Chapter 34 - Inmate Mental Health Assistants An Emerging Best Practice for Carceral Settings from Part III - Neuroethics
Chapter 34 - Inmate Mental Health Assistants An Emerging Best Practice for Carceral Settings from Part III - Neuroethics
By Craigen Armstrong, Kerry Morrison, David Nelson, Dain Sanderson, Anthony Matzke and Bernardo Martinez
Edited by:
Katherine Warburton and Stephen M. Stahl
April 29, 2026
Cambridge University Press
Summary
This chapter discusses an innovative program at the Los Angeles County jail that showcases the transformative impact of compassionate care provided by inmate Mental Health Assistants (MHAs) for incarcerated patients with serious mental illness. The MHAs undergo extensive training in trauma-informed care and work to bridge the communication gap between patients and clinical staff. The chapter outlines the philosophy, structure, and goals of the program, emphasizing the need for a restorative environment and meaningful services within the jail. The core framework of the Mental Health Assistant model focuses on advocating for proper care and creating change for marginalized individuals. The program aims to promote healing, reduce recidivism, and uplift everyone involved through a culture of love, unselfishness, integrity, teamwork, and organized effort. The chapter details the impactful role of MHAs, the institutional mental health support program, and a step-by-step guide for implementing a transformative mental health care model within the corrections system.
