This overview of the national Mental and Substance Use Disorders Prevalence Study, which included approximately 300 incarcerated adults, will highlight the study findings and compare the national estimates to the prison results. Implications of the study findings will be discussed, including how the results fit into the broader context of mental health within correctional institutions. Finally, study limitations, lessons learned, and how they inform future research directions will be presented.

Educational Objectives

• Describe methods that can be used to conduct clinical interviews with incarcerated individuals
• Review prevalence rates for mental health and substance use disorders among incarcerated individuals measured by the national MDPS
• Identify challenges that might influence execution of similar research in the future

Level: Intermediate