Mental Health Service Utilization: General and Gendered Consequences for Prison Strains

Abstract

Nearly half of the incarcerated population experience mental health problems. Service use, however, is rare. There may be benefits for individuals who continue treatment upon incarceration (i.e., fewer or less intense pains of imprisonment). Researchers suggest that effects of treatment may differ by gender; distinct barriers to services may exist and accessing treatment may have unique effects on experienced strains. No study to date examines whether continuation of services protects at-risk groups from in-prison strains, and whether these effects are gendered. This article examines the effects of service utilization using a nationally representative sample of inmates. Results indicate that effects of continued service use vary, protecting women against some in-prison strains. Implications for theory, research, and policy are discussed.

Disciplinary Confinement and Misconduct Patterns: An Examination of Gendered Effects

“…Lengthy stints in DC could spur on more disruptive behavior among men, perhaps due to unaddressed or exacerbated mental health issues. Treatment seeking stigma is especially salient in male facilities (Severson et al, 2020), which could cause behavior associated with untreated mental illness to be misconstrued as rule violations. Attendant stays in DC could further exacerbate the illness and cause more serious and even violent misbehavior to occur.…”

Differential Use of Mental Health Services by Race and Ethnicity in Prison

“…Given that incarcerated PWMI are likely to have a harder time adjusting to prison conditions (Koons-Witt & Crittenden, 2018), it can be important for them to participate in mental health treatment. Incarcerated persons who utilize mental health treatment services have been found to be better able to handle the prison environment due to improved symptoms (Severson et al, 2020). Improved symptoms can lead to a decrease in the number and severity of prison infractions (Gagliardi, 2005; Shaw & Morgan, 2011).…”

“…Improved symptoms can lead to a decrease in the number and severity of prison infractions (Gagliardi, 2005; Shaw & Morgan, 2011). In addition, incarcerated persons who utilize mental health services are less likely to be socially isolated (Severson et al, 2020), victimized (Severson et al, 2020), hospitalized (Gagliardi, 2005), and recidivate postrelease (Youman et al, 2010).…”

“…Although PWMI are overrepresented in the prison population, nearly half of those that require treatment do not receive it (Severson et al, 2020). In addition, research suggests that treatment is also not provided or utilized equally, with individuals who are male, Black, Latinx, and younger being less likely to receive treatment (Severson et al, 2020). Black persons are disproportionately overrepresented in correctional institutions, making up one-third of those incarcerated but only 13% of the general population (Hedden et al, 2021; Youman et al, 2010).…”

“…Although PWMI are overrepresented in the prison population, nearly half of those that require treatment do not receive it (Severson et al, 2020). In addition, research suggests that treatment is also not provided or utilized equally, with individuals who are male, Black, Latinx, and younger being less likely to receive treatment (Severson et al, 2020).…”