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. 2025 May;61(4):704-715.
doi: 10.1007/s10597-024-01389-x. Epub 2024 Nov 13.

Exploring Reentry Concerns of Incarcerated Individuals with Severe Mental Illness

D Michael Applegarth  1 , Laura S Abrams  2 , David J Farabee  3
Affiliations

Exploring Reentry Concerns of Incarcerated Individuals with Severe Mental Illness

D Michael Applegarth et al. Community Ment Health J. 2025 May.

Abstract

Little is known about the factors and circumstances that relate to how incarcerated individuals with serious mental illness (SMI) view their own needs upon reentry and their ability to meet them. In this study, 101 imprisoned adults with SMI rated their level of concern over meeting their basic needs and obtaining services following incarceration. Greater reentry concern was predicted by anticipated barriers to psychological care and increased psychological distress. When participants were asked what factors concerned them most, 51% identified housing, 41% financial concerns, and 39% obtaining services. The extent level of concern related to recidivism (rearrest during the 6-month follow-up post-release) was also examined; no significant relationship was observed. Findings align with prior research, suggesting that there should be less emphasis on convincing individuals of the value of mental health care and a greater focus on how to help them meet other demands that may prevent them from seeking such services.

Keywords: Basic needs; Reentry; Reentry concerns; Severe mental illness; Treatment needs.

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Conflict of interest statement

Declarations. Competing Interests: The authors declare they have no competing or financial interests. Ethics Approval: This study was approved by the UCLA IRB, IRB#16–000973.

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