Mental Illness

Life Inside February 13

I Struggled to Help a Prisoner. In Norway, I Found a Better Way

“We took off his wrist restraints and gave him pen and paper. He drew up a storm.”

By Toby Tooley as told to Maurice Chammah

Case in Point April 17

He’s Living With Severe Mental Illness. Should He Face the Death Penalty?

A South Dakota case reflects the national debate on whether execution should be banned for the mentally ill.

By Maurice Chammah

News November 12, 2018

The Courts See a Crime. These Lawyers See a Whole Life.

Pairing old-school defense with attention to real-life problems gets people out of jail.

By Eli Hager

Feature September 3, 2018

A Turbulent Mind

Andrew Goldstein's crime set in motion a dramatic shift in how we care for the violent mentally ill. Including for himself—when he's released this month.

By John J. Lennon and Bill Keller

News June 7, 2018

He Pocketed His Victims' Organs. Was His Death Penalty Trial Fair?

As Andre Thomas faces execution for three gory murders, a court questions jury bias and his competency.

By Andrew Cohen

Commentary February 22, 2018

A Responsible Gun Owner Despite My Mental Illness

No, it’s not mental illness. It’s guns.

D.J. Schuette

News July 12, 2017

Federal Watchdog Finds Mentally Ill Are Stuck in Solitary

A new report contradicts a claim from the Bureau of Prisons.

By Justin George

News July 5, 2017

One Bit of Good News for Immigrants in Detention

As a federal program grows, more mentally ill immigrants have access to attorneys.

By Christie Thompson

News June 22, 2017

The Mental Health Crisis Facing Women in Prison

A new study shows a striking disparity between incarcerated men and women.

By Manuel Villa

Life Inside April 27, 2017

I Escaped My Manic Demons, but My Clients Usually Can’t

A social worker struggles to keep the mentally ill poor out of jail.

By Kristen Anderson