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Housing choice and community success for individuals with serious and persistent mental illness

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Abstract

Consumer choice is a central principle of psychosocial rehabilitation and supported housing approaches. This study assessed level of housing choice and the relationship of choice to community success in supported housing demonstration projects in five states. Assessment of level of choice about housing revealed very limited housing options and a high degree of influence from service providers over housing choice. Despite few options, most respondents liked their housing option(s), and felt they had enough information to make a good housing decision. The relationship of choice to community success over time demonstrated that choice was positively related to housing satisfaction, residential stability, and psychological well-being. Discussion focuses on implications of the findings for mental health services and public policy.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. University of Washington, Seattle, WA

    Debra Srebnik Ph.D.

  2. University of Vermont, Burlington, VT

    Joy Livingston Ph.D., Lawrence Gordon Ph.D. & David King Ph.D.

Authors
  1. Debra Srebnik Ph.D.
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  2. Joy Livingston Ph.D.
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  3. Lawrence Gordon Ph.D.
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  4. David King Ph.D.
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Additional information

Further information about this study can be obtained from the first author at the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Division of Community Psychiatry CH-13, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195.

This study was funded, in part, by a grant from the National Institute of Mental Health, Community Support Programs Division.

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Srebnik, D., Livingston, J., Gordon, L. et al. Housing choice and community success for individuals with serious and persistent mental illness. Community Ment Health J 31, 139–152 (1995). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02188763

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