Corrections_Today_Summer_2024_Vol.86_No.2

COMMITTEES

Problems and progress in behavioral health A view from respected clinicians — Behavioral Health Committee By Randy Shively, Ph.D.

Introduction I n this editorial, interviews were conducted with two community corrections re-entry profes sionals and a clinical and forensic psychologist with expertise in jails and prison systems. This editorial will review both problems and prog ress in behavioral health, looking at some key issues impacting the continuum of care across correction settings; this discussion highlights reentry concepts that community corrections for years have champi oned. Three questions were asked of individuals knowledgeable in their area of expertise. I asked the following questions to respected clinicians in the field of behavioral health in corrections: 1. What are the greatest accom plishments in your area of behavioral health? 2. What are the three greatest obstacles in assessing and treating behavioral health individuals? 3. Where do you see the field of

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Health for the American Correction al Association, responded to these questions pertinent to jails and prisons. Thomas E Boggs, LPCC S, LICDC-CS, Clinical Director at Alvis and Makesha West-Pullie, Division Director Behavioral Health at Alvis helped answered the ques tions from a community corrections perspective. These answers, given the di verse perspectives of professionals across the field of behavioral health, cover a lot of correctional territory. The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in the text belong solely

to the author and interviewees, and not necessarily to the author’s or interviewee’s employer, organiza tion, committee or any other group or individual. What are the greatest ac complishments in your area of behavioral health? Dr. Aufderheide, represent ing prisons and jails, felt that the national standards in mental health, especially regarding ACA’s published performance standards

behavioral health heading within the next five years?

Dean Aufderheide, Ph.D., a board-certified correctional psy chologist and Director of Mental

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