Results from a comprehensive assessment of behavioral health problems among rural jail inmates

Local jail inmates, especially in rural areas, are consistently overlooked by researchers who tend to focus on state and federal prisoners. Given the lack of current data, limited resources allocated to behavioral health assessment in correctional settings, and the mandate to collect this information, the current pilot study was designed to collect data related to prevalence rates of mental health and substance use disorders in a local jail population. Results demonstrate the high prevalence and severity of behavioral health conditions among adult jail inmates. Suggestions are made for further assessment and treatment approaches in local correctional settings.