Behavioral Health Services

Behavioral Health Services establishes the policy standards for the delivery of mental health and substance use treatment services. Additionally, they monitor and ensure that quality care is provided throughout the TDOC system. The goals are to (1) reduce the debilitating effects of serious mental illness and maximize each inmate’s ability to participate in programs while maintaining a safe prison environment for inmates and staff, and (2) help prepare inmates with mental illness and/or substance use treatment needs to successfully transition from incarceration back to the community. A continuum of services is provided including psychological assessment, case management, medication management, crisis intervention, individual/group therapy, substance use treatment services and sex offender program.

Upon initial intake into TDOC, mental health staff assess all inmates for their level of mental health functioning. Inmates are then assigned a level of care designation. The assigned level of care allows the inmate to receive the appropriate mental health treatment and services. An inmate's level of care designation is periodically reviewed to ensure the assigned level accurately reflects his or her current mental health functioning and level of treatment needs.

Inmates, who are unable to cope with the ordinary demands of life within a correctional environment, or whose functioning is significantly impaired due to mental illness, are housed in designated Supportive Living Units (SLU.) The SLU provides a structured environment, within a residential treatment unit, where they receive their medication, meals, and recreation without interacting with the general population. Daily programming and access to mental health staff allows them to improve their psychosocial functioning, coping skills, and increase prosocial behavior. Individualized treatment plans and a wide array of programming provide support and optimal care.

Behavioral Health Services utilizes standardized protocols and guidelines for community transition of inmates with mental illness. The focus is treatment team effectiveness, case management, and transition/reentry of inmates with significant mental health needs. Additionally, these individuals are referred to Behavioral Health Specialists in TDOC Community Supervision offices to help identify treatment resources in the community and provide for successful reentry.