Men and women who are in the prison system are often faced with unique physical and psychological challenges. Because of this, it is essential that correctional healthcare consulting services be offered at the first sign of illness or emotional distress. Here are some effective ways the correctional healthcare system can address the healthcare needs of those who are incarcerated.
Psychological Counseling
People in correctional facilities often face severe mental health problems. They may be suffering from anxiety and depression, and may feel guilt over not being with their families. It is important that these individuals get the psychological counseling that they need in order to better cope with their circumstances.
Group therapy with other inmates, one-on-one therapy with a psychiatrist, or cognitive therapy can help inmates adjust to prison life, make better use of their time, and develop a brighter outlook on life. If these interventions fail to improve the inmate's mood, then the psychiatrist may need to prescribe an anxiety or antidepressant medication.
The doctor will let the person know, that while the prescribed medication will help improve the symptoms of psychological distress, it may take a few weeks before he or she notices any positive changes in the mood.
Nutritional Intervention
Certain incarcerated individuals may also face nutritional challenges. For example, men and women who had preexisting health conditions before incarceration may be required to follow special diets while in prison.
The correctional facility's dietary consultants can recommend healthy food choices for the inmates, and the prison kitchen staff will follow the appropriate standards of care to ensure that the inmates receive nutritious foods to manage their diabetes or other chronic illnesses. Inmates who have preexisting health conditions will be screened by the prison system's healthcare providers so that the appropriate nutritional interventions can be implemented.
People in prison may also have substance abuse problems such as alcoholism, which can cause severe nutritional deficiencies. Once the deficiencies have been identified, nutrient-dense foods, and if recommended by the facility physician, vitamin and mineral supplements will be provided to the individual.
It is important that nutritional deficiencies be corrected as soon as possible because they can contribute to existing anxiety and depression problems that inmates may be already facing.
If you have a loved one who is in a correctional facility, talk to an administrator to learn more about correctional healthcare counseling. When you are better informed about your loved one's healthcare needs, you can further help him or her overcome medical, social, and psychological problems. Contact a service, like J Allen Associates Correctional Healthcare Management, to learn more.
Share9 September 2019
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