Jhilam Biswas Reveals Paths to Mental Health Reform From Forensic Hospitals to Freedom

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Dr. Jhilam Biswas, a board-certified adult and forensic psychiatrist, discusses how mental health issues intersect with the criminal justice system and the urgent need for reform.

She shares insights from her research and clinical experience working with incarcerated individuals with mental illness, explaining why mental health care in America's prisons is a humanitarian crisis.

• Director of Psychiatry Law and Society program at Brigham and Women's Hospital and co-director of Harvard Mass General Brigham Forensic Psychiatry Fellowship
• Research shows delays in psychiatric treatment lead to increased violence and worse outcomes in forensic settings
• Individuals with autism have higher comorbidity with serious mental illness and are more vulnerable in law enforcement interactions
• Mental illness evaluation processes vary based on setting, with court-ordered evaluations having strict timelines
• Three main pathways to incarceration: substance use disorders, traumatic brain injuries, and untreated mental illness
• America's largest jails have become de facto psychiatric hospitals, which Dr. Biswas calls "a human rights violation"
• Currently championing two legislative reforms in Massachusetts: the Timely Treatment Bill and Critical Community Services Bill
• Mental illness is treatable but often cyclical, requiring consistent medication and support
• When people suffer from psychotic disorders, they often lose insight into their condition, making treatment refusal a symptom rather than a choice

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The content on Why Not Me: Embracing Autism amd Mental Health Worldwide, including discussions on mental health, autism, and related topics, is provided for informational and entertainment purposes only.

The views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not reflect those of the podcast, its hosts, or affiliates.

Why Not Me is not a medical or mental health professional and does not endorse or verify the accuracy, efficacy, safety of any treatments, programs, or advice discussed.

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1. Jhilam Biswas Reveals Paths to Mental Health Reform From Forensic Hospitals to Freedom (00:00:00)

2. Welcome to Why Not Me? (00:00:05)

3. Dr. Biswas's Journey and Research (00:01:42)

4. Evaluations and Diagnosis Process (00:06:41)

5. Legal System and Treatment Delays (00:12:40)

6. Key Issues: Substance Use and TBI (00:20:10)

7. Proposed Legislation for Reform (00:25:32)

8. Final Thoughts and Call to Action (00:28:33)