Mental health services in the county jail: a critical partnership?

This study was designed to provide a description of individuals incarcerated in a county jail and referred for mental health services. A standardized intake form was completed for 598 inmates who had contact with the mental health counselor. Analysis of the mental health status of inmates suggests that the presence of a counselor in the jail may serve an important function. Specifically, inmates referred to the counselor were not in acute distress. This suggests they may be better served by an on-site counselor rather than through the traditional method of being transported to the hospital emergency room or community mental health center for evaluation.