Open AccessEthical Arguments for Providing Access to Mental Health Care through Longitudinal Relationships
Author(s) -
Charlene Sathi,
Lydia S. Dugdale
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
international journal on homelessness
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 2564-310X
DOI - 10.5206/ijoh.2022.1.13715
Subject(s) - psychological intervention , mental health , mental health care , mentally ill , mental illness , psychology , health care , nursing , medicine , psychiatry , political science , law
A focus on access to mental health care is critical for beneficent and just care of individuals experiencing homelessness. The delivery of this care is strengthened through building longitudinal relationships between clinicians and persons experiencing homelessness—relationships that are best understood, perhaps, through the lens of attachment theory. In this paper, we look at the prevalence of mental illness among individuals experiencing homelessness and the history of deinstitutionalization of the mentally ill. We then evaluate how three modern-day interventions—street medicine, community health clinics, and supportive housing programs—play integral roles in providing mental health care and constructing a trusting relationship. We conclude with a call for increased funding to support the expansion of these essential mental health care interventions, especially in the aftermath of COVID-19.