Part of my clinical work for the past 20 years has been incorporating mental health and logotherapy into theories and practice of substance abuse treatment.  This has brought me close to the corrections industry – sometimes more commonly thought of as “jail” or “prison”.  Corrections is far more than just putting perpetrators behind bars for periods of time – the goal is to actually rehabilitate, or correct their behavior.  That’s where my friend, David Dawdy, comes in for the State of Michigan.

David has a Master of Arts degree in Clinical Psychology, and has worked in multiple fields of behavioral health treatment for nearly 25 years, including outpatient counseling, crisis stabilization, inpatient, substance abuse, and youth residential programs. He began working as a Psychologist with the Michigan Department of Corrections Mental Health Program in 2002, and currently is the Mental Health Director for the MDOC, overseeing the mental health, substance use disorder, and sex offender treatment services in prisons as well as those in the community for parolees and probationers. Well-versed regarding the issues and needs of those with mental health issues, substance use disorders, and justice involvement, David is working to improve the transition process for those involved in the criminal justice system. He is a certified instructor for SAMHSA’s Trauma Informed curriculum for criminal justice, and is on a mission to reduce stigma, and to make helpers, family members and survivors aware of their needs and to improve treatment services.

TMP-Ep96- Mental Health and Corrections w/ David Dawdy

David & Dr. Dan on Youtube

To find out more about David and his work, check out his website www.jdaviddawdy.com

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To contact Dr. Dan go to www.DanielAFranz.com