 types of traumatic events in their lifetime. The number of types of traumatic events experienced and Hispanic ethnicity were significantly associated with PTSD symptom severity. Clients reported experiencing PTSD in relation to events which occurred on average 20 years earlier, suggesting the clinical need to address trauma and loss throughout the lifespan, including their prolonged after-effects.

FAST may lead to an increase in self-efficacy and cognitive strategy use, as well as a reduction in academic difficulties among students with psychiatric conditions. Future analyses with follow-up data through 12 months will address the potential of FAST to improve academic functioning among this population. (PsycINFO Database Record

BACKGROUND: Physical health conditions are pervasive among individuals with serious mental illness (SMI) living in the community. And many individuals with SMI are unemployed despite their desire to work. OBJECTIVE: This study explored participants' perceptions of physical and mental health conditions as barriers to employment and the impact of such conditions on job-searching activities. METHODS:The participants (n = 162) reported their mental and physical health status and their employment-related activities and barriers over a 12-month study period. Frequency analysis and Chi-square tests were conducted to examine the relationship between the participants' perception on physical or mental health conditions as a barrier to employment and their conducted job-related activities. RESULTS: More participants reported physical health conditions than mental health conditions as a barrier to job-related activities. Participants' perception on physical health conditions as a barrier to employment significantly decreased job-related activities, while mental health conditions did not. In addition, more participants reported long-term physical health conditions as a barrier than short-term ones. Participants identified physical problems more frequently than mental health problems for limiting their work or other activities. CONCLUSIONS: Integrating care of physical health conditions in mental health services should be considered for improving employment participation and outcomes.

Objective: We call for the psychiatric rehabilitation field to assess overpolicing as racialized trauma via a targeted universal trauma screening to provide trauma-informed rehabilitation services. Methods: We examine the overpolicing of low-level, nonviolent activities and offenses through frequent stops, tickets, and arrests of disproportionately those who have mental health conditions and are Black, Indigenous, and people of color. These police interactions can produce traumatic responses and exacerbate symptoms. Assessing and responding to overpolicing is vital for psychiatric rehabilitation to provide trauma-informed services. Results: We present preliminary practice data using an expanded trauma exposure form with racialized trauma, such as police harassment and brutality, that is absent from validated screenings. From this expanded screening, the majority of participants reported undisclosed racialized trauma. Conclusions and Implications for Practice: We recommend the field devote practice and research to racialized trauma and policing and the lasting effects to support trauma-informed services. Impact and ImplicationsThis report identifies overpolicing as a racialized trauma exposure overlooked in behavioral health for people with serious mental health conditions. We offer recommendations for research to assess the problem of overpolicing and the development, validation, and use of universal trauma screening that includes overpolicing.