Dr. Alicia Irvin, Ph.D., is TK Health's Director of Psychological Services. Before joining the TK Health team in 2016, she worked for the Oklahoma Department of Corrections. She graduated from Oklahoma State University in 2008 with a doctorate in Counseling Psychology. She is a licensed psychologist in Oklahoma, and her specialty areas include corrections, forensics, juvenile offenders, severe mental illness, and geriatrics.
About 2-in-5 jailed people have a history of mental illness, making behavioral healthcare a necessity at correctional centers. But many people think more can be done to help care for inmates with mental health issues.
A patient arrives at intake with multiple symptoms and a complicated history. You listen, observe, complete the necessary assessments, and begin to form an initial impression. This kind of quick thinking happens every day in healthcare, including in jails, where patients often present with layered… Read More »Cognitive Bias and Seeing the Whole Person in Jail Healthcare
We all want to be heard when we see a medical professional. We don’t like it when the doctor or nurse seems rushed, as if they aren’t taking us seriously or aren’t listening. Patients in jails are no different. We all need to know that… Read More »The Power of Empathetic Listening in Correctional Healthcare
There’s no question that there are some noncompliant patients in jails. They may provide a medical history that doesn’t make sense or none at all. They may get angry, yell, or even spit. They may refuse to take medication or follow a treatment plan. All… Read More »Understanding Noncompliant Patients in Jail Settings
Many people may think they’ll never be touched by legal issues. But the truth is that millions of people are incarcerated each year. And those people’s choices have a ripple effect that travels far beyond themselves. When a person enters custody, their loved ones often… Read More »How Does Incarceration Impact Families?
Correctional healthcare presents unique challenges. Many healthcare team members carry a heavy emotional load as they support people who may be at one of the worst points in their lives. Having and building emotional resilience helps providers stay grounded and compassionate as they care for… Read More »Building Emotional Resilience in Correctional Healthcare
Correctional counselors help patients address mental health issues and prepare for life outside of jail. They do this by providing much-needed mental health support. They assess needs, address mental health crises, and collaborate with other professionals inside and outside of the jail to ensure each… Read More »How To Become a Correctional Counselor
Mental health treatment in jails provides a critical opportunity to support people in need. Jail may be the first time many of these people have access to medical treatment of any kind, including mental health services. This post examines the importance of mental health treatment… Read More »Mental Health Treatment in Jails
A significant portion of incarcerated people (more than 40%, according to one study) experience mental illness, which is often misunderstood. Outdated perceptions and misinformation contribute to a stigma that harms people and hinders healing. At TK Health, we believe that every person deserves access to… Read More »5 Mental Illness Myths About Incarcerated People
It’s common in correctional settings to encounter people with both mental illness and substance use disorder. This combination presents unique challenges for treatment and recovery. Many incarcerated people have lived with undiagnosed or untreated conditions for years, often using drugs or alcohol to cope with… Read More »What Is Dual Diagnosis? Understanding Mental Illness and Addiction Together.