Mental health services for women offenders

Women are more likely to have a diagnosis of a major psychiatric disorder than men. They are also approximately twice as likely as men to suffer from depression. Research shows that incarcerated women have a significantly higher incidence of mental disorders than women in the broader societal population.

These disorders include:

• schizophrenia
• major depression
• substance abuse disorders
• psychosexual dysfunction
• anti-social personality disorders

Correctional Service Canada (CSC) uses a mental health continuum of care strategy to address the mental health needs of women offenders. It emphasizes that mental health strategies should:

• focus on wellness
• be women-centred
• encourage client participation
• use the least restrictive measures possible

For more information on CSC’s mental health strategies visit:

• Towards a Continuum of Care

CSC routinely screens women offenders at intake to identify those who may need a more comprehensive assessment/intervention. CSC:

• houses minimum- or medium-security women with mental health needs and/or cognitive limitations in:
  • structured living environments
• helps women offenders with extra mental health needs (regardless of their security level classification) at the:
  • national treatment centres

CSC offers a mental health program, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), specifically to women offenders. It is an intensive treatment for people who have great difficulty regulating their emotions and behaviours. DBT offers:

• skills training sessions
• 24-hour coaching
• treatment team consultations
• sessions with a psychologist