Abstract
In order to help states establish best practice standards for mental health outreach and engagement teams for persons who are homeless, this study aimed to identify key functional elements needed to effectively address the multiple needs of these persons. A statewide survey across six representative outreach programs was initiated in Connecticut. Focus groups with staff and clients, interviews with program administrators, shadowing of outreach workers on their rounds, and review of relevant written materials were conducted. Four main functional themes regarding optimal outreach work—constructive outreach team characteristics; availability of a wide range of services and resources for clients; navigation of multiple service systems; and favorable work demands and training opportunities—were identified through thematic analysis. The article concludes with recommendations for incorporating these four essential functional elements into mental health outreach and engagement practice to effectively meet the varied needs of the target group.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Assessing the evidence: What we know about outreach and engagement. http://www.nrchmi.samhsa.gov/Resource/Assessing-the-evidence-What-We-Know-About-Outreach-and-Engagement-37555.aspx. Accessed July 12, 2011.
Braun, V., & Clarke, V. (2006). Using thematic analysis in psychology. Qualitative Research in Psychology, 3, 77–101.
Davidson, L., Chinman, M., Sells, D., & Rowe, M. (2006). Peer support among adults with serious mental illness: A report from the field. Schizophrenia Bulletin, 32(3), 443–450.
Erickson, S. & Page, J. (1999). To dance with grace: Outreach and engagement to persons on the street. In The 1998 national symposium on homelessness research. Washington, DC: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.
Fisk, D., Rakfeldt, J., Heffernan, K., & Rowe, M. (1999). Outreach workers’ experiences in a homeless outreach project: Issues of boundaries, ethics and staff safety. Psychiatric Quarterly, 70(3), 231–246.
Lam, J. A., & Rosenheck, R. (1999). Street outreach for homeless persons with serious mental illness: Is it effective? Medical Care, 37(9), 894–907.
Mullen, J., & Leginski, W. (2010). Building the capacity of the homeless service workforce. The Open Health Services and Policy Journal, 3, 101–110.
National Alliance to End Homelessness. (2015). http://www.endhomelessness.org/pages/ten-year-plan. Accessed May 2, 2015.
Ng, A. T., Mcquistion, H. L., & Hunter, L. (2004). Outreach to the homeless: Craft, science, and future implications. Journal of Psychiatric Practice, 10(2), 95–105.
PRA Inc. What is SOAR? http://www.prainc.com/soar/about/. Accessed November 2, 2014.
Rossi, P. H. (1989). Down and out in America: The origins of homelessness. Chicago: University of Chicago Press.
Rowe, M. (1999). Crossing the border: Encounters between homeless people and outreach workers. Berkeley: University of California Press.
Rowe, M., Frey, J., Bailey, M., Fisk, D., & Davidson, L. (2001). Clinical responsibility and client autonomy: Dilemmas in mental health work at the margins. American Journal of Orthopsychiatry, 71(4), 400–407.
Rowe, M., Frey, J., Fisk, D., & Davidson, L. (2002). Engaging persons with substance use disorders: Applying lessons from mental health outreach to homeless persons. Administration and Policy in Mental Health, 29, 263–273.
Rowe, M., Hoge, M., & Fisk, D. (1996). Critical issues in serving people who are homeless and mentally ill. Administration and Policy in Mental Health, 23(6), 555–565.
Sells, D., Black, R., Davidson, L., & Rowe, M. (2008). Beyond generic support: The incidence and impact of invalidation within peer-based and traditional treatment for clients with severe mental illness. Psychiatric Services, 59(11), 1322–1327.
Sells, D., Davidson, L., Jewell, C., Falzer, P., & Rowe, M. (2006). The treatment relationship in peer-based and regular case management services for clients with severe mental illness. Psychiatric Services, 57(8), 1179–1184.
Acknowledgments
The authors dedicate this paper to the memory of Barbara Geller, former Director of Statewide Services for the Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS). We would also like to thank DMHAS and the Homelessness Services Committee for their commitment to and financial support of this project. Special thanks go to Alice Minervino.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Rowe, M., Styron, T. & David, D.H. Mental Health Outreach to Persons Who are Homeless: Implications for Practice from a Statewide Study. Community Ment Health J 52, 56–65 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10597-015-9963-4
Received:
Accepted:
Published:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10597-015-9963-4