Established in 1969, the SMU is one of several mental health programs providing treatment for mentally ill offenders in Oregon. Most SMU programming is conducted by 17 specially selected and trained correctional staff under the leadership of a psychiatrist. Inmates are transferred to the SMU because of psychotic behavior, self-harm concerns, depressed mood, and medication evaluations. When admitted, inmates are housed in a well-supervised, single-occupant cell until evaluated by mental health personnel. Diagnostic impressions of the mental illness or situation precipitating transfer to the SMU are noted, followed by psychiatric evaluation, treatment, and disposition. Disorders seen in SMU inmates include psychotic disorders, malingering, mood disorders, chemical dependence, and personality disorders. Conducting group therapy with mentally and emotionally ill offenders is challenging because of the prison setting and because many inmates have complex diagnoses. Additional problems encountered in group therapy concern acting out behavior, religious influences, attitudinal resistance, and primary narcissism. A partial list of topics for use in group therapy discussions is included. 23 references