Why Prisons Aren’t Treatment Centers

In the fifth episode of season 4, guest host Dr. Samantha Darnell-Tracy, DBH, MS, LPC, Doctor of Behavioral Health (DBH) program alumna at Cummings Graduate Institute for Behavioral Health Studies (CGI), is joined by Crystal Burts, MSW, LCSW, DBH program student at CGI, to unpack the complex history and present-day consequences of deinstitutionalization policies for individuals with severe mental illness. Together, they explore how the closure of state hospitals, with insufficient community infrastructure to replace them, has led to widespread gaps in care, housing, and support. This conversation calls on healthcare professionals, policymakers, and communities to rethink how we support those with the most complex behavioral health needs.About the Special Host:Dr. Samantha Darnell-Tracy, DBH, MS, LPC, CGI DBH program alumna, is a Licensed Professional Counselor and oversees two adult psychiatric residential facilities in Missouri. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology and a Master of Arts degree in Mental Health Counseling. She earned her Doctor of Behavioral Health degree from Cummings Graduate Institute in 2023 with a specialization in geriatric integrated care. Having noticed the limited resources and gaps in the system, she has decided to focus her efforts on enacting system change by returning to school for a Masters in Legal Studies-Health Care Law degree. Her hopes are to become involved in legislation to improve the healthcare and welfare of those with severe mental illness. In her limited free time, Dr. Darnell-Tracy enjoys being with her children and her cats.About the Guest:Crystal D. Gavin Burts, MSW, BSW, LCSW, CGI DBH program student, is a licensed clinical social worker practicing in North Carolina and Florida, where she owns a private practice dedicated to mental health and well-being. As a doctoral student at Cummings Graduate Institute, Crystal is focused on enhancing her expertise in policies that improve integrated care, reflecting her commitment to advancing the field of social work. Her extensive professional background encompasses a diverse array of settings, including child welfare, inpatient and outpatient psychiatric mental health, the school system, military, and population health. Crystal earned her Bachelor’s degree in Social Work from Johnson C. Smith University and her Master’s degree in Social Work from the University of Michigan. In addition to her impressive academic credentials, she is also an Army veteran, which further enriches her perspective and practice. Outside of her professional endeavors, Crystal loves to travel and enjoy the company of family and friends underscoring her strong personal values and commitment to family.

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