Community sentence with mental health treatment requirement (MHTR): an exploration of offenders’ engagement, experience, and outcomes
Walker, Kate Griffiths, Chris Coelho, Liv
Walker, Kate
Griffiths, Chris
Coelho, Liv
Abstract
The Mental Health Treatment Requirement (MHTR) is a sentencing option for offenders where mental health is linked to offending and is delivered by clinical psychologists. An interpretative phenomenological analysis of interviews with 14 MHTR service users explored factors promoting engagement and perceived change. Three superordinate themes were identified: experiences of safety, support, and personal fit facilitating engagement; mechanisms of change through developing tools, insight, and emotional regulation; and shifts in identity, relationships, and lifestyle. Findings highlight the importance of a strong therapeutic alliance, individualized and flexible delivery, and suggest MHTRs can improve mental health, self-worth, and reduce reoffending.
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Date
2026
Type
Article
Subject
Offenders, Mentally Disordered, Forensic Psychology
Citation
Walker K, Griffiths C, Coelho L. Community sentence with Mental Health Treatment Requirement (MHTR): an exploration of offenders’ engagement, experience, and outcomes. J Forensic Psychol Res Pract. 2026;1–26. doi:10.1080/24732850.2026.2617959.