Overview

The goal of this clinical trial is to learn if a mindfulness skills training program has mental health benefits for people returning to the community following incarceration. The main questions it aims to answer are:

• Does mindfulness skills training improve symptoms of anxiety and depression?
• Do participants find this mindfulness program to be acceptable and feasible to participate in?

Researchers will compare outcomes for participants in the mindfulness training program to those in a waitlist control group who will receive the mindfulness program after the end of the study.

Participants will:

• Complete an initial intake visit, consisting of an interview and questionnaires
• Randomly be assigned to a mindfulness group or a waitlist control group
• Participate in weekly mindfulness classes for 6 weeks (mindfulness group only)
• Complete a set of questionnaires after the conclusion of the mindfulness classes
• Complete a set of questionnaires and an interview 2 months after the conclusion of the mindfulness classes

Eligibility

Inclusion Criteria:

• Age 18 or older
• Formerly incarcerated in a local jail, state or federal prison
• Can read, speak and understand English
• Able to provide informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

• Suicidal ideation with some intent to act or with a specific plan and intent
• Active psychosis
• Daily or nearly daily use (over the past 3 months) of the following substances: cocaine, amphetamines, inhalants, sedatives or sleeping pills, hallucinogens, or opioids