Conducting Grief Support Groups in Prison: A Pragmatic Feasibility and Impact Study

Unaddressed grief and trauma may precipitate and maintain problematic substance use, criminal behavior, and resultant incarceration. We detail the implementation and evaluation of an evidence-based grief support group model conducted in seven groups in the two substance-use disorder treatment programs within a state correctional facility. The three aims of this project were to (1) train Department of Corrections mental health clinicians in the grief support group model, (2) conduct seven grief support groups facilitated by trained clinical social workers in two substance-use disorder treatment programs within the prison, and (3) evaluate impact of the grief support group model on participant grief. This is a pragmatic intervention feasibility evaluation of 69 incarcerated people in seven grief support groups facilitated by prison mental health clinicians trained in the grief support group model. The investigation resulted in high satisfaction and self-efficacy among clinician trainees, research feasibility being established, the intervention being found acceptable and practical, and client participants reporting clinically significant reductions in grief severity and grief improvement. The grief support group model holds promise as a complementary modality within a well-designed therapeutic program at the proper time for clients with severe grief.