Availability of Behavioral Health Treatment for Women in Prison

This study examined whether women with behavioral health needs receive better treatment access in prison compared to community settings. Researchers surveyed 908 female inmates at New Jersey's only state correctional facility for women in August 2004, comparing their treatment experiences before and during incarceration. Over half (56%) of the women reported needing behavioral health treatment before incarceration, but only 62% of this group actually received such treatment in the community.

The findings reveal significant differences in treatment access rates between community and prison settings. In the community, treatment rates varied by type: 58% of women needing mental health treatment received it, 52% needing substance abuse treatment received it, and only 44% needing both types of treatment received comprehensive care. In contrast, prison showed higher treatment rates across all categories: 78% for mental health treatment, 57% for substance abuse treatment, and 65% for combined treatment. Health insurance coverage was the strongest predictor of receiving treatment in the community, with insured women being 2-4 times more likely to receive needed care.

The study suggests that while prison improves access to behavioral health treatment for women, this finding raises concerning questions about community-based care systems. The research indicates that some women might have avoided incarceration if adequate treatment had been available in the community, particularly for substance abuse problems. Since roughly half of incarcerated women were under the influence of drugs or alcohol when they committed their offenses, the limited access to substance abuse treatment in both settings represents a missed opportunity for intervention and crime prevention.