How Mental Health Affects Inmates
According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), individuals with mental health disorders are overrepresented in jails and prisons across the country.
Studies show that around 2 in 5 people that are incarcerated have a history of mental illness. As noted by NAMI, approximately 37% of those in state and federal prisons have a history of mental illness and around 44% of those in local jails.
Women in Prison with Mental Illness
Women are also more likely to be incarcerated compared to men. Research indicates that nearly twice as many women reported having a history of mental illness, or around 66% of women in prison.
Suicide Rates and Serious Mental Illness
Tragically, the leading cause of death for people incarcerated in local jails is suicide. In addition, approximately 4,000 individuals in prison with serious mental illness are in solitary confinement.
Juvenile Detention Centers
NAMI estimates that as many as 70% of youth in the juvenile justice system have a mental health concern. They are also 10x more likely to suffer from psychosis compared with other youth.
Treatment While Incarcerated
Despite a large portion of the incarcerated population having a diagnosable mental health disorder, few receive treatment. NAMI states that around 3 in 5 (63%) of people with a history of mental illness never receive treatment while incarcerated in prison.
Additionally, less than half (45%) of those with a history of mental illness receive mental health treatment while in local jails.
Recognizing that there is a mental health crisis in the criminal justice system, California has implemented a diversion program for individuals who have a diagnosable mental health condition and are charged with a crime.