NCJ Number
30634
Journal
Corrective and Social Psychiatry and Journal of Behavior Technology Methods and Therapy Volume: 21 Issue: 4 Dated: (OCTOBER 1975) Pages: 21-27
Date Published
1975
Length
7 pages
Annotation
AN EXPLORATION OF THE TREATMENT PROCESS IN CALIFORNIA STATE PRISONS FOR MEN, EMPHASIZING THE ROLES OF PSYCHIATRISTS AND PSYCHOLOGISTS IN THE PRISON ATMOSPHERE WHICH STRESSES PUNISHMENT RATHER THAN REHABILITATION.
Abstract
THESE PENAL PROFESSIONALS HAVE SEVERAL CHOICES OF METHODS OF ADAPTING TO THE SYSTEM, RANGING FROM ABANDONMENT OF THERAPEUTIC GOALS TO FORCING A CONFRONTATION WITHIN THE SYSTEM. THE AUTHOR PROPOSES THAT DUAL INTERFERENCE BY BOTH THE CRIMINAL AND THE THERAPEUTIC PROCESS SHOULD BE PROHIBITED. PSYCHIATRISTS AND PSYCHOLOGISTS SHOULD NOT SIT ON DISCIPLINARY BOARDS OR SCREENING COMMITTEES. THERAPY SHOULD CEASE TO BE A PREREQUISITE FOR PAROLE OR LINKED, IN ANY WAY, TO TERM OF CONFINEMENT. PSYCHIATRIC AND PSYCHOLOGICAL EVALUATIONS SHOULD BE ABOLISHED BECAUSE THEY CLEARLY VIOLATE PROFESSIONAL ETHICS AND UNDERMINE A THERAPIST-PATIENT RELATIONSHIP. (AUTHOR ABSTRACT MODIFIED)