Projects

HEALS staffCurrent Projects

  • Arkansas Crisis Stabilization Study – This study is the detailed follow-up of in-person assessments with clients who have been admitted to the Crisis Stabilization Unit. For each participant, the follow-up will occur over a 1-year period to see how they do once they are discharged from the CSU. This study also uses pre-collected data that have been used in other BRISL evaluations.
  • GUIDES Study – This study is comparing outcomes of women who did and did not complete trauma therapy while incarcerated. We want to know whether women who complete this therapy had better outcomes after prison. We also want to know more about women’s post-release access to mental health services, including evidence-based trauma therapies. Project began recruiting in February 2019. Target enrollment is 60 women.
  • SHARE Process Evaluation – This qualitative study is examining how SHARE, a group trauma therapy for incarcerated women who have survived sexual violence, was implemented and maintained in a women’s community correction center. We want to improve knowledge of how to implement trauma therapies sustainably in prisons. Data will be narrative interviews with SHARE stakeholders. The goal is to develop a SHARE implementation guide.

Past Projects

  • PCRDF Mental Health Screening Study – This study assessed the mental health needs of those housed at Pulaski County Regional Detention Facility (PCRDF). We wanted to know what mental health programs could help this population. Wave 1 of the study (N = 155) concluded in December 2018. Results are being analyzed. Wave 2 of the study started February 2019 and will recruit a similar N. Wave 2 replaced some measures to look at other health conditions and determinants, had more emphasis on parenting experiences and overall incarceration history, and asked about receptivity to specific programs recommended by Wave 1 cohort.
  • PCRCSU Outcomes Evaluation – This study is assessing the services offered by the Pulaski County Regional Crisis Stabilization Unit (PCRCSU). The PCRCSU opened in August 2018 to provide therapeutic psychiatric services to those in acute behavioral health crises. The goal was to provide options beyond ED visits, inpatient hospitalization, and transport to jail. This study is looking at both patient-level (e.g., QOL, arrests, health service use) and systems-level (e.g., cost offset) outcomes.
  • Responses to Shared Emotion – This qualitative study is examining people’s experiences disclosing their emotions to others. We want to understand what responses to shared emotions are typical, and how these responses are received by experiencing them. Data drawn from 22 participants who completed individual essay questions and participated in one of four focus groups. Coding and thematic analysis is ongoing.