Spiritually focused, multiculturally oriented psychotherapy in the criminal justice detention system.

Abstract

C orrectional facilities are one of the largest mental health providers in the United States; as such, efforts are being made to increase the effectiveness of services, especially psychotherapy (Munetz et al., 2001;Steadman et al., 2009). Individuals with mental illness are disproportionately represented in the criminal justice system (Munetz et al., 2001;Steadman et al., 2009). Despite this disparity, there is scant empirical evidence about the efficacy of therapeutic services in detention centers. Morgan et al. (2012) conducted a meta-analysis with 26 studies on treatments, which included psychotherapy but was not exclusive to this modality, in detention centers. The meta-analysis included 1,649 clients (sample sizes ranged from 5 to 150). Although the overall treatment effects for detention center therapy studies were positive for mental health symptoms (d = 0.87) and criminality outcomes (d = 0.42), there was wide variation in the effect sizes of outcomes (d = −1.57 to 2.98). Sufficient data were not available to test moderators or process variables, leaving many unanswered questions about the change mechanisms. However, we suspect that religious and/or spiritual identity and attention to those beliefs and values could be important in the healing process during detention.Religion or spirituality (R/S) is commonplace within correctional settings. R/S beliefs can create a way of making meaning in the lives of individuals who are incarcerated and may experience uncertainty and existential crises (Eytan, 2011). While data on religiosity in treatment are scarce, we can draw indirect evidence for the importance of spiritual themes in this setting from a Pew

Psychotherapy with clients who are incarcerated: Therapists’ multicultural orientation, alliance, and outcomes.

“…Given the intersecting cultural identities and cultural experiences for many individuals who are incarcerated, therapists in correctional facilities should consider the larger systemic issues of oppression and discrimination in guiding their treatments (Gafford et al, 2022). More broadly, treatments that are oriented toward client cultural identities, cultural values, and worldviews are positively associated with treatment outcomes (American Psychological Association, 2017; Captari et al, 2018; Cardemil, 2010; Davis et al, 2018; Hall et al, 2016; Huey et al, 2014; Ort, 2020; Soto et al, 2018; Sue et al, 1982; Whaley & Davis, 2007).…”

“…People who are incarcerated are also more likely to have undiagnosed and/or untreated mental illnesses and substance use disorders (Cummings, 2019;Jäggi et al, 2016;Travis et al, 2014;Wolff & Shi, 2012). Accordingly, jails and prisons have become one of the largest providers of mental health services in the United States (Gafford et al, 2022;Sharp, 2018).…”