Jail Mental Health
Jail Mental Health Program
All individuals booked into Durham County Jail are screened by medical for mental health concerns, and for persons with severe and persistent mental illness (SPMI) diagnosis or severe mental illness and on medication. In fiscal year 2024, approximately 55% of all detainees were referred to the Jail Mental Health Program (JMH).
Services Provided by Jail Mental Health
JSD Clinicians located in the Detention Center:
- Stabilize detainees who arrive on psychiatric medication (starts on current prescribed medication at admission, and then adjusts after 30 days if needed)
- Provide monthly chronic care visits to determine if they are having side effects from medication, ongoing or new symptoms. Chronic care visits may also address other needs, ensure they are not isolating, and that they are being proactive on their charges.
- Answer inmate requests from any detainee received through the kiosk. These requests might result in providing supportive counseling, resources, and general information.
- Delivers specialized programming specifically designed for female detainees. Programming includes prosocial activities that encourage healthy relationships and models appropriate behavior.
- Visits all detainees in the secure custody or disciplinary unit weekly. These segregation rounds on the unit are used to determine their mental status and offers encouragement as well as relevant resources.
- High-acuity detainees in the therapeutic housing unit are seen daily by JMH clinicians. These sessions include mental status exams, supportive counseling, psychoeducational groups, and pro-social activities.
- Offers discharge planning and connection to care. The Case Manager contacts attorneys, monitors court dates, and meets with client to discuss plans and needs upon discharge. The Case Manager also makes referrals and appointments with community mental health providers, arranges for other services such as housing, transportation, and ensures a 30 day supply medication is called in and picked up upon discharge. The case manager also addresses basic needs such as clothing, food, and hygiene products either through JSD or referrals to other agencies.
Contact Justice Services
Kelli Egnaczak
Mental Health Program Manager