The incidence of serious mental illnesses, such as schizophrenia, major depression, bipolar disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder, is two to four times higher among prisoners than it is among those in the general population. ^[1]   In fact, an estimated 8 to 16 percent of the prison population and 10 percent of the jail population has at least one identified serious mental disorder and is in need of treatment. ^[2]  , ^[3]   The rate of mental illness varies significantly along gender lines, with female inmates more likely than males to be diagnosed as mentally ill. ^[4]   Generally, mental health services-both in prison and in the community after release-are limited, and insufficient to meet the growing need.