Cognitive-behavioral Treatment: A Review and Discussion for Corrections Professionals

Treatments for Recidivism Risk Among Justice-Involved Veterans

“…Other cognitive behavioral interventions in line with the RNR model's risk principle have also demonstrated effectiveness in reducing the rate of recidivism among justice-involved adults (Lipsey & Cullen, 2007;Milkman & Wanberg, 2007). Furthermore, meta-analyses of CBT for offenders have estimated an 8% (Aos et al, 2006) to 25% (Landenberger & Lipsey, 2005) reduction in recidivism compared to control treatments.…”

“…Some of these programs used CBT to change antisocial thought patterns that are risk factors for criminal actions and replace them with prosocial attitudes that support positive activities. In CBT approaches, participants examine positive and negative consequences of their behavior, develop skills to cope with stress, anger, and difficult social situations in positive ways, and focus on identifying and carrying out legal behaviors that have desirable consequences (Milkman & Wanberg, 2007). When programs for offenders, including sex offenders, targeted the Big Four risk factors using CBT techniques, recidivism was reduced (Aos et al, 2006).…”

“…MRT assumes that criminal behavior stems from low levels of moral reasoning. Group counseling sessions (usually between 12 and 30) use CB techniques to move participants through 16 steps in the development of moral reasoning, leading them to confront personal beliefs, assess relationships, develop a positive identity, enhance self-esteem, decrease hedonism, and increase the ability to delay gratification (Little, 2003;Milkman & Wanberg, 2007). Each participant moves through the steps at his or her own pace, such that groups are able to add new members at any time (Little, 2003).…”

Targeting Criminal Recidivism in Mentally Ill Offenders: Structured Clinical Approaches

“…However, the recidivism-related antisocial cognitions and maladaptive emotional reactions are largely interpersonal and may not be associated with individual distress (other than undesired legal consequences). As a result, recidivism focused CBT intervention requires more than an emphasis on just feeling better; there needs to be specific attention to interpersonal skills and acceptance of community standards for responsible behavior (Milkman and Wanberg 2007). While these interventions were originally developed for a general offender population, they may be an appropriate intervention for the justice involved mentally ill because the structured, problem behavior targeted approach may suit the learning style of the mentally ill and can target specific criminogenic needs that are present in this population as well (Rosenfeld et al 2007).…”

“…This one measure captures both improved client stability and public safety, while providing support for the promised decreased jail-day cost savings required to sustain continued financial resources (Almquist and Dodd 2009;Milkman and Wanberg 2007). Evidence-based practices with track records of effectiveness in treating serious mental illness and co-occurring substance abuse have been suggested for use in forensic populations with similar clinical issues (Osher and Steadman 2007).…”