UNDERSTANDING THE IMPACT OF MENTAL ILLNESS ON BASIC NEEDS AND SERVICE EFFICACY AMONG THE HOMELESS POPULATION

Abstract

This paper looks at the impact of mental illness on basic needs and the efficacy of services among the homeless population. Individuals who suffer from homelessness, as well as mental health disorders like depression, anxiety, and other disorders like schizophrenia, experience different challenges that can limit the individual’s ability to gain access and to successfully use services that are tailored towards their recovery. This review uses a compilation of previous studies to review how mental illness can create complications when it comes to the retention of homeless prevention services and how it can also affect housing stability, health, and the integration of social networking. The findings of this review show that the mental health disorders that are faced by those experiencing homelessness often create barriers that limit the individual’s ability to use services creating more negative outcomes. This review recognizes that service providers also often lack the resources and training needed to correctly address homelessness and other co-occurring disorders. Gaps in social support, the lack of integrated mental health services, and the lack of provider training in services that are directed toward the treatment of homelessness are also identified in this review. The results of this review have suggested that homeless services need more coordinated, trauma-informed care that focuses on the needs of immediate as well as long-term mental health support. Overall, improving the effectiveness of services will improve the outcome for those who are actively suffering from homelessness and co-occurring disorders.

Keywords: homelessness, mental health, schizophrenia, depression, mental health services

Year Manuscript Completed

Fall 2024

Senior Project Advisor

Tricia Jordan, PhD

Degree Awarded

Bachelor of Integrated Studies Degree

Field of Study

Human Services

Document Type

Thesis

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