Mental Health Screening Unit

The Mental Health Screening Unit (MHSU) sits within the Specific Needs cluster, Corrective Services NSW.  It ensures comprehensive assessment, treatment and management of individuals with mental illness. 

There are two Mental Health Screening Units and associated mental health step down units located at the Metropolitan Remand and Reception Centre (MRRC) and Silverwater Women’s Correctional Centre (SWCC).

Roles within the MHSU

The MHSU is jointly run by Corrective Services NSW (CSNSW) and Justice Health and Forensic Mental Health Network (JH&FMHN) using a multidisciplinary approach. 

Various non-custodial CSNSW roles in the MHSU include:

• Senior Psychologist / Psychologists
  
• Manager, Crisis / Mental Health
• Services & Programs Officers (SAPOs)

Services provided by MHSU Psychology

• Assessments, behaviour management, and program facilitation.
• Support, co​​​nsultation and advice to staff managing offenders with a mental illness, and liaison with other internal and external stakeholders.
• Assistance with case management and consultation re: pre-release planning of offenders with a mental illness.

MHSU Suitability Criteria

The MHSU is suitable for inmates:

• with acute mental illness,
• who have suspected mental illness and are at risk of harm to self and others,
• requiring assessment and commencement of treatment for major mental illness,
• awaiting placement in a declared mental health facility,
• who have acute mental health symptoms and are located in centres without adequate mental health services for the purpose of diagnosis and clinical review.

Additional Information

The MHSU provides specialised psychology services for both male and female inmates.  The men’s MHSU houses 43 inmates within the MRRC, and the women’s MHSU houses 10 inmates within SWCC.

Inmates are discharged from the MHSU to their gaol of classification or to MH Step-Down (transitioning) Units if required for ongoing monitoring.  MHSU Psychologists currently provide ongoing services and programs for 110 male inmates and 15 female inmates in these Step-Down Units.

Psychologists in the MHSU enjoy working within a dynamic, challenging, supportive and rewarding multi-disciplinary team.