The Intersection of Health and Justice: An Evaluation of Mental Health First Aid Training for Justice-involved Professionals

Where historically justice and behavioral health professionals have functioned independently in systems that often collide, the ability to provide community behavioral health training to justice involved professionals may lead to enhanced public safety and decreases in incarcerations. This study evaluated the impact of the Mental Health First Aid program completed by 85 justice professionals. Study participants completed a questionnaire before and after the training to assess the impact on knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs. Findings suggest the training reduced stigmatizing attitudes and improved participants’recognition of mental health disorders, self-confidence in providing help, and intent to help.