This paper presents findings about the clinical, criminal, and demographic characteristics associated with placement of inmates on the mental health unit of a county jail. Access to intensive mental health services was examined through retrospective review of the health and mental health records of 290 male and female jail inmates. Prior psychiatric treatment, use of greater numbers of illegal drugs, more days in jail, and being female were significantly associated with placement on the mental health unit. Overall, women of all races/ethnicities had greater health and mental health problems as measured by the clinical variables than men of all races/ethnicities.
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