Premium
Initiation of a multidisciplinary telemental health clinic for rural justice‐involved populations: Rationale, recommendations, and lessons learned
Author(s) -
Batastini Ashley B.,
Jones Ashley C. T.,
Lester Michael E.,
Davis Riley M.
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
journal of community psychology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.585
H-Index - 86
eISSN - 1520-6629
pISSN - 0090-4392
DOI - 10.1002/jcop.22424
Subject(s) - timeline , multidisciplinary approach , mental health , intervention (counseling) , nursing , economic justice , videoconferencing , service (business) , service delivery framework , medicine , public relations , psychology , medical education , business , political science , psychiatry , engineering , telecommunications , archaeology , marketing , law , history
Videoconferencing technology (VCT) is rapidly increasing in the mental healthcare industry and is becoming an attractive option to reach justice‐involved populations. This paper first highlights the need for alternative service delivery solutions and reviews current literature on the use of VCT for correctional clients. We then outline the specific timeline, procedures, and barriers associated with the initiation of a virtual, multidisciplinary telemental health clinic for jailed and community‐released offenders in a rural Mississippi county aimed at reducing criminogenic and psychiatric risks. Finally, we summarize generalizable recommendations for establishing community partnerships, developing structural and logistical processes, and delivering VCT while accounting for unique client factors and integrating evidence‐based intervention strategies. We hope other community leaders will feel empowered to initiate similar programs that address needs within in their own jurisdictions.