Many times I am asked what a mental health evaluator does as it pertains to the criminal justice arena. The role is a varied one. Sometimes MHE's provide evaluation an assessment for pre-trial, court, or post-conviction reasons. Other times a criminal justice facility may require a mental health evaluation for housing and classification purposes. The MHE consists of an in-depth interview, history (family, medical, psycho-social, criminal, employment, military servie, education, etc). The inmate is often tested using various testing instruments. A diagnosis, summary and recommendations are then made.
This can be helpful to document a mental illness and inmate might have, to understand what his/her mental health needs are, to decide what housing issues may occur with the inmate and to assist with making decisions about moving an inmate. Sometimes facilities have mental health evaluators on staff. Othertimes, as in smaller facilities or those with limited funding, the facility does not have someone on staff.
As we know many inmates have a host of mental issues and often have co-morbid conditions. Having an evaluation completed is a non-biased, impartial way to view the inmate and his or her needs.It is also helpful to staff and their safety if we know the mental health status of an inmate who may be new to our facility.Looking forward to discussing this with others.