Mental health focus for SW prisoners

South West prisoners will get better mental health treatment behind bars as part of a 10-year mental health strategy, according to Western Australia's Mental Health Commissioner.

In the South West for the four-day Rural and Remote Mental Health Conference last week, Tim Marney met with the heads of human services departments from the region.

During the meeting, Mr Marney discussed the WA Mental Health, Alcohol and Other Drug Services Plan 2015-25, which was released as a draft for public consultation in December last year.

The plan is a 10-year blueprint, branded a bold and ambitious agenda for changes to the State's mental health sector.

Mr Marney revealed a "forensic component" to the plan, which would address the mental health needs of prisoners.

"The plan is based on the principle of equivalence," he said.

"It doesn't matter where someone is in our community, they should get appropriate care for their circumstances.

"If they happen to be a prisoner, well so be it.

"That's not only a fair and just thing in terms of human rights, but it's also about preventing re-admission."

Mr Marney said about 65 per cent of the prison population "broadly" had mental health issues of some form.

"Around the same percentage, if not higher, have some form of drug and alcohol issue and around 50 to 55 per cent have both," he said.

Mr Marney said the department was also examining compulsory treatment for drug and alcohol issues, but it would take time to draft new legislation and find an appropriate facility.

"The outcome we're seeking is not just for that individual, it's for their family as well and the people that are affected by their drug or alcohol abuse," he said.

The timeframe for the forensic component of the plan has not been confirmed, but parts of the plan are expected to happen by the end of 2017.

Bunbury Prison superintendent Kerri Bishop said as far as mental health went, prisons were the "forgotten section" and she was excited the sector was included.

"It will increase services available to prisoners with a view to prevent them coming back into the prison system, or not coming through in the first instance," she said.