Benefits of Outpatient Programming for Justice-Impacted Individuals Experiencing Reentry

By Jeremy Schall

Valley Behavioral Hospital provides a safe space for patients to process their experiences and emotions through therapeutic techniques and evidenced based practices. Patients admitted to outpatient programming receive care from a multidisciplinary team of a licensed therapist, psychiatrist, and registered nurse. The dynamic Outpatient Treatment Team provides Partial Hospitalization Programming (PHP) and Intensive Outpatient Programming (IOP) services for community members with mental health, chemical dependency, and co-occurring disorders. The hospital’s outpatient provides comprehensive and structured treatment for those who need a higher level of care and do not meet medical necessities for detox or constant supervision. This article explores the benefits of Partial Hospitalization and Intensive Outpatient services for justice-impacted individuals, highlighting its role in mental health recovery, reducing recidivism, and promoting societal reintegration.

Individuals who have experienced the criminal justice system often face unique challenges that can have lasting effects on their mental health and overall well-being. Outpatient programming plays a crucial role by providing emotional support, and facilitating reintegration into society. One of the primary benefits of PHP and IOP for justice involved is the support it offers for mental health recovery, post-incarceration decompression, and substance use. Many individuals who interact with the justice system experience trauma, anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues. Due to the harsh conditions and loss of personal freedom those who have been incarcerated may suffer from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Generalized Anxiety Disorder, and numerous other disorders.

Valley Hospital uses evidence-based practices like Moral Reconation Therapy (MRT) to help clients reframe negative thoughts, manage emotions, and develop healthier coping strategies. MRT is particularly beneficial for individuals in the criminal justice system, supporting those with chemical dependencies by promoting better decision-making and reducing recidivism.

Offenders: MRT is often used in prisons and juvenile detention centers to reduce recidivism by promoting moral development and responsible behavior.

Substance users: Helps individuals struggling with addiction to understand the moral consequences of their actions and encourages them to make positive life changes.

At-Risk Youths: MRT can assist young people at risk of criminal behavior to develop higher levels of moral reasoning.

People Seeking Personal Growth: Individuals looking to improve their decision-making and behavior patterns can also benefit from MRT. Overall, this specific therapeutic intervention is designed to help participants increase their moral reasoning, enhance self-image, and promote pro-social behavior, which can be beneficial in various aspects of life (Little, 1985). 

Valley Hospital’s outpatient programs are vital in reducing recidivism by providing support and resources. They coordinate with justice agencies like parole, probation, and public defenders, while maintaining a network of referral sources, including hospitals, treatment centers, therapists, and case managers.

Former incarcerated individuals often struggle with employment, family reintegration, and societal reentry, increasing the risk of reoffending. Valley Hospital’s outpatient program addresses these challenges by helping individuals develop interpersonal skills, professional abilities, and anger management, while offering guidance on goal setting. By equipping them with the necessary tools, the program reduces the likelihood of returning to criminal behavior.

Valley Hospital’s effective outpatient programs support justice-impacted individuals transitioning from incarceration to society by addressing challenges like stigma, social isolation, and adjustment difficulties. PHP and IOP bridge this gap by helping individuals build positive relationships, access essential resources like housing, education, and employment, and strengthen overall social stability, facilitating successful reintegration. The outcomes can play a role in reducing stigma associated with justice-impacted individuals. Through the promotion of understanding and empathy outcomes and data, help shift societal perceptions and encourage more inclusive attitudes.

This cultural shift is essential for creating an environment where justice-impacted individuals feel valued and supported as they rebuild their lives.

Transitioning from the carceral setting to an outpatient program can be particularly challenging for formerly incarcerated individuals as they rebuild their lives in the community. The reentry process can significantly influence overall health by affecting access to essential resources such as nutritious food, affordable housing, transportation, safe communities, social support networks, education, and employment resources. Increasing evidence suggests overcoming these hurdles contribute to enhanced health outcomes for beneficiaries, de escalate healthcare expenditures, and creates health equalities.

Outpatient programs for justice-involved individuals support mental health recovery, reduce recidivism, and aid societal reintegration by offering a therapeutic environment that helps them overcome challenges and promotes positive change.

Jeremy Schall is the Director of Outpatient Services at Valley Hospital in Phoenix. He is passionate about mental health awareness, prison reentry advocacy, and supporting those affected by addiction. Learn more at valleyhospital-phoenix.com