What Happens When Your Patient with SMI Gets Arrested?-Lecture Presentation

Video Transcription

Video Summary

The video features Dr. Debra Peinold, a clinical professor of psychiatry and Director of the Program in Psychiatry, Law, and Ethics at the University of Michigan Medical School, discussing what happens when a patient with serious mental illness (SMI) gets arrested. Dr. Peinold describes the different steps involved in the criminal justice process, from arrest to court to incarceration to release. She emphasizes the importance of understanding these steps and how they can vary for each individual. Dr. Peinold highlights that a disproportionate number of people with SMI are arrested for minor crimes and cautions against assuming that SMI individuals are only arrested for extreme offenses, as this further stigmatizes the population. She also discusses factors that influence police decisions on whether to make an arrest or divert the individual to mental health services. Dr. Peinold provides insights into competency evaluations, mental health courts, and reentry services for individuals with SMI involved in the criminal justice system. She concludes by offering suggestions for supporting the families of individuals with SMI during their involvement in the criminal justice system and ensuring continuity of care for these patients.

Keywords

Dr. Debra Peinold

clinical professor

psychiatry

serious mental illness

arrested

criminal justice process

mental health services

competency evaluations