Client Demographics, History, And Presenting Problem

Ms. Smith is a 30 year old single, Caucasian female referred for a psychosocial assessment by DOC Parole Officer Ward. She reports she was released from prison 2 months ago after a 3 year sentence for attempted escape due to not notifying her probation officer of her address change. Ms. Smith states due to her past substance use history and trauma experience her referral sources ordered counseling to address complex issues related to her emotional and physical well-being.

Client comes to treatment because she has been mandated by the court to receive services for her drug and alcohol usage. Client self-reports an extensive history of drug and alcohol usage, as well as, issues with controlling and maintaining her anger. Client is more concerned with her anger issues then her drug and alcohol usage. Client feels that if she can control her anger then she will not have to turn to drugs and alcohol. Client appears to be self-medicating with drugs and alcohol.

Client has a lack of social support network. No information regarding Alex's childhood, adolescence has been provided. Client mentioned that her father died of a heart attack to Dan but indicated that he was alive but later on we find out that he actually did die of a heart attack. She never discusses her family she was more into her lover’s family. There is no information regarding family history of mental illness, or substance abuse disorder.

The participant is a 49 year old African American male who began using substances at the age of 13. He was diagnosed with severe alcohol, cocaine, and opioid use. The participant has been incarcerated over the past 32 years. He was recently paroled after completing eight years of a sixteen year sentence in the Illinois Department of Corrections for burglary and theft. The participant is on medications to treat HIV/AIDS and has been diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder. He was referred to Healthcare Alternative Systems residential program through TASC as a condition of his probation.

The United States criminal justice system has been continuously increasing incarceration among individuals who suffer from a sever mental illness. As of 2007 individuals with severe mental illness were over twice as likely to be found in prisons than in society (National Commission of Correctional Health Care, 2002, as cited in Litschge &Vaughn, 2009). The offenses that lead to their commitment in a criminal facility, in the majority of cases, derive from symptoms of their mental illness instead of deviant behavior. Our criminal justice system is failing those who would benefit more from the care of a psychiatric rehabilitation facility or psychiatric hospital by placing them in correctional facilities or prisons.

The patient is a 34 year old black male. The patient reports he is single with 3 daughter ages 3, 11, and 13. The 3 year old live with him. He reports currently live with his mother and brother. The patient reports he has 14 years of education however has not received his degree. The patient reports being on probation for Injury to a child for the next two years. The patient is scheduled to be complete his probation in September 2016. The patient reports Cannabis is primary substances and his last use July 20, 2015. He stated on that day he smoked about 5 joint. The patient also report that he tried Xanax . The patient denies any issues with HI/SI. Patient also reports he is taking his medication as prescribed. The patient appear to be in the pre-contemplation stage of change. The patient next scheduled individual session with the counselor is on Thursday, July 30, 2015 at

The client met with his counselor on 05/06/2017 for his one on one session to discuss his treatment plan goals. the client has been on track with his goals and is working on his second step. the client discuss one of the things that his currently working on and that is acceptance. the client explained that he is having a hard time acceptance certain situations and things that happen in his life, and most of the time it result in him resulting to using drugs. the client as well talked about being disappointed in himself for relapsing after two years of being sober. the client reported that he didn't use the tools that were given to him from his last his was in the program, getting a sponsor and learning coping skills. the client reported that

Over the past thirty years, there has been a 500% increase in the U.S incarceration rate. (The Sentencing project, 2014) Advances in medicine, such as the discovery of psychoactive drugs, led to the deinstitutionalization of mentally ill patients from psychiatric hospitals. With a long record of horrific abuse,

Individuals with a mental illness often turn to drugs or alcohol to reduce their symptoms, as opposed to or in addition to seeking treatment for their illness. This problem is much worse than previously imagined, with experts estimating 65 percent of prison inmates suffering from a dual diagnosis. The prevalence in the general population is likely very high also, thus anyone with a mental illness or substance abuse problem may find they need specialized care.

Psychological disorders are common in the United States and worldwide. The National institute of mental Health discovered that, “An estimated 26.2 percent of Americans ages 18 and older — about one in four adults — suffer from a diagnosable mental disorder in a given year.” Having an uncle who was diagnosed with Schizophrenia in 2003 has changed the way I see people with mental illnesses. After reading and watching the documentary about prisoners who have to undergo medication just to live a “normal” life has given me inspiration to come up with a few ways that will help our justice system deal with these sorts of individuals. While researchers are trying to come up with different medical measures to cure these diseases we as individuals can implement some procedures to help and support mental patients.

As a counselor works with clients, one may have to work with a client that are taking psychotropic medication. A client named Kimberly disclosed in a session that she has Bipolar Disorder. She is a 19 year old African American woman. Kimberly has been experiencing symptoms of Bipolar Disorder for three years. Before beginning to take lithium, Kimberly has run away from home, displays erratic behaviors, has using marijuana to relieve symptoms, and attempting suicide when experiencing severe depression. Kimberly has also attempted suicide. Kimberly’s mental illness has affected her relationship with her mother and put a financial strain on the household. Kimberly was arrested and charged with the possession of marijuana.

The client also has a strong relationship with her children and is involved in their educational needs.

The prevalence of individuals with severe mental illness entering the criminal justice system creates a social injustice and substantial cost. People with mental illness cycle thorough courtrooms, jails, and prisons, generating a concern among policy-makers, criminal administrators, practitioners, families, and advocates. These facilities lack the ability to provide adequate treatment and results in a damaging cycle. In 2000, The United States Congress responded to these individuals by authorizing Policy Law 106-515 or mental health court; combining court supervision and community-based treatment services for individuals with mental illness. Policy Law 106-515 is a therapeutic court approach which seeks to provide effective treatment and eliminate

The stigma of mental illness creates a barrier for those who need treatment. Over the years, cases dealing with mentally ill persons involved with the criminal justice system have been prevalent. The cycle of courtrooms, prisons, and jails dealing with these individuals proved to be costly and an ineffective use of these resources (Docgurley, 2011). As a result, mental health courts have been established. This is essentially a therapeutic place where the focus is less on the crime and punishment and more on helping the client, which is usually in lieu of a jail or prison sentence. Particularly in this setting, it is important to understand the process of court proceedings, how client rights are protected, the importance of client safety and welfare, the gaps in services, and the course of involuntary treatment.

Mr. Clark is a thirty-year-old African American male currently residing at Fillmore Place Assisted Living Facility in Petersburg, Virginia. It is important to note that the current ALF does not provide skill-building services. Mr. Clark presented with a flat affect but was forthcoming during the assessment and willingly provided information regarding his past and current functionality. At the time of this assessment Mr. Clark was appropriately groomed and his hygiene was normal for his age. It is noted that Mr. Clark acknowledged his mental health diagnosis of Schizophrenia however, believes his diagnosis is the consequence of him smoking a laced blunt in 2003 or 2004 when he was living in Ohio. Mr. Clark sees Dr. Holden (Psychiatrist). Mr.