Mental Health Services Treatment Guidelines for Psychiatric Services The treatment of emotional and mental disorders within the inmate population is premised upon the provision of responsible mental health services within the context of sustaining the safe and orderly operation of each Department of Corrections (Department) facility. The mental health services provided shall be consistent with the Department’s mission to protect the citizens of the Commonwealth from crime and to offer programs to help inmates lead crime-free lives. In providing such mental health services, all inmates will be treated with dignity. Upon initial evaluation, the Psychiatrist/Nurse Practitioner /Nurse Practitioner will spend sufficient time with the inmate to make a thorough mental health assessment. The Psychiatrist/Nurse Practitioner /Nurse Practitioner will also answer the inmate’s questions regarding possible diagnoses, treatment and medication options and possible effects. In providing mental health services, the Psychiatrist/Nurse Practitioner /Nurse Practitioner recognizes that inmates being evaluated may be suffering from a variety of emotional problems or mental disorders. The Psychiatrist/Nurse Practitioner also recognizes that some inmate’s seek medications for personal gain not related to any objective signs of mental disorder. Medications and treatment should be ordered based upon clinical need and not in response to an inmate’s request, desire or demand. At a minimum, an inmate who receives psychiatric services should have a diagnosable psychiatric disorder (per DSM-5-TR). If no medical need exists, an inmate’s request for medication should be denied and no medical treatment or medication ordered. When prescribing medications, the Psychiatrist/Nurse Practitioner will monitor the effects of such medications on a regular basis and continue such prescriptions only as long as deemed necessary and discontinue medications as soon as considered appropriate. Long-term use of medications to address adjustment or situational problems is discouraged. Medications should not be prescribed to placate inmates or to alleviate mild symptoms, which may be indications for the need for psychological and/or other services.
