Mental health treatment is always a critical subject in corrections, and now conditions have been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. While chronic issues such as substance abuse and serious mental illness remain a concern, mental health of the incarcerated has been impacted by the shutdowns or limits on educational programs, face-to-face counseling, and family visitation, as well as greater use of restrictive housing to isolate the virus.

NCCHC’s annual Correctional Mental Health Care Conference will take place virtually on July 20-21, with sessions available for on-demand viewing through September 3. Correctional mental health experts will cover topics such as the impact of COVID-19 on mental health, medication-assisted treatment, serious mental illness, trauma, autism, transgender issues, and reentry. The event also includes an online exhibit hall to introduce correctional mental health professionals to solutions and information to help improve patient care.

“The online format allows participants to view every session and get more education than they would in a live event,” says NCCHC CEO Deborah Ross, CCHP. “And, there is a definitely a convenience factor in participating in the sessions as time permits and not having to travel. We are proud to be able to support professionals in the field in these challenging times.”

A new two-hour preconference seminar will explain NCCHC’s Standards for Mental Health Services and how they impact care, treatment, records, administration, personnel, legal issues, and more. The seminar will support quality mental health care within facilities and assist practitioners in preparing for NCCHC’s specialty certification for mental health, CCHP-MH.

For more information, visit ncchc.org/mental-health-conference.