Understanding how criminal records affect women's mental health support
Official title: The Impact of Collateral Consequences on Help-Seeking and Help-Attainment for Behavioral Health Needs for Women with Criminal Records
Funded at University of Chicago · NIH-10935955 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at the difficulties women with criminal records face when trying to get mental health support, especially since many of them deal with issues like PTSD and depression due to past violence, and it aims to find ways to make it easier for them to access the help they need.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Chicago NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project start | September 25, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $194,415 |
| NIH project number | 5R21MD018708-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10935955 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adult women over 21 years old who have a criminal record and are experiencing behavioral health issues.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have a criminal record or who are not experiencing behavioral health concerns may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the challenges faced by women with criminal records in seeking and receiving behavioral health services. It focuses on the high rates of mental health issues, such as PTSD and depression, among these women, and how their experiences of interpersonal violence contribute to their struggles. By employing a mixed-methods approach, the study aims to identify the barriers created by collateral consequences, which are restrictions that limit access to necessary resources and support. The findings will help inform strategies to improve access to mental health care for this vulnerable population.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved access to mental health services for women with criminal records, enhancing their overall well-being.
How similar studies have gone: While there is existing research on behavioral health disparities, this specific focus on women with criminal records and the impact of collateral consequences is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Chicago
Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Fedock, Gina Lorraine — University of Chicago
- Study coordinator: Fedock, Gina Lorraine
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.