When discussing the keyword “geel,” many people immediately think of the innovative mental health care system found in the town of Geel, Belgium. The community of Geel is internationally recognized for its unique and compassionate approach to mental health, offering individuals safe and supportive living arrangements. However, the concept of “geel prison” is distinct, raising important conversations about mental health resilience versus traditional incarceration. In the context of the US, the gap between community-based care like Geel’s system and the environment within a “geel prison” opens up discussions about how mental health and criminal justice intertwine. While “geel” is often cited as a model for de-institutionalization and humane treatment, a “geel prison” evokes a more restrictive, punitive approach, presenting a contrast starkly relevant for American reformers. The model of Geel inspires mental health advocates in the US, yet the challenges of “geel prison” show that there is still much work to be done. The US can take lessons from “geel” when addressing mental health within prisons, but bridging the gap between ideals and reality, especially in the context of a “geel prison,” requires commitment and innovation.