Blog Post: Psychiatrist

Correctional Health Services (CHS) is an integrated health system that provides health, mental health and dental services for a diverse population spanning 6 jails. This challenging and dynamic workplace requires immediate professional assessment of people as they enter the jail with a variety of serious disorders to keep them stable in a stressful environment. The mental health component strives to identify those individuals who are seriously mentally ill and vulnerable to assure quick access to appropriate treatment and continuity of care. When it can be helpful, CHS works with family and other members of the individuals social support network to assist in their adapting to the jail environment and for their community reintegration. Mental Health Professionals have the opportunity to provide initial and ongoing assessments and treatment that help to stabilize patients and to avoid psychiatric emergencies sometimes associated with confinement and the stresses of moving through the legal system. As a result of CHS's cooperative efforts with Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO), Maricopa County has a suicide rate much lower than the national average in other jail systems.

We work directly with the staff of MCSO and other community stakeholders in the criminal justice, behavioral health and community social services systems. We assist our patients through appropriate discharge planning to maintain their health and linkages to community systems. These efforts are directed to reduce recidivism related to psychiatric destabilization. As the 4th largest jail system in the country, we seek to be the leader in correctional health care.