Focus Area: Behavioral Health Needs

Juror Perceptions of Opposing Expert Forensic Psychologists: Preexisting Attitudes, Confirmation Bias, and Belief Perseverance

This study investigated how potential jurors’ initial opinions about mentally ill individuals might interact with the order in which opposing expert testimony is presented. By: Lauren Hudachek and Adele Quigley-McBride — Psychology, Public Policy, and Law (2022). Read the article

Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion (LEAD): A Multi-Site Evaluation of North Carolina LEAD Programs (Full Report)

Our research team, in consultation with North Carolina Harm Reduction Coalition, conducted an evaluation of four LEAD sites in North Carolina to determine the program’s effectiveness in reducing criminal justice involvement and increasing service utilization among program enrollees. This is the full report (2022). Read the report

Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion (LEAD): A Multi-Site Evaluation of North Carolina LEAD Programs (Brief Report)

Our research team from Duke University School of Medicine, in consultation with North Carolina Harm Reduction Coalition, conducted an evaluation of four LEAD sites in North Carolina to determine the program’s effectiveness in reducing criminal justice involvement and increasing service utilization among program enrollees. This is the brief report and summary of findings (2022). Read […]

Impact of Trauma Education and Growth Mindset Messaging on Public Attitudes about the Criminal Legal System

Identifying ways to shift public attitudes toward support for alternative approaches to criminalized behavior is necessary to address mass incarceration. This study examines whether education on the impacts of traumatic events may be one strategy to increase such support and whether effects can be amplified through incorporation of growth mindset messaging. By: Eva McKinsey, Sarah […]

Gender-Specific Participation and Outcomes among Jail Diversion Clients with Co-Occurring Substance Use and Mental Health Disorders

This study examined the effects of jail diversion participation on treatment utilization, arrest, and incarceration, separately for men and women. By: Allison G. Robertson, Michele M. Easter, Hsiu-Ju Lin, Dalia Khoury, Joshua Pierce, Jeffrey W. Swanson, and Marvin S. Swartz – Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment (2020). Read the article

Impact of Psychiatric Advance Directive Facilitation on Mental Health Consumers: Empowerment, Treatment Attitudes, and the Role of Peer Support Specialists

This study implemented PAD (psychiatric advanced directives) facilitation in assertive community treatment (ACT) teams and examined ACT clients’ attitudes toward PAD facilitators, satisfaction with PAD facilitation, the short-term impact of PAD completion on subjective sense of empowerment and attitudes toward treatment, and whether the type of PAD facilitator made a difference. By: Michele M. Easter, […]