Developing treatments for mental health issues linked to criminal behavior

Forging New Paths: Building Interventions to Treat Criminogenic Needs in Community Based Mental Health Settings

NIH-funded research Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill · NIH-10890017

This study is looking to help people with serious mental illnesses who have been involved in the criminal justice system by creating special treatments that focus on the reasons they might get into trouble again, aiming to improve their mental health and keep them out of the justice system.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniv of North Carolina Chapel Hill NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Chapel Hill, United States)
Project IDNIH-10890017 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research aims to create and implement interventions that address criminogenic risk factors in individuals with serious mental illnesses (SMI) who are involved in the criminal justice system. By recognizing that mental illness alone does not drive criminal behavior, the study focuses on tailoring treatment approaches that target the specific risk factors contributing to recidivism. The methodology includes adapting existing criminogenic-focused interventions for use in community-based mental health settings, with the goal of reducing justice involvement among this population. Participants will engage in evidence-based therapies designed to improve their mental health while addressing behaviors that may lead to criminal activity.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals aged 21 and older with serious mental illnesses who have had prior involvement with the criminal justice system.

Not a fit: Patients who do not have serious mental illnesses or those who have not been involved in the criminal justice system may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective mental health treatments that reduce criminal behavior and recidivism among individuals with serious mental illnesses.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown success in using criminogenic-focused interventions for justice-involved individuals with mental illnesses, indicating a promising approach for this study.

Where this research is happening

Chapel Hill, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.