In Maine, the Intensive Mental Health Unit serves patients with severe and persistent mental illness who have complex psychiatric profiles. They have often struggled in other treatment settings, yet upon release from the IMHU they are often stable, nonaggressive, and open to building relationships with providers. Longitudinal data will highlight what methods have worked in creating a therapeutic treatment milieu. Connections with community providers are essential to prepare these patients for reentry.

Educational Objectives

• Outline components of the intensive mental health treatment program in Maine
• Differentiate between a therapeutic milieu versus one of short-term stabilization
• Describe ways that correctional providers can better prepare a patient and the community for postrelease

Level:Intermediate