Forensic Psychologists and the Consultation and Treatment Programs for the Convicts

Forensic Psychologists and Corrections
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Forensic Psychologists and Corrections
Forensic psychology can be described as the aspect of applying medical expertise to legal fields. Forensic psychologists typically engage in research, consultation and implement treatment programs for the convicts.
The Role of the Psychologist in this Scenario
The psychologist in this scenario played several roles; firstly, Sandi Smith had to determine Bell's competency to stand for the trial. A forensic psychologist's first goal is to determine whether the convicted criminal is mentally fit to stand trial. In this case, Sandi performs the evaluation test to determine if the convict will understand and engage with a lawyer in a respectful manner. In case the convict is no sound, the psychologist can recommend medication until he or she meets the criteria to stand before a jury. Secondly, Sandi played another critical role in providing therapeutic services that entail counseling and recommending treatment. For example, Bell was diagnosed with Bipolar disorder, which requires continuous medication and monitoring.
Additionally, Bell was also a drug abuse which requires intense therapeutic care to enable detoxification. Thirdly, as a forensic psychologist, Sandi determined Bell's mind's state since it is a requirement by a defendant to understand the state of the convict's mind. Considering Bell was already intoxicated when the county sheriff found him, forensic psychologists had to evaluate and determine whether the crime was intended.
Services Offered in the Prison to Treat Addiction and Mental Health Issues
Several services are offered in prison to treat drug addiction. Typically, according to the USA department of justice, at least 70% of inmates have substance abuse a month before they commit the crime. In this case, all correctional facilities have established rehabilitation programs to help inmates under substance abuse. Rehabilitation programs are classified into several entities: anger management, drug abuse, and sexual offenses. According to the forensic psychologist Sandi Smith, Bell needed to enroll anger management program. The conclusion was made when Bell engaged in a fight with inmates, and his bipolar disorder also contributed to it.
Furthermore, all prisons also provide mental health services, for instance, mental problems or bipolar issues. Most inmates have mental issues due to drug abuse, as in the case of Bell. The psycho-social evaluation revealed that Bell was suffering from drug abuse and bipolar disorder; both mental and addiction cases are also solved through religious programs since it entails counseling (Baillargeon, Binswanger, Penn, Williams, Murray, 2009). Correctional facilities also offer smoking cessation programs which ...