Correctional programs may be viewed as providing treatment or as providing services. These views are based upon various theories of criminal behavior, and influence the approaches and activities to be used within the programs. Programs based upon a treatment approach exhibit many similarities to programs for psychiatric patients. The prison as a total institution bears many resemblances to the long-term psychiatric hospital. These are discussed, together with the validity of treatment approaches and alternative service approaches. A brief historical overview of the prison is also given. Correctional theories and salient points from the literature are examined to identify concepts important for correctional programs, and several implications for occupational therapists in correctional programs are discussed.