Bridging the gap between mental health and the criminal justice system by Kyra

Bridging the gap between mental health and the criminal justice system by Kyra - August 2024 Scholarship Essay

My next significant educational goal is to pursue a Master’s degree in Psychology with a focus on forensics. This decision is deeply personal and professionally motivated by my desire to bridge the critical gap between mental health and the criminal justice system. My interest in this field is not merely academic; it is shaped profoundly by my own experiences with mental health issues within my family.

The intersection of mental health and criminal justice is a realm fraught with complexity and urgency. Many individuals within the prison system suffer from undiagnosed and untreated mental disorders, which often exacerbate their involvement in criminal activities and hinder their rehabilitation. The lack of adequate mental health resources and the stigma surrounding mental illness contribute significantly to this problem. In many cases, individuals with mental health issues are incarcerated without receiving the appropriate treatment or support, perpetuating a cycle of instability and reoffending.

This issue is particularly poignant in my own life. My sister has faced significant challenges due to untreated mental health issues, which eventually led to her incarceration. Witnessing her struggle with these disorders and the subsequent impact on her life has been both heart-wrenching and illuminating. Her experience has highlighted the critical need for a more nuanced understanding of how mental health disorders intersect with criminal behavior and the justice system’s response.

Pursuing a Master’s degree in Psychology will provide me with a robust framework for understanding human behavior from a cultural and psychological perspective. This program will equip me with the skills to analyze how societal and cultural factors influence mental health and criminal behavior. Furthermore, integrating forensic psychology into my studies will enable me to explore effective intervention strategies and advocate for better mental health practices within the criminal justice system.

My educational goal is not just about acquiring knowledge; it is about effecting change. By bridging the gap between mental health and criminal justice, I aim to contribute to developing comprehensive strategies that address mental health issues more effectively and humanely. My sister's experience has fueled my passion for this field, and I am determined to use my education to improve the lives of individuals like her who are caught in the intersection of mental illness and incarceration.

In conclusion, pursuing a Master’s in Psychology with a focus on forensics is my next big educational goal, driven by personal experience and a commitment to reform. I aspire to contribute to a more equitable and effective approach to mental health within the criminal justice system, inspired by the profound impact that these issues have had on my own life and those around me.