Community sentence with mental health treatment requirement (MHTR): an exploration of offenders’ engagement, experience, and outcomes

Abstract

The Mental Health Treatment Requirement (MHTR) is a sentencing option for offenders where mental health is linked to offending and is delivered by clinical psychologists. An interpretative phenomenological analysis of interviews with 14 MHTR service users explored factors promoting engagement and perceived change. Three superordinate themes were identified: experiences of safety, support, and personal fit facilitating engagement; mechanisms of change through developing tools, insight, and emotional regulation; and shifts in identity, relationships, and lifestyle. Findings highlight the importance of a strong therapeutic alliance, individualized and flexible delivery, and suggest MHTRs can improve mental health, self-worth, and reduce reoffending.