FAFO Press Investigation: Ethical Concerns in Lycoming County Prison Psychology – A Veteran’s Struggle
Reporting on Mental Health Care Challenges for Disabled Combat Veterans in the LYCO Prison – Who is Dr. Robert Castellano?
Introduction
FAFO Press is actively investigating a troubling encounter between a disabled combat veteran and prison psychologist Dr. Robert Castellano at the Lycoming County Pre-Release Center. Our inquiry reveals critical concerns about mental health care standards in correctional settings, especially for vulnerable populations such as incarcerated veterans coping with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
Background: Service, PTSD, and Medication Deprivation
The veteran at the heart of our investigation has lived with severe, chronic PTSD from military service. For nearly a decade, he received psychotropic medication through the Department of Veteran Affairs, which helped manage nightmares, anxiety, and depression. Upon entering the Lycoming County Pre-Release Center, however, the veteran was forced to go three months without these essential medications, causing a significant decline in their mental health and stability.
The Prison Experience: Assault and Its Context
During his session with Castellano, the veteran reported being assaulted by another inmate moments after a correctional officer signaled approval. The psychological impact was devastating, intensifying existing trauma and heightening feelings of fear and vulnerability. Unfortunately, such assaults are not uncommon in prison environments, where oversight is sometimes lacking and those with mental health conditions are at greater risk.
Session with Dr. Castellano: Dismissal and Disregard
As part of our investigation, FAFO Press has learned that the veteran sought help from Dr. Robert Castellano, the prison psychologist. Despite describing the resurgence of severe PTSD symptoms and recounting the recent assault, the veteran was met with a dismissive remark, “some people can’t fight”, and was not recommended for psychotropic medications. This response left the veteran feeling unsupported and invalidated, raising significant questions about the adequacy of mental health care in the facility.
Ethical Analysis: APA Standards and Alleged Deviations
FAFO Press has reviewed the ethical standards set forth by the American Psychological Association (APA), which require psychologists to act in the best interests of their clients, respond compassionately to distress, and uphold principles of care and competence. Dr. Castellano’s reported conduct appears to deviate from these guidelines, as ignoring the veteran’s serious symptoms and forgoing necessary intervention may constitute a breach of professional responsibility.
Veteran’s Response: Pursuing Accountability
The veteran, feeling their patient rights were disregarded, now intends to challenge Dr. Castellano’s licensure with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Communicating with the Lycoming County Clinton Joinder yielded no response. FAFO Press will continue to follow this effort, as it reflects the broader struggle for transparency and higher standards in prison mental health care, not just for this veteran, but for all individuals who rely on ethical treatment within the criminal justice system. The veteran’s overall impression of Dr. Castellano’s work was that he never really cared about his well-being but was there work for the courts as a way to skirt the abuse the Lycoming County Prison had already committed. It was a court ordered mental health evaluation directed by Judge William Carlucci and not meant to provide the veteran with any care.
Conclusion:
The Need for Reform and Oversight Through our investigation, FAFO Press has documented a concerning gap in mental health service provision for incarcerated veterans. This case highlights the urgent need for rigorous ethics, compassionate care, and improved oversight in correctional institutions. As the veteran seeks justice, FAFO Press remains committed to reporting on these critical issues and advocating for the rights of society’s most vulnerable members. CAN YOU SMELL what the 8th Amendment is cooking?
FAFO Press
