Counseling for Individuals Suffering from Homelessness

Ryan Tobiasz, Psy.D., LPC Department Chair and Associate Professor, The Chicago School of Professional Psychology, Washington DC Campus

Danielle Epting, Clinical Mental Health Counseling Student, The Chicago School of Professional Psychology, Washington DC Campus

Aysia Stovall, Clinical Mental Health Counseling Student, The Chicago School of Professional Psychology, Washington DC Campus

Individuals suffering from homelessness and suffering from a mental disorder are a growing population that is not receiving proper mental health services (National Alliance on Mental Illness, n.d.). Individuals suffering from homelessness have reported that it is difficult to find mental health treatment because of the inconsistency and unaffordability of the mental health agencies. Overall, the homeless population have an increasing number of individuals suffering from mental illness than those who are not homeless (Bickley, et al., 2006). Studies have shown that individuals suffering from homelessness have benefited from family-based programs and services provided in shelters (Lynn, et al., 2014). However, there are many individuals suffering from homelessness who do not have families that can be easily contacted, and most individuals are not in shelters. There needs to be more services available for the individuals who cannot access mental health services or cannot afford services. Mobile services are when people go to the individual rather than the individual going to the services. If professionals go into the communities of the individuals suffering from homelessness and inform of mental health services available, then the lack of mental health services for individuals suffering from homelessness will decrease. There are times where the individuals may not be aware that the services are available to them. Providing mobile services and having the professionals go to the individuals will increase the mental health services rates for individuals suffering from homelessness. This roundtable will discuss the ideas of providing mobile services or more accessible treatment for those who are suffering from homelessness and suffering from a mental disorder.

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