COVID-19 Inspired Relational Telemental Health Services for Incarcerated Individuals and Their Families

Abstract

The novel coronavirus pandemic has caused marriage and family therapists (MFTs) to alter how they provide clinical services. MFTs must determine how to deliver relationship-oriented services to underserved populations that are often forgotten during crises, including incarcerated individuals and their families. The primary purpose of this paper is to showcase how relational telemental health (TMH) services for incarcerated individuals and their families can increase access to services and improve relational health. Information is presented about corrections in the U.S., effects of incarceration on partners, children, and other family members, the behavioral health and relationship needs of incarcerated individuals, and current approaches to relational mental health and telehealth in corrections. Finally, suggestions are offered on how relational TMH could be used in corrections during the COVID-19 pandemic, including advocacy for collaborative healthcare, recommended implementation practices, and ethical considerations.

“Not for the Weak”: The Lived Experience of Women in Romantic Relationships With Incarcerated Individuals

“…With correctional facilities expanding access to video visits for incarcerated people and their families, these video services might be utilized for relationship therapy (Tadros, Aguirre, et al, 2021). With the cancelation of in-person visits, nearly all states made phone calls free to allow individuals to speak with family members (Dallaire et al, 2021).…”

“…Additionally, multiple family members could have access to the same provider, as this allows the provider to be at the center of the family dynamics (Hertlein et al, 2021). Mental health clinicians will need to be cognizant of the correctional facility environment and how that may impact the nature of the session (Tadros, Aguirre, et al, 2021), however all steps should be taken to provide privacy and confidentiality to the client who is incarcerated.…”

The Tadros Theory: A Clinical Supervision Framework for Working with Incarcerated Individuals and Their Families

“…Further, it is vital to address the current state of the world. Due to COVID-19, restrictions have been put in place that vastly impact both mental health treatment and incarcerated populations (Tadros et al, 2021d ; Dallaire et al, 2021 ). The challenges of providing mental health care during this time due to strict and unsure guidelines exacerbate various inequalities.…”

Couple Connectedness in the Time of COVID-19

“…The COVID-19 pandemic has forced all healthcare systems, hospitals, and clinics to quickly incorporate telehealth services, and the American health system's delivery of patient care will be forever changed. Relational telehealth, also known as online therapy or e-therapy, is an electronic modality that supports the well-being and functioning of individuals, couples, parents–child dyads, and families by conceptualizing relationships and mental health in a holistic way ( Tadros et al, 2021 ; Wrape & McGinn, 2019 ). This form of online therapy can include services provided by professionals such as psychiatrists, psychologists, counselors, marriage, and family therapists (MFTs), and social workers ( Tadros et al., 2021 ).…”

“…Relational telehealth, also known as online therapy or e-therapy, is an electronic modality that supports the well-being and functioning of individuals, couples, parents–child dyads, and families by conceptualizing relationships and mental health in a holistic way ( Tadros et al, 2021 ; Wrape & McGinn, 2019 ). This form of online therapy can include services provided by professionals such as psychiatrists, psychologists, counselors, marriage, and family therapists (MFTs), and social workers ( Tadros et al., 2021 ). Platforms such as Zoom and Simple Practice can be used for telehealth.…”