Improving Access to Mental Health Services for New York State Prison Inmates

This article describes a multidisciplinary, multiagency approach to improve access to mental health services in individuals incarcerated within the New York State Department of Correctional Services (DOCS). An interagency work group convened focus groups with staff to assess needs and created a brief screening tool for serious mental illnesses. The NYS Brief Screening Tool (NYS BST) was pilot tested at two DOCS maximum security facilities. Results indicate that the NYS BST is easily administered by staff and well tolerated by inmates. Preliminary measures of sensitivity were within acceptable limits. The routine use of the NYS BST during intake at DOCS reception centers is under discussion. It also will be considered for use throughout the system whenever an inmate needs to be screened for potential mental health service needs.

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