Forensic mental health

People in the criminal justice system have significantly higher rates of mental illness and other mental disorders than those in the general community, and are more likely to be detained in custody, sentenced to imprisonment, or become a victim of crime. Young men are over-represented in Australia’s prison population and are therefore more likely than others to be referred to forensic mental health specialists or services.

‘Forensic’ means related to, or associated with, legal issues. Forensic mental health services provide assessment and treatment of people with a mental disorder and a history of criminal offending, or those who are at risk of offending. People may be referred for assessment by the police, courts, prison or other health or mental health services, and may have a mental illness or mental disorder. Treatment may be provided in the community, in hospital or in prison.

The mental state of some offenders, or alleged offenders, may need to be assessed for a variety of reasons, including:

• Whether or not they are capable of making a plea in court
• Their state of mind at the time of the offence
• Their current need for mental health treatment.

Mental illness

Mental illness is an umbrella term that refers to many different illnesses that affect the mind. Around one in five Australians will experience some form of mental illness – mild, moderate or severe – at some time in their lives.

Mental illnesses can be divided into two main groups:

• Non-psychotic illness – symptoms include overwhelming feelings of sadness, tension or anxiety, and difficulties coping with everyday life. Depression and anxiety disorders like phobias and obsessive compulsive disorders are examples of non-psychotic illnesses.
• Psychotic illness – symptoms include delusions, hallucinations and a distorted view of reality. Schizophrenia and bipolar disorder (manic depression) are examples of psychotic illnesses.

Mental disorders

Mental disorders include:

• Organic brain disorders – damage to brain tissue caused by diseases such as alcoholism or dementia
• Personality disorders – enduring disturbances in the way in which a person interacts with others
• Intellectual disability – caused by problems with brain development.

Types of patients

The type of person seen by forensic mental health professionals may include:

• Prisoners who need secure hospital treatment
• People who are accused of crimes, but are considered unfit to plead because of their mental impairment
• People who are found not guilty of crimes because of mental impairment
• Offenders or alleged offenders who are referred by courts for assessment or treatment
• People living in the community who have a serious mental illness and have offended, or are at high risk of offending.

Referral agencies

Offenders or alleged offenders may be referred to a forensic mental health service or practitioner by a range of organisations, including:

• Police
• Courts
• Prisons
• Community corrections
• Other justice and mental health services.

Treatment for mentally ill offenders

Treatment options for mentally ill offenders may include:

• Medication – such as antidepressants, antipsychotics and drugs to control some of the symptoms of particular mental illnesses or mental disorders
• Counselling – one-on-one or group therapy
• Rehabilitation – involvement in a program directed at returning offenders safely back into the community.

There are services available to support mentally ill offenders. The Department of Health funds a range of public general and forensic mental health services. The Department of Justice funds prison-based mental health services, court-based assessment and diversion programs, and community-based support programs. Private forensic psychologists and psychiatrists offer treatment and counselling services.

Where to get help

• Your doctor – for information and referral
• Community mental health service
• Community corrections
• Forensic mental health specialist.

Things to remember

• Forensic mental health services provide assessment and treatment of people with a mental disorder and a history of criminal offending, or those who are at risk of offending.
• There are services available to support mentally ill offenders.

You might also be interested in:

• Mental illness.
  
• Mental illness - family and friends.
  
• Mental illness prevalence.
  

Want to know more?

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Last reviewed: July 2011

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<a href="http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/Forensic_mental_health?open">Forensic mental health - Better Health Channel</a><br/>
Forensic mental health services provide assessment and treatment of people with a mental disorder and a history of criminal offending, or those who are at risk of offending. 'Forensic' means related to, or associated with, legal processes. People may be referred for assessment by the police, courts, prison or other health or mental health services, and may have a mental illness or mental disorder. Treatment may be provided in the community, in hospital or in prison.

Content on this website is provided for education and information purposes only. Information about a therapy, service, product or treatment does not imply endorsement and is not intended to replace advice from your qualified health professional. Content has been prepared for Victorian residence and wider Australian audiences, and was accurate at the time of publication. Readers should note that over time currency and completeness of the information may change. All users are urged to always seek advice from a qualified health care professional for diagnosis and answers to their medical questions.

For the latest updates and more information, visit www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au

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