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California-based psychologist Dr. Elaine Rosa achieved the rank of Captain/03 in her military career. Dr. Elaine Rosa also previously worked as a contract psychologist at Kern Valley State Prison, where she counseled inmates.
To improve mental health outcomes for prisoners, especially the nearly 40 percent who have a diagnosed mental illness, many prison systems offer group therapy sessions led by qualified psychologists. In these sessions, therapists work with the prisoners to develop self-awareness and coping skills for handling conflicts in prison and in their outside relationships.
Other therapy formats focus on specific issues, such as anger management. Inmates with children may also attend sessions that cover parenting skills.
Group therapy has been shown to increase treatment adherence in mentally ill patients and reduce self-harming behaviors such as suicide ideation. The group setting also allows prisoners to practice and develop their social and communication skills and build confidence.
