University and Public Behavioral Health Organization Collaboration in Justice Contexts

Abstract

There are various influences on the contemporary delivery of behavioral health services to individuals involved in the criminal justice system. One involves the findings from empirical research. From drug trials to psychotherapy research, from the development of relevant psychological tests and specialized measures to the most effective approach to providing reentry services, there are many services that are guided by translational research. Yet the time and specialization to conduct and consider such translational research are often limited by the service demands on public behavioral health organizations (PBHOs) that provide assessment and intervention to justice-involved individuals. Accordingly, collaboration with university-based specialists that would promote empirically guided practice and decision-making could be sensible and practical. There are additional justifications for university-PBHO collaboration that go beyond the more efficient use of research and other resources. This book offers detailed information about successful university-PBHO collaboration. The various chapters provide different examples of such collaborations. These examples were selected by their reputations for success. The authors did not have a systematic empirical basis for such selections, but there was strong anecdotal evidence that each of these collaborations is well- operated and has provided valued services. The chapter authors offer detailed descriptions of their respective collaborations. These descriptions cover various aspects of the collaboration, including purposes, beginning, leadership, who is served, services, operations, effectiveness measurement, financial arrangements, and lessons learned. The book offers context and analysis, respectively, for those who participate in a university-PBHO collaboration-or might be interested in doing so. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved)