After incarceration, it can be extremely difficult for people to stay connected to mental health services. A new study explores how different types of jail-based mental health providers may affect service engagement following release. Analyzing data from 10 jails, researchers found that individuals with serious mental illness who stayed in a jail with a for-profit mental health provider were less likely to engage with community services after release compared to those in a jail with a nonprofit provider. Additional research into the factors that can help or hinder engagement with services is critical to ensure people receive the care they need when re-entering the community. To learn more, see the study in Psychiatric Services.
