Examining the Mental Health of Prison Inmates: A Perspective of a Psychologist

Mental health is a common concern for people seeking well-being in their lives. Healthcare providers and policymakers worldwide have focused on analyzing and working on issues related to mental health among varied age groups. However, people who are in detention or the inmate population, like prisoners, are one of the least studied populations in terms of understanding the prevalence of mental illnesses among the cohort. The detrimental impact of confinement within the prisons can be threatening and mentally exhausting for the inmates, as most of them are unaware of their rights and the justice system. The present paper examines mental health issues among prison inmates in India and reviews the related literature. The paper also discusses the fact file of available services, laws, and healthcare policies for prisoners in India. Further, the issues are discussed with a focus on highlighting the models and interventions that can be utilized and applied to enhance the mental healthcare system for the inmate population in the country