Others are incarcerated for offenses that reflect uncharacteristic behavior, perhaps due to poor judgment and situational stress. Many inmates suffer from serious mental, substance abuse, or behavioral disorders and require assistance in maintaining the degree of psychological stability necessary to function in their environment. The prevailing philosophy within the Bureau is that rehabilitation cannot and should not be forced upon an inmate. Rather, the Bureau provides resources to assist those who are motivated to change maladaptive thought and behavioral patterns or who suffer from significant mental impairment. Resources available to offenders typically include academic, vocational, medical, mental health, religious, and recreational services and programs.
Psychologists are the primary providers of mental health services to inmates.
Psychology departments range in size from one to as many as 12 psychologists and operate in much the same way as community mental health centers. Psychology departments provide a full range of assessment and treatment services and programs to inmates. They also offer training and consultative services to staff on a variety of mental health issues. Most clients are self-referred. However, some are staff-referred or are referred by the Federal Courts or parole boards for evaluation or treatment.