Delivering Mental Health Services in Rural Prisons: Technology Meets Tradition

This article describes how one large correctional mental health system modified its traditional methods of providing services at remote rural prisons. It describes the system as it existed in the more traditional mode, then describes the transition to using more telepsychiatry/ psychology and fewer on-site clinics. It also reports on a staff opinion survey of both the on-site and remote telepsych clinics. Finally, it provides recommendations and a checklist that can assist others who may be deciding to use combination methods of on-site and telepsychiatry in their prison systems.