Improving Access to Behavioral Health Services for Populations Facing Homelessness
Year Developed: 2024
Resource Type: Publication.Primary Audience: C-Suite (CEOs, CFOs, CIO, COOs, CMOs, etc.)
Clinicians
Enabling Staff
Outreach Staff
PCAs
Secondary Audience: Administrative Staff
Board of Directors
Language(s): English
Developed by: Corporation for Supportive Housing (CSH) (See other resources developed by this organization).
Resource Summary: Mental health issues can both cause and result from homelessness, with factors like substance use, economic instability, and limited access to housing and healthcare contributing significantly. Behavioral health providers should focus on flexible outreach, partnerships with housing organizations, peer support, and sustainable financing to effectively support this population. The guide will cover the central role of peer support and outreach and engagement strategies. Finally, the guide will cover the financing possibilities and challenges of supporting outreach and engagement efforts.
Resource Details: Mental health can be viewed as both a cause and effect of homelessness. It is important to note that Serious Mental Illnesses such as post-traumatic stress disorder, major depression, and anti-social personality disorders are not the primary indicator that a person will experience homelessness throughout the course of their lifetime. When coupled with factors such as substance use, economic instability, limited access to affordable housing, health insurance, and health care providers, adverse childhood experiences, traumatic brain injuries, and societal and internalized stigma can disproportionately lead to episodic and chronic homelessness. Many people such as these will need supportive housing to successfully stabilize in the community. Health centers, primary and behavioral health service providers, and housing providers will learn about the research and evidenced based practices for serving this population. The guide will cover the central role of peer support and outreach and engagement strategies. Finally, the guide will cover the financing possibilities and challenges of supporting outreach and engagement efforts.
Resource Topic: Clinical Issues, Special and Vulnerable Populations
Resource Subtopic: Behavioral Health, Community, Health, and Housing Partnerships.
Keywords: Housing, Mental Health, Outreach.This project is supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of an award totaling $6,625,000 with 0 percentage financed with non-governmental sources. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by HRSA, HHS, or the U.S. Government. For more information, please visit HRSA.gov.