It can be difficult for correctional health professionals to differentiate seriously mentally ill patients from those with similar symptoms, those who engage in malingering, and those forced into the SMI diagnosis by institutional and systemic mandates. Participants will learn how to effectively assess and diagnose SMI in a correctional population, examine how this complicated diagnosis can impact a system, and consider important factors when transitioning patients back into the community.

Educational Objectives:

• Differentiate the clinical criteria for an appropriate diagnosis of SMI
• Describe the systemic impact and consequences of SMI diagnoses on a correctional environment
• Identify tools and techniques for successful patient reintegration into the community after an SMI diagnosis

Level: Intermediate