CCHP-MH cheat sheet

Correctional Mental/Behavioral Health Practice

• Scope of practice: CCHP-MH candidates are tested on applying mental health knowledge within the custody setting, so each clinical decision must be weighed against security, safety, and legal constraints of the facility.

• Duty to warn/protect: when an inmate makes a credible threat of serious harm to an identifiable victim, clinicians must follow facility policy and applicable state law (e.g., Tarasoff-type statutes) and document the risk assessment and actions taken.

• Confidentiality limits in corrections: information may be shared with custody staff on a need-to-know basis for safety and security; routine clinical details remain protected, and releases require informed, voluntary consent where legally possible.

• Suicide risk screening: intake screening should occur as soon as practicable, and positive screens trigger a full risk assessment, increased observation level, removal of ligature and contraband items, and documented follow-up.

• Observation levels (typical tiers): close observation (frequent, documented checks), constant observation (continuous line-of-sight), and suicide watch (continuous observation with restricted property); level must match assessed acuity and be re-evaluated each shift.

• Mental health hold/emergency detention: involuntary placement for psychiatric evaluation requires statutory authority, a documented clinical rationale, notification of appropriate authorities, and timely transfer or evaluation per jurisdiction.

• Seclusion/restraint in corrections: use only for imminent danger when less restrictive measures fail, requires a written order with time limits, monitoring of vital signs and circulation, and never as punishment or for staff convenience.

• Competency vs. insanity: competency to stand trial addresses present ability to understand proceedings and assist counsel; insanity addresses mental state at the time of the offense; the two evaluations answer different legal questions.

• Psychotropic medication in custody: inmates have a right to appropriate treatment when clinically indicated; involuntary medication requires due process (e.g., administrative hearing or court order) and documentation of risk-benefit reasoning.