Psychotherapy and Counseling for Offenders

Psychotherapy is a process by which you examine your thoughts, feelings, actions and relationships, evaluate where problems exist, and learn how to make whatever changes are necessary to achieve better life adjustment and satisfaction. Counseling and psychotherapy are interchangeable because they describe the same process, and have similar goals. 

Many criminal acts are linked to psychological problems that can be treated. In fact, if more psychological treatment was provided to offenders, we could reduce the crime recidivism rate considerably. Within correctional institutions, psychotherapy services for inmates has been mostly abandoned because of cost and poor results. Recently, in New Jersey, the courts have ruled that correctional institutions have an obligation to provide psychological treatment to inmates with diagnosed psychological disorders. Those services are provided by the correctional institution. Psychological treatment provided privately, on an outpatient basis, either as a condition of probation or parole, can help convicted individuals learn how to interact appropriately within society, while shifting the cost to the offender. Obviously, not all offenders are amenable to treatment, but if a psychological evaluation indicates that treatment would reduce recidivism, then it can be provided on court order. Violent offenders, sexual offenders, and some individuals who commit crimes because they do not empathize with victims are potential recipients of this psychotherapy. For some offenders, the presence of personality disorders demands long term treatment to achieve results. For juvenile offenders, psychotherapy is frequently indicated, and can be especially helpful in the rehabilitation process. 

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