The Intersection of Health and Justice: An Evaluation of Mental Health First Aid Training for Justice-involved Professionals

Abstract

Where historically justice and behavioral health professionals have functioned independently in systems that often collide, the ability to provide community behavioral health training to justice involved professionals may lead to enhanced public safety and decreases in incarcerations. This study evaluated the impact of the Mental Health First Aid program completed by 85 justice professionals. Study participants completed a questionnaire before and after the training to assess the impact on knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs. Findings suggest the training reduced stigmatizing attitudes and improved participants’recognition of mental health disorders, self-confidence in providing help, and intent to help. The results of this study provide preliminary evidence supportive of justice communities investing in the Mental Health First Aid training consistent with the International Chiefs of Police Association’s commitment to the “One Mind Campaign” to ensure that justice professionals have the skills to safely and responsibly meet the needs of people with mental illness