Abstract
BackgroundRates of homelessness have been increasing in recent years, thereby necessitating a more direct approach to treating this complex social problem. Homeless youth have disproportionately high rates of untreated mental health problems and are therefore particularly vulnerable to the effects of homelessness during the transition period from adolescence to adulthood.MethodsThe study team developed a shelter-based clinic and collected clinical measures on youth who attended this clinic from October 2016 through June 2018.ResultsYouth attended an average number of three sessions, but there was a significant drop in follow-up after the first (intake) appointment. Depression, anger, and adjustment disorder emerged as the most common presenting mental health concerns identified by clinicians in the intake appointment, and trauma was identified as a significant complaint for those youth who returned for a second session.ConclusionMental health care is needed in this population, but future studies should explore alternative approaches to retaining homeless youth in treatment and in designing targeted trauma-informed interventions.
Highlights
Rates of homelessness have been increasing in recent years, thereby necessitating a more direct approach to treating this complex social problem
Youth connected with shelter sites are assigned a case manager who provides a variety of services and support, including: ensuring they are able to attend school or enroll in programs to attain their General Educational Development certificate (GED) or high school equivalency; attaining a job; budgeting and saving money; finding and securing housing; and applying for health insurance and other relevant services (e.g., Social Security Disability)
Clinical data were collected on homeless youth (N = 77) who attended the shelter-based clinic described above from October 2016 through June 2018
Summary
Rates of homelessness have been increasing in recent years, thereby necessitating a more direct approach to treating this complex social problem. 40,799 of those experiencing homelessness were unaccompanied homeless youth under the age of 25, who are 55% more likely to be unsheltered than their adult counterparts [1], and are at especially high risk for experiencing trauma and victimization [2]. These youth are in greatest need of mental health services, but being part of a marginalized and underserved population often makes it much more difficult to advocate for and obtain. Trauma was identified as the most common risk factor for psychopathology among thirty-five homeless youth between the ages of 14–25 [6], with as many as 77% of youth reportedly experiencing physical abuse, sexual abuse, or both [7]
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