This assignment will help you think critically about the role of evidence-based practice (EBP) when working with justice-involved individuals. Keep in mind that EBP is not specific to the field of criminal justice; several professions, such as nursing and education, incorporate EBP into their daily interactions with the individuals they serve.

Respond to the following 5 questions in 50 words each. Each response you provide will help you prepare for next week’s summative assessment.

1. In your own words, define EBP and the role of evidence-based treatment in treating individuals with mental health diagnoses. 

2. How can using EBP help you be a proficient human services professional when working with justice-involved individuals?

3. How can a human services professional integrate cultural awareness and sensitivity when applying EBP in mental health treatment? 

4. What are some difficulties a human services professional may encounter when using EBP in mental health treatment?

5. Review scenario 2 below. Identify 2 examples of evidence-based research practices a human services professional might include in their treatment protocol when working with the individual in the scenario. Explain how each example will support the treatment of the individual in the scenario.

Scenario 2

Anna had a long history of severe mental illness dating back more than 20 years. During her first depressive episode, she had killed her baby while suffering psychotic symptoms. She also made two serious suicide attempts. Anna has been divorced twice and now lives alone in federally subsidized home. She has an adult daughter who is deaf and severely handicapped. Prior to her last arrest, her daughter lived at home, and Anna cared for her with help from local social services. Her daughter was placed in residential care when Anna was incarcerated. Because of the previous infanticide, social services had always monitored the situation regarding risk factors for her daughter’s safety; however, this was less of an issue now that her daughter was an adult. Anna’s illness history is characterized mainly by depressive episodes with psychotic features. She had experienced episodes of paranoid thoughts when she believed her neighbors knew all about the past and she was reluctant to go out because she felt persecuted. Anna felt extreme guilt at having killed her child. When psychotic, she would shout that she was evil and deserved to be punished. It seemed that the guilt had affected her considerably to manifest in a negative self-concept. Even when well, Anna never spontaneously talked about herself in a positive manner.

Primary Diagnosis: 

• Major Depressive Disorder – recurrent, severe, with psychotic features. DSM-5 296.35, ICD-10 (F33.3)
• Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD). DSM-5 300.02, ICD-10 (F41.1)