Mental Health and the Carceral State

Abstract

In effect, mental health is secondary. Mental health in prisons raises numerous concerns within medical, political, and social domains. With regard to mental illness, questions linger as to how the incarcerated are to be treated. This focus on punishing crimes obscures the actual treatment not only of the prisoner, but also for those living with mental illness. This project focuses on these factors that condition the inadequacy of mental health treatment options for prisoners. The scope of this project seeks to address the flagging care of inmates and their mental health that is endemic to the U.S.