Date of Award

Spring 5-8-2020

First Advisor

Megan A. Robb, MA, ATR-BC, LPC, NCC Chair

Second Advisor

Dr. Jayashree George, DA, ATR-BC, LMFT

Third Advisor

E.M. "Shelly" Goebl-Parker, MSW, LCSW, ATR-BC

Abstract

This research explored mental health interventions within the police. There is a need for mental health in law enforcement (O’Hara, 2018; Blue Help, 2019; Waters & Ussery, 2007; Mohandie & Hatchert, 1999; Miller, 1999; Violanti, 2010). Having been a law enforcement officer myself, I have experienced the stigma and the need of mental health care. I used a cross-sectional survey design to obtain further information on police officers in a Midwest county in the United States to assess the need for mental health interventions. I created response artwork prior to obtaining the survey results (to help assess and sort through my biases) and immediately following (in order to process the results with clarity). Findings include a warranted lack of trust that most officers seem to have in both the mental health industry and within their departments; a high presence of uncertainties among officers regarding fears and negative stigmas associated with seeking professional counseling; and barriers to seeking therapy in the law enforcement community depicting a sense of fear related to misunderstanding, repercussion, and judgment.

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