Increasing access to counsellors in prisons the answer, not cutting services

Increasing access to counselling services is one measure Corrections could take if it wants to “shake-up” how support is provided to address the mental wellbeing of some of New Zealand’s most vulnerable.

So says New Zealand Association of Counsellors President Sarah Maindonald, who is concerned Corrections is axing services that support prisoners with mental health conditions.

“People in prisons are more likely than the general population to have a history of mental health needs, to be the victims of violence, and have post-traumatic stress disorder,” Maindonald says.

“It’s even worse for women in prison; 53% of women have experienced sexual assault compared to 15% of men.

“According to Correction’s annual report, the Improving Mental Health Service contract that has been in place since 2017 has ‘statistically significant positive results’.

“So, it is difficult to fathom why part of this service is being cut.”

If, however, the cuts are to ensure Corrections can “deliver better outcomes” then increasing the number of, and allowing greater access for prisoners to, qualified counsellors is essential to ensuring that inmates receive the support they require.

The Improving Mental Health Service programme should be applauded for providing brief interventions for people with mild-to-moderate mental distress, says Maindonald.

Despite its lack of additional funding, more people with mild to moderate needs could be supported if access to counsellors was increased, she adds.

“As it stands now, only clinicians who hold registration under the Health Practitioners Competence Assurance Act or have a recognised social work qualification can be employed for this service.

“We have developed an accreditation in partnership with Te Whatu Ora to ensure that the Act does not create a barrier for counsellors working in mental health and addiction settings. Previously, this was impossible for our members as we are not registered under the Act.

“Counsellors already work within prisons through ACC contracts, and a variety of other government agencies including the Ministry of Education and Te Whatu Ora. But people in prisons would have greater access to mental health support if counsellors could be hired as clinicians under the programme.

“Creating a similar pathway with Corrections would add a valuable mental health resource that is currently struggling under its current demand.”