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Designed for behavioral health clinicians, this course examines practical, evidence-based approaches and strategies for managing antisocial tendencies among justice-involved individuals, including the “big four” criminogenic risks: antisocial cognition, antisocial behavior, antisocial personality pattern, and antisocial associates. Defined by the Risk-Need-Responsivity (RNR) model, these empirically validated risks have been found to have a strong relationship with criminal offending, and interventions targeting antisocial tendencies have demonstrated a positive influence on reducing violence and improving the quality of life for justice-involved people—as well as lowering their risk of recidivism.

For this reason, it is crucial for behavioral health clinicians to consider the unique challenges of working with clients with antisocial tendencies—especially those who meet the diagnostic criteria for antisocial personality disorder (ASPD)—and develop interventions that specifically address their needs. Through the provided materials and activities, this course will enable attendees to develop these skills so they can recognize, assess, and manage antisocial tendencies in justice-involved individuals, develop and implement effective treatment plans that incorporate criminogenic risks and needs, and collaborate with criminal justice professionals to mitigate common barriers and coordinate care.

Individuals who navigate the criminal justice system encounter a range of hardships and challenges. However, some members of priority populations face more challenges than others due to other factors. For this training, these priority populations include people who are LGBTQ+, people who are aging, people who are neurodivergent, people with traumatic brain injuries (TBI), and women. Challenges are intensified for these individuals because they are at a higher risk of mistreatment, abuse, and neglect. This training will increase awareness of the unique needs and experiences of people from these priority populations when they are incarcerated. Behavioral health professionals will be equipped to provide a trauma-informed approach and identify the needs and challenges to inform treatment planning in correctional settings.

Colorado is home to approximately 37,000 licensed lawyers and 390 judges. This course provides judges, district attorneys, public defenders, and private attorneys with insights into the intersection of behavioral health and the criminal justice system. Judges and attorneys will explore mental health conditions and challenges in justice-involved populations, including antisocial personality disorder, substance use disorder, and trauma, while examining how utilizing evidence-based approaches, such as the Risk-Need-Responsivity model, can reduce recidivism.

Learners will gain an understanding of ways behavioral health influences a person’s decision-making, engagement, and rehabilitation; the mental health disorders most seen in justice settings; and how to refer individuals to appropriate services. By recognizing how behavioral and mental health shapes behavior, communication, and compliance, legal professionals can support better overall outcomes for individuals, including reduction in recidivism.

People in jail or prison are over 10 times more likely to have a substance use disorder (SUD) than the general population.

As a behavioral health professional working with individuals who are incarcerated, your role in addressing this disparity is critical. This course provides an overview of how incarceration affects SUD treatment needs, examines both pharmacological and psychosocial treatment approaches, and underscores the importance of maintaining continuity of care across transitions.

Throughout the course, you will gain knowledge that will help you to provide more effective care and treatment for individuals with SUD in correctional settings, ultimately leading to better health outcomes during incarceration and after release.