Mental health services in the county jail: A critical partnership?

This study was designed to provide a description of individuals incarcerate d in a county jail and referred for mental health services. A standardized intake form was completed for 598 inmates who had contact with the mental h ealth counselor. Analysis of the mental health status of inmates suggests t hat the presence of a counselor in the jail may serve an important function . Specifically, inmates referred ro the counselor were not in acute distres s. This suggests they may be better served by an on-site counselor rather t han through the traditional method of being transported to the hospital eme rgency room or community mental health center for evaluation.