Living in Prison After Residential Mental Health Treatment: A Program Follow-Up

Sixty-one inmates with mental illness who had been treated in a medium-security residential mental health program were interviewed and assessed in other prison units after they left the program, 43 (70%) in general population units and 18 in special living units. Participants showed a decrease in psychiatric symptoms and expressed appreciation for the program. A minority of participants had adjustment problems that persisted in every prison setting. The coping abilities of inmates with mental illness and program implications are discussed in relation to differences in individuals and in settings.