Date of Award
Summer 8-15-2026
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Arts (MA)
Department/Program
Forensic Psychology
Language
English
First Advisor or Mentor
Philip Yanos
Abstract
Mental health courts (MHCs) represent a critical diversion mechanism for justice-involved individuals with serious mental illness (SMI), yet substantial variability in eligibility criteria, assessment practices, and program structure limits our understanding of how court-level policies shape participant access and outcomes. This exploratory study provides the first systematic cross-borough comparison of all five New York City MHCs, achieving a 100% response rate across courts. Using an adapted version of a statewide MHC survey instrument, data were collected from court representatives via structured survey administration and supplemental interviews. Findings indicate significant variation across courts in legal and clinical eligibility criteria, assessment personnel and tools, availability of evidence-based interventions, and program capacity, alongside notable convergence in risk assessment practices and clinical gatekeeping standards. A capacity gap analysis revealed that fewer than 12% of estimated felony arrests involving individuals with SMI result in an MHC referral citywide. The near-total absence of post-exit outcome tracking across courts emerged as a substantive finding, underscoring longstanding concerns about the lack of standardized data collection in MHCs nationally. Findings highlight the need for standardized referral criteria, shared outcome data infrastructure, and expanded community resources, particularly housing, to strengthen diversion efforts and improve equity of access for justice-involved individuals with SMI across New York City.
Recommended Citation
Sanders, Caitlin, "Variability In Eligibility And Outcomes: A Cross-Comparison Of New York City Mental Health Courts" (2026). CUNY Academic Works.
https://academicworks.cuny.edu/jj_etds/411
Included in
Clinical Psychology Commons, Community Psychology Commons, Criminology Commons, Criminology and Criminal Justice Commons, Other Legal Studies Commons, Other Psychiatry and Psychology Commons, Psychological Phenomena and Processes Commons, Social Justice Commons, Social Psychology and Interaction Commons
