Living in Prison After Residential Mental Health Treatment: a Program Follow-up

61 inmates with mental illness (including suicidality) who had been treated in a medium-security residential mental health program were interviewed & assessed in other prison units after they left the program. Participants showed a decrease in psychiatric symptoms & expressed appreciation for the program. A minority of participants had adjustment problems that persisted in every prison setting. The coping abilities of inmates with mental illness & program implications are discussed in relation to differences in individuals & in settings. (22 refs)